Gut Bacteria: how can you ensure good gut health

Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms. Among them are a few that dominate in abundance. They play a role in digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. 

The most important groups are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. 

These species are often referred to as probiotics because they help maintain gut balance. This is not to say the rest dont matter. Just that these are the dominant bacteria.

Bifidobacteria help break down complex carbohydrates, fiber, and resistant starch. They produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate. Butyrate nourish the cells lining your colon. 

Lactobacillus ferment sugars into lactic acid. This lowers gut pH and prevents harmful bacteria from thriving. 

Studies also suggest that these bacteria improve your immunity and reduce inflammation. 

So what can you do to ensure you have plenty of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. 

In simple terms, eat the. foods that brings these into your body and help them thrive. 

Bifidobacteria is not easily found in food. Instead if you feed yourself foods that help it thrive it will naturally flourish. Foods rich in prebiotics include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and bananas.

Resistant starch found in cooled potatoes, legumes, and green bananas also nourishes them. In fact, the more the diversity the better your gut bacteria. 

Add Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kanji and kimchi. You will get all the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains you need. 

I know it is fancy to be supplementing. 

But for 99.99% of the existence of humanity we got our bacteria and fibre from natural foods. There was no other way. 

So if you want a short cut, reduce foods that harm your gut. Processed foods. Foods that come from questionable sources. Food cooked in an unhealthy environment. 

That is easily the best supplement you can take. 

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain