Strengthening your gut flora

2 min reading time

Strengthening your gut flora (or microbiota) is one of the best investments you can make in your health.

A healthy microbiome is the key to a strong immune system, good digestion, and even a better mood.

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🦠 Pillars for Strengthening Your Gut Flora (Microbiota)

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Increase Your Intake of Diverse Fiber (Prebiotics)

The microbiota feeds on fiber that the body cannot digest. Diversity is key, as different bacteria eat different types of fiber.

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FoodĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Type of FiberĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Tip

OatmealĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Beta-glucan (soluble fiber)Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Regularly for breakfast.

Garlic, onions, leeksĀ  Ā  Ā Fructans (inulin – a powerful prebiotic)Ā  Add them to soups, stews,Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā and dressings.

LegumesĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Densely packed fiberĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Include beans, lentils, or chickpeasĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  2-3 times a week.

Unripe BananasĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Loved by the colonĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Choose less ripe, slightly green bananas.

Apples and BerriesĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  PectinĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Eat with the peel.

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Key: Prebiotics are food for your good bacteria. Without this food, the good bacteria cannot grow and multiply.

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Regular Consumption of Probiotics (Live Cultures)

Probiotics are the “good bacteria” themselves that we introduce into the body and help to colonize the intestines.

• Fermented Milk: Kefir and plain yogurt (make sure they contain live and active cultures). Kefir is often even more effective.

• Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut and kimchi (always choose unpasteurized, raw versions, as pasteurization kills the beneficial bacteria).

• Other: Kombucha (watch the sugar content), Miso (Japanese fermented soybean paste).

Tip: Include raw sauerkraut or kefir in your diet almost every day to maintain a constant supply of good bacteria.

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Avoid Microbiota Destroyers

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If you want to strengthen your gut flora, it’s also important to stop destroying the good bacteria.

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FactorĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Impact on Microbiota

ArtificialĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Sweeteners Some sweeteners (like sucralose) can harm beneficialĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  bacteria.

StressĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Chronic stress has a major impact on gut balance.

Processed FoodsĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Lack of fiber and high levels of bad fats and sugar encourage theĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  growth of harmful bacteria.

Overuse of antibioticsĀ  Ā  Ā Kills both bad and good bacteria. Taking probiotics is a must afterĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  treatment.

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šŸ’” Additional Support

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help with fiber and keep digestion running smoothly.

• Polyphenols: These nutrients are also prebiotics. They can be found in dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), red wine, green tea, and almonds.

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