(NaturalNews) The digestive tract is loaded with trillions of microorganisms that form a natural ecosystem commonly called the gut flora. Certain lifestyle stressors throw off the natural symbiosis and cause a rise in pathogenic microbes, chronic gut inflammation and damage to the gut lining. Healthy micro flora balance is a key health essential.
The beneficial micro flora digest our food and produce enzymes that metabolize protein into absorbable amino acids. These key enzymes also transport key vitamins, minerals and other nutrients through the intestinal wall and into the blood stream where they are effectively carried to cells that are in need of these nutrient packages.
These beneficial species also help the body produce and metabolize vitamin K2, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid and pantothenic acid. Without adequate microflora production, the body will suffer from poor calcium metabolism, neuromuscular function and chronic inflammatory conditions due to deficiencies in these very important nutrients.
Two arms of the gut flora
The gut flora has two major arms. The first arm senses our environment by reading the environmental toxins that are coming into the body. When environmental factors such as dust, chemicals, animal hair and pollen fall on the mucous membranes, the progenic bacteria sense and react to them. The second arm is responsible for immune activation and inflammatory based reactions.
When the first arm is damaged, the second arm begins to become hyperactive which leads to autoimmune reactions. Depending upon the genetic tendencies of the individual, this can result in asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's or Graves thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, etc.
Contaminants destroy gut flora balance
Antibiotics are the most lethal thing for our microbial balance. After a round of antibiotics it will take at least four to eight weeks to reestablish the
gut. This time period is an opportunistic window for parasites to establish themselves on the gut wall. Eating conventional meat, dairy and poultry products can be as dangerous as taking antibiotic prescriptions due to the amount of antibiotics present in these products.
Foods high in sugar and processed carbohydrates increase the number and variety of different strains of Candida in the body. These foods also promote the growth of parasitic worms in the gut environment.
Medications of all types including contraception pills and corticosteroids are extremely hazardous to the gut flora. Dental fluoride treatments and fluoride based toothpaste are damaging to the microbial balance. Chlorinated water is particularly dangerous as it sterilizes our gut and repeated exposure destroys the progenic bacteria in the gut.
A diet high in fermented veggies and drinks such as coconut water kefir, ginger beer, raw sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi help restore microbial balance. Fermented, raw dairy from 100 percent organic, grass-fed cows and goats is outstanding for gut health. This would include amasai, raw cheese and fermented whey. These are some of the best probiotic carriers and have been used for thousands of years by healthy cultures all over the world.
The rest of the diet should be rich in good fats such as coconut, avocados, olive oil and sprouted nuts and seeds. Clean animal foods such as grass-fed beef, organic poultry and eggs are highly recommended. Probiotic supplements are especially important to speed up the restoration of the gut flora and maintain balance afterwards.
Intermittent fasting for periods of 12 to 24 hours daily can be especially beneficial for regulating the gut flora. These fasting periods should include lots of fluids and fermented drinks that bring enzymes, probiotics and organic acids into the gut environment. Longer cleansing periods with fermented drinks are recommended from time to time.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.purenewyou.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=162http://www.naturalnews.comhttp://www.naturalnews.com/036433_probiotics_foods_health.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.comAbout the author:Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to
www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to
www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals
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