Flora-Growing Diet

Do you know who's winning in there?

Every human body plays host to innumerable bacteria that live in the digestive organs, known as intestinal flora. Keeping a healthy balance between healthy and unhealthy flora is definitely in your best interest; unhealthy intestinal flora can cause skin conditions, poor digestion and bloating, urinary tract infections, and can even contribute to asthma and obesity.

Embrace Culture

Yogurt helps boost healthy flora.

Live cultures found in many brands of yogurt, as well as in other foods such as soy sauce, kefir and tempeh, will give your intestinal flora a boost of the healthy bacteria it needs to get a balance back. Check the label of any yogurt you eat regularly to be sure it contains active probiotic cultures and opt for natural yogurt; the sugar content in flavored yogurts can undo the good work of the healthy cultures.

Fight with Fiber

Help create the right environment.

Along with probiotics, your digestive organs also need prebiotics, which help your body produce the friendly intestinal flora it needs. Fiber found in vegetables, whole grains and fruit help create the right environment for growing flora.

Steer Clear

A calm mind means a calm body.

Avoid highly processed foods, especially those with a high refined sugar content. Alcohol and animal fat are other favorites of the bad bugs, so try to make these occasional treats, rather than everyday indulgences. Stress and anxiety will also create a haven for bad bacteria in your digestive organs, so take some time every day to exercise or meditate and your internal balance should be back in no time.

References

• WebMD: 9 Surprising Facts About Your Stomach
• MedicineNet: Gut Bacteria Might Be Making People Fat

Resources

• Womentowomen: Digestion & GI health