A Good Gut Shot

4.2

I'm a strong believer that the foods we consume significantly impact our physical and mental well-being. That's what keeping a power pantry is all about - wellness starts with what we stock in our pantry and what we eat.

As the years go, and I keep reading and learning and researching wellness, I'm realizing how important gut health is to our health. The study of 'good' bacteria in our gut, while it sounds icky, is critically important to our health.

The good bugs in our gut (our small and large intestines) generate numerous byproducts (acids, enzymes, hormones, etc.) which protect and regulate the intestinal wall and assure nutrients get through and toxins don't. When our intestinal wall is not healthy (because the good bacterial microflora is out of balance or missing) then all kinds of poor health consequences can result.

One specialist in the field of gut health is Dr. David Williams (www.drdavidwilliams.com), whose published work on gut health goes back to 1989, long before others were aware of or researching good bacteria in the gut. He has valuable information posted on his website regarding probiotics and gut health, and shares significant evidence for why and how good bacteria benefit our health.

Check out this article from Dr. Williams to learn how good gut microbes can help in these ways:
Improve immune health, mood and mental health, boosts energy levels, improve cholesterol levels, regulates hormone levels, reduce yeast infections, support a healthy weight and more.
9 Ways Good Gut Bacteria Support Your Overall Health

Take some time to review the above article to understand good gut bacteria better. If you suffer from a lot of colds and gloomy moods and sluggish energy, you may benefit from some close attention to your good gut bacteria.

By the Way

There are several key good bacteria that our gut, and overall health, benefit from:
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus salivarius. These are available in common fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, pickled vegetables (cucumbers, beans, cauliflower, etc.) and in commercially produced supplements. While probiotic supplements give some beneficial recharge of good bacteria, the best way to get these is through fermented foods.