September 27, 2011

This is my first blog in this new format.  Please let me know if you have input on how to make it better - thanks - Shanna

The Truth About Food by Jill Fullerton-Smith

The author's first chapter of her book is called, How to Be Healthy.  Many people that I see will begin taking a probiotic (friendly bacteria) to help balance their guts.  The author gives us a little background information on why friendly bacteria is so important for our systems:

• There are about 100 million million bacteria in your gut, adding just over 2.2 pounds to your body mass.
• A few hundred differentt species are present, however, only around forty species account for the majority of the bacteria in your gut flora, and most of them are beneficial.
• The good bacteria survive by fermenting dietary fiber, found in foods of plant origin.  
• If you are ill stressed, very tired, or taking antibiotics, your gut flora suffers.
• To maintain the positive efffects on your gut flora, you need to take probiotics and prebiotics regularly.

It becomes very important for our overall health to keep a good balance of friendly bacteria (85%) to bad bacteria (15%).   This can help our systems fight off disease, parasites, and candida fungus.  It will also provide optimum digestion.  A great benefit at this time of year, is that a healthy gut can also be beneficial to our immune system.  Have a great day - Shanna