The standard American diet is typically absent in fermented foods which can be a wonderful addition to any diet to help restore beneficial bacteria in the gut. Eating a diet that is high in sugar actually promotes the growth of bad bacteria, yeast and fungi in the stomach which can lead to indigestion or further problems such as obesity, diabetes depression and heart disease.
The body has been shown to house more than 100 trillion bacteria, which is more than 10 times the number of cells in the entire body. Therefore it is pertinent that the quantity and type of microorganisms in the digestive tract interact with the body in a way that promotes good health. Ideally the ratio in the gut should be eighty-five percent good to fifteen percent bad.
Probiotics are essential for optimal digestion and assimilation of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Probiotics also help the body eliminate toxins and produce non-essential vitamins. According to Green Med Info there are more than 200 studies that have produced linking probiotics to more than 170 various diseases and health problems such as eczema, acne, herpes, food allergies, liver diseases, colds, chronic fatigue syndrome, behavioral disorders and high cholesterol just to name a few. Common signs that the digestive flora may be out of balance include fatigue, gas, bloating, headaches, constipation, sugar cravings, nausea, and diarrhea.
Lowered immunity and depression are also signs of poor digestive health. Generally this connection is completely disregarded, but it is interesting to learn that the brain develops from the same fetal tissues as the brain. One part develops into the central nervous system and the other part grows into the enteric nervous system. Both of which are connected by the vagus nerve, which is the tenth cranial nerve headed down from the brain stem directly into the abdomen, providing a direct link for intestinal health and mental well-being. This also explains that link between neurological disorders and digestive health.
A diet that is high is sugar, refined grains, processed foods and pesticides has also been shown to destroy beneficial bacteria and promote the overgrowth of fungi and bacteria. Other factors that can throw off the digestive flora are antibacterial soaps, fluoridated water, chlorine, and antibiotics. Antibiotics can include those that are prescribed or those that are consumed through a diet that includes meat where the livestock was given antibiotics for food production.
The best way to improve digestive flora is to nourish the body with traditional fermented foods. Some popular options include pickled and fermented vegetables such as cabbage sauerkraut, cucumbers, turnips, green beans, beets, or carrots. Kimchi is a type of fermented red cabbage which is a typical spicy condiment found in Korean dishes. Koreans typically consume 40 pounds of kimchi per person annually. Kimchi over cheese is the preference of the natives and it is served at every meal either as a side of mixed with noodles or rice.
Fermented foods also make wonderful chelators and are able to draw out a wide variety of heavy metals and toxins from the body; only a small amount of fermented foods such as 1/3 of a cup daily need to be consumed to help restore the belly. Beneficial bacteria can also be included in the diet through fermented drinks such as kombucha or kraut juice, which is now popping up at farmer’s markets.
References
Mercola (2012, September 24). One of The Most Important Supplements You Can Take. Dr. Mercola. Retrieved August 6, 2012, from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/24/one-of-the-most-important-steps-you-can-take-to-improve-your-health.aspx
Mercola, J. (2012, March 18). Why this Single Organ Powerfully Dictates Whether You’re Healthy or Sick. Dr. Mercola. Retrieved August 8, 2012, from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/18/mcbride-and-barringer-interview.aspx
