We coexist with bacteria. A lot of it. The human body, in particular our digestive track, harbors trillions of microbes that are a combination of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They vastly outnumber human cells in the large intestine. This intimate relationship could be the most important of all to our health.
Our intestines (large and small) are typically around 25 feet in length. It’s where our food is broken down and absorbed into our blood. The enteric nervous system lines our gut and communicates important signals between the body and brain. Starting from birth, our digestive track establishes an amazing ecosystem of internal microbes that influence our digestion, energy, and overall physical and emotional health.
This ecosystem is important to understand on a baseline level, and must be treated with care. What we put in our bodies, especially over extended lengths of time, has the capability of influencing our micro-biome, enteric nervous system, and ultimately how we feel. There has been a lot of research into the different strands of bacteria in our guts. The strands related with healthy digestion and energy feed on vegetables high in fiber. Highly processed foods and sugars feed the bad bacteria.
Food has an obvious and direct impact on the balance of our micro-biome, but there are other factors that have real impact. If we were born by vaginal birth or C-section has a tremendous influence. If able to, a mother passes along a foundation of healthy bacteria during natural birth. If a C-section was necessary during birth, it’s important to be conscious of helping implement a healthy balance of bacteria as soon as you are able to.
Antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections and certain life threatening conditions. It’s important to understand that they will have an impact on the balance of bacteria in our gut. Antibiotics don’t discriminate; they will wipe out whatever bacteria they come across, including the good bacteria. Make educated decisions with your doctors when discussing antibiotics for common colds and viruses. The over prescription of antibiotics is a factor in some strands of bacteria becoming resistant to medications.
We have a great deal of personal control for the health of our gut. Here are a few things you can focus on to ensure optimal health:
• Fiber rich fruits and vegetables are the foundation of our healthy ecosystem.
• Incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut, Kim chi, and yogurt.
• Stay away from processed foods, refined grains, and sugars that feed the bad bacteria.
• Research a good probiotic if you have had to take antibiotics.
