Exciting new studies are exploring the link between intestinal bacteria and virtually every other aspect of human health. The conclusion is clear: "If you can balance your intestinal bacteria, you can change your life".
But first, how can we know that something is wrong with our intestinal bacteria? And more importantly, what can we do to remedy the problems that are there? We explain everything in this article!
Are your intestinal bacteria unbalanced?
How can you tell if your intestinal bacteria are out of control? It's not as easy as knowing if you have a fever. But there are warning signs that can draw your attention to a possible imbalance:
1. Digestive problems:
When you think of the potential consequences of unhealthy intestinal bacteria, digestive problems are probably the first things that come to mind. If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, you may have an unhealthy bowel: Gas, Bloating, Heartburn / Acid Reflux, Diarrhea, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome ...
2. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies:
A healthy gut also plays an important role in helping your body produce and synthesize vitamins and minerals. When your intestinal bacteria are unbalanced, your body has a harder time getting the following essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin B12 and B7, Magnesium.
3. Chronic and unmanageable stress:
Stress can tire you, make you anxious and increase your blood pressure ... and it can also wreak havoc in your gut! It's normal to be stressed from time to time, but the problem is when it becomes chronic.
Unmanaged stress increases cortisol levels, which can prevent the bowel from functioning properly. If you have been stressed in the last few months without being able to fix it, you may have an unhealthy bowel.
4. Mental problems:
Did you know that the health of your gut can also affect the health of your brain? If you have any of these mental problems, your intestinal bacteria could be the cause: Depression and Anxiety, Brain Fog, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism ...
How to balance your intestinal bacteria in 3 simple steps?
1. Avoid toxins:
If you wanted to put out a fire, adding gas would be the worst thing you could do! Unfortunately, this is exactly what many people do with the imbalances of intestinal bacteria.
They continue to eat and live in a way that kills good bacteria, encourages the growth of bad bacteria and breaks down the integrity of their intestinal walls. Most of them do not even realize they are doing it.
So, the first step to reverse this trend is to avoid toxic foods. These include: cereals, conventional dairy based cereals, sugars and unhealthy oils.
2. Eat fermented foods:
Avoid toxic foods and environmental toxins is a good start, but not quite enough for optimal health. It's time to be proactive in encouraging good intestinal bacteria to flourish.
One of the best ways is to eat more fermented foods. These foods, common in the diet of our ancestors, are full of good intestinal bacteria. The best known are: Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Lacto-Fermented Fruits and Vegetables, Non-pasteurized Yogurt, Cheese and Kefir.
3. Manage your stress:
One of the most important things you can do to improve your bowel health (in addition to changing your diet) is to make "stress management" a priority. There is no single method for doing this.
The key is to choose something you like and enjoy it. Take the time to manage your stress, whether you feel stressed or not, it will reduce inflammation, lower cortisol levels and improve your bowel health.