Eating For Health

So many of us are doing everything we can to kill bacteria and have a cleaner home.   But did you know there are “good bacteria” that are actually good for our health?   We want those “good bacteria” to multiply in our gut so we can have a healthier gut. What are the “good bacteria”?   It actually doesn’t sound too healthy but good bacteria are good for a healthy gut.   NIH defines the healthy bacteria in your body as all the bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on or inside our bodies.   NIH notes this “microbiome” actually contributes to our health in many ways including:   protecting us against bacteria that can cause disease, helping your immune system, and helping our bodies digest food.   Dr. Mullin from Johns Hopkins University notes , “Your gut bugs help determine your overall health in a good way – or a bad way.” Can you change the population of “good bacteria” in your gut?   Yes, you can and diet is one way to do so.   The foo...

What are “gut bugs” you might ask?   Last week we talked about E. Coli and how these “bugs” can make you sick.   But you also have good “bugs” or bacteria in your gut.   And guess what?   You need to feed this good bacteria.   They are now finding that having good bacteria in your gut has huge health benefits.   As Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen said in a recent article, the next time “you open the fridge, remember that you’re not eating just for one.   You’re also feeding the 100 trillion bacteria that call your digestive system home.”    (    By feeding these good gut bacteria you can: Help control your weight Promote heart health Stabilize blood sugar levels Improve your immune system Improve your mood So what can you do to feed your gut bugs and reap these health benefits? Probiotics – eating a yogurt a day is a good start.   Yogurt has probiotics which helps put the good bugs in your gut. Fiber rich plant foods ...