I would like to remind everyone of the importance and benefits of bacteria. I understand we are all hyper sensitive at the moment but it’s important to know that bacteria has its place within our bodies.
Of course antibacterial cleaners soaps and products also have their place however, most people don’t realise that the inside of our bodies is not sterile - not even close. Many trillions of bacteria live inside you - a few necessary kilos worth!
Bacteria provides a wide array of critical functions like:
protecting our gut and intestinal walls from foreign invaders,
escorting toxins from the body,
facilitating absorption of certain vitamins and minerals,
improving digestive regularity, and
eliminating harmful bacteria.
The largest colonies live in our digestive system and contain beneficial species that ultimately help us to survive.
As long as beneficial bacteria diversity and populations are kept HIGH in the body, then harmful bacteria are typically kept under control and the immune system is kept calm and balanced.
As mentioned above, a good balance within the gut determines what nutrients you absorb and what toxins, allergens, and microbes are kept out so good gut health with a diverse bacteria and microbe mix is directly linked to the health of your whole body.
Due to things like processed food production, spraying of crops and over sanitisation, typical western modern lifestyle can kill off beneficial bacteria to the point that harmful bacteria flourish and wreak all sorts of havoc, from constipation to behavioural problems to IBS to compromised immune systems to cancer.
The consequence is that many people struggle with this dysbiosis (an imbalance of microbes & bacteria in the digestive tract) that can lead to health ailments, inflammation and disease.
Ongoing inflammatory symptoms that go on undiagnosed and untreated, become deep-seated and cause chronic health problems. Inflammation, pain, swelling and discomfort are a body’s way of telling us to stop the behaviour and let the body heal. Many times we just take medication to remove the inflammation irritations and further suppress our bodies ability to signal distress and this can make matters worse. Note-anti-Inflammatories can further weaken stomach lining.
One of the most common forms of dysbiosis is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of a microbe called Candida or other species of yeast. Candida is endemic in a human gut, but it can readily overgrow via sustained levels of STRESS. This species is very effective in colonising your GI tract and causing symptoms such as anxiety, abdominal bloating, fatigue, allergies, weight issues, food sensitivities, strong sugar cravings, recurrent infections and /or fuzzy thinking. Damage from candida can also cause leaky gut which can promote food sensitivities. Sometimes this dysbiosis is just an imbalance of endemic microbes in the wrong place such as what happens with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and is the primary cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
So what can you do ?
One of the most important things you can do to combat bacterial overgrowth is the stop feeding the invader. Ideally eliminate all sugar, alcohol, bakers and brewers yeast, vinegar, and limit high carbohydrate foods (especially refined grains, sweeteners and fruit juices). The resulting nutritional intake is high in vegetables, proteins, healthy oils/ fats, nuts and seeds, and whole fruits. This approach also increases fibre in the diet which promotes bacterial growth and diversity. Also consider adding supplemental fibre via ground psyllium husk or ground flaxseeds - contact me for a tasty recipe containing both.
It’s important to note that an individual approach to your case and what works best for you needs to be considered. Typically this sort of cleansing is effective if implemented for at least 2 -3 months. It’s not forever, and as you experience full symptom relief you can begin to add back in foods slowly one at a time and take note of how you feel.
Many natural foods, supplements or herbs and plant extracts can help kill off overgrowth and heal your gut but always consider the level STRESS in your life - unless you can manage or reduce this food/ mineral absorption and immunity is compromised. If you have particular concerns or have had prolonged periods of time with symptoms mentioned above please consider contacting a functional health practitioner, health coach, Naturopath, integrative nutritionist for an initial consult - most of these initial consultation sessions are FREE.
It’s essential to get an individual assessment because your background, circumstances and symptoms are unique to you. One size does not fit all when it comes to personal gut health care.
It is completely possible for you to take control of your bacteria levels and health overall. I have done this myself and had much success with clients I have worked with to do the same.
If you have any questions on the above please do not hesitate to contact me.