As a source of general well-being and the seat of the immune system, the intestines, with their approximately seven meters in length, present a large target for pathogens. In addition to their length, the intestines' immense capacity for folding must be considered, resulting in a surface area of ​​261 square meters. Harmful bacteria and germs can disrupt their function. Therefore, protecting your health is crucial; it is, in fact, vital. The following helpful information will provide valuable support in this endeavor.

What is gut health?

A healthy gut is a prerequisite for a functioning immune system and normal digestion.

• Furthermore, the gut is considered the second brain. The so-called "gut feeling" is often crucial.
• Decisions are often made because of a gut feeling that suggests what is right and good. In this respect, a healthy gut is also crucial for a person's mental well-being.
• There are situations in life that can literally make you feel sick to your stomach. These are examples of the existence of our gut-brain axis.

Enteric nervous system

This technical term clearly describes the presence of a nervous system in the intestines. Enteric means that it belongs to the viscera. This network of nerves permeates the entire digestive system in the intestines. Its interaction with the two major nervous systems, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, provides evidence for the existence of the enteric nervous system, also known as the "gut brain."

How can gut health be disrupted?

Disorders of the gut cause illness. These disorders are triggered by our unhealthy lifestyle. Stress is part of everyday life for many people. Our diets are becoming increasingly unbalanced and fast-paced. Eating on the go is the trend. Add to that medications with side effects on digestion and metabolism. Many ailments arise and burden us. These burdens include:

• Irritable bowel
• heartburn
• Indigestion

It can lead to chronic bowel diseases that are difficult to treat.

Promoting gut health with gut bacteria, especially Lactobacillus bulgaricus

One treatment option, both for prevention and at the onset of symptoms, can involve beneficial bacteria strains. These are taken as a dietary supplement and it doesn't hurt!

Imagine that approximately 2 kg of bacteria are distributed throughout your gut, doing their work – both the good and the bad. If only half of these are bad bacteria, then the damage to your system must be considerable. Simply taking two capsules to start with, and then one capsule after that, can improve the condition of your gut. This lays the foundation. You can promote your gut health!

The goal is to build up beneficial gut bacteria and achieve better health. This support also leads to improvements in skin and nail structure. However, the fundamental aspect is the improved function of the intestinal lining. Damage to the immune system is halted and improved.

What does milk have to do with bacteria?

The beneficial bacterial strains of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus are known to us from Bulgarian yogurt.

Research was conducted among various Bulgarian rural population groups who were notable for their longer lifespans. All of these groups primarily consumed dairy products in their diets. Yogurt, with its beneficial bacteria, is a part of their daily lives.

Limit senility

Researchers and scientists believe that these bacteria can influence the gut flora and halt the pathological changes associated with arteriosclerosis. The premature onset of age-related senility, which we all fear, is mitigated by bacterial activity.

Which foods promote gut health?

To promote gut health, you can use a specific diet plan. Vegetables and various fruits are particularly suitable for such days. They can also help build up your gut bacteria. Set aside one day a month to focus on your gut health. Eat only foods that are good for your gut and drink plenty of water, tea, and diluted juices.

What can be good for the gut?

A small selection of suitable foods for gut health:

• Bananas: The insulin content of these fruits is beneficial for bacteria that have an anti-inflammatory effect. The potassium content strengthens the heart.
• Fruit puree: The nutrition of the intestinal mucosa through bulking agents is well suited to fruit puree made from apples and carrots.
• Boiled potatoes: When boiled potatoes cool, starch forms in a resistant form. This starch is broken down via the resulting butyric acid, which provides energy for intestinal cells. The intestinal lining also benefits from this process.
• Fish: As a source of many unsaturated fatty acids, it stimulates mucus production. Increased cell growth leads to greater immune defense.
• Dark bread: Only rye bread provides fiber and carbohydrates for satiety.
• Legumes: They provide the necessary amount of fiber. Beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas are popular legumes that are important for, among other things, a healthy intestinal lining.
• Vegetables, and especially green varieties: cabbage and spinach are among the best sources.
• Carrots: This versatile vegetable is not only a valuable source of vitamins but also a valuable supplier of fiber.

Tips

The following foods are bonus points in the project to promote gut health. Everyone is now familiar with the rule known as "five a day." This means you should eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. An apple or a carrot can be a snack. For drinks, try a vegetable juice and a banana if you're feeling hungry. Adding a level teaspoon of flaxseed to your muesli or yogurt at breakfast stimulates digestion. The flaxseeds swell, creating a feeling of fullness, and pass through the intestines without any nutritional value. By building up your gut bacteria, you'll feel better overall.

Benefits for the gut

All of the listed foods can promote gut health.

• Berries of all kinds
• Kombucha
• Naturally cloudy apple cider vinegar
• probiotic yogurt
• Always consume liver and offal in small quantities.
• Bone broth cooked with marrow is also good for the joints.
• Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut

A natural approach to gut health

A very simple path to gut health leads through diet. Often, dietary supplements are used to improve and maintain gut health. Building up and improving the gut bacteria in various cultures, thereby creating a better sense of well-being, is a more comprehensive approach.

A healthy diet and vegan options are proven ways to promote gut health. Often, damage has already occurred due to lifestyle and environmental factors. The gut flora needs to be stabilized or even rebuilt. This won't happen with grilled meat and white bread. However, it will be successful if vegetables are also grilled and accompanied by healthy drinks.