Prevent IBD with probiotics

A recent Harvard study has confirmed that an imbalance of good bacteria or probiotics is responsible for triggering IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. IBD includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, of which approximately 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Both types of IBD result from of a loss of balance between our immune system, 70% of which is located in the gut, and the good bacteria that live in the intestines. The researchers found that the species of bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis (2 types of bacteria that I see commonly on the stool tests of autistic spectrum or ASD children), seem to work with the microbes in the gut to cause the diseases.

So what can we do to be sure our guts and those of our kids are colonized properly? For starters, a healthy diet is key. Avoid excess refined foods and sugars and load up on fresh fruits and vegetables as the main staples in your diet—they are full of GI cleansing fiber. Plus, you’ve got to be sure you’re taking in plenty of good bacteria through cultured foods such as yogurt, fermented foods such as miso and cultured vegetables.

By the way: I often hear parents worry that their kids won’t take to sauerkraut. Try mixing half cultured vegetables with half of a grated apple and grated carrots for a tangy sweet treat, or start with small amounts of the cultured veggies juice poured over liked foods. For more information on how to culture your own veggies and other foods at home, visit www.bodyecology.com

Optimizing your digestion - part 2

If you suffer from intestinal bloating, cleansing can do wonders for your vitality too. While some choose more intensive cleansing such as enemas and colonics, something as simple as a good fiber supplement can act as a gentle brush for the intestines and as fuel for the good flora or good bacteria which live in your gut. Many people find that after just a few days of a cleansing supplement, their bellies go down and their energy goes up.

Eating unhealthy and processed food based diets along with the overuse of antibiotics can have the effect of killing off the good bacteria that live in the gut and protect the intestinal walls from “intruders.” As a result, an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria or Candida yeast can occur, and cause damage to the gut lining in many ways. An imbalance in intestinal flora can be assessed using stool tests from specialty laboratories and broad-spectrum probiotic supplements can cover most all of your good flora bases. Sometimes, a deficiency of one particular strain can be identified and replaced with a probiotic supplement. When adding in a probiotic supplement to your protocol, remember to go slow, as adding too much at once can cause excess gas or stomach upset. Going slow with new supplements is a good rule of thumb to follow, in general.

Bonus tip: by the way, sipping herbal & spice teas is a great way to protect your GI tract and immune system from pathogenic bacteria and parasites that may be hanging out in your foods with their anti-microbial essential oils. Many herbs and spices also have a carminative effect (i.e. anti-flatulent properties), which are especially welcome after that big bowl of chili or broccoli topped baked potato with cheese that you had for lunch.

To your GI health!