Your microbiome holds the key to your health.
Your microbiome can regulate your immune system, hormones, gut health, skin health, absorption of vitamins and minerals, and even your mood!
Keeping your microbiome balanced, diverse and free from the “bad bugs” is how your microbiome in turn takes care of you. Your gut health can go awry from over consumption of antibiotics, over-the-counter remedies or if you eat a diet that’s low in fiber, high in sugar or processed foods. When your gut bacteria is imbalanced you may notice digestive issues like bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation to food sensitivities, skin problems, allergies and auto-immune disorders.
In his article, Dr. Frank Lipman talks about…
11 ways to keep your microbiome balanced and you healthy.
Say no to sugary, starchy and processed foods.
These can overfeed harmful bacteria and even lead to SIBO. They are also filled with unhealthy fats and chemicals which can cause more harm to your microbiome.
Say no to gluten.
If you gut is imbalanced your immune system can’t tell the difference from healthy food or unhealthy foods which can contribute to a increasingly common reaction to gluten. As well, gluten itself can contribute to leaky gut.
Stay away from glyphosate sprayed crops.
Known as the pesticide called Round Up, it is very toxic to your overall health and even worse for your gut health. It’s used on GMO crops and also on other crops like, corn, peas, soybeans, canola, millet and other legumes and more. Opt for organic or local farmers markets for your produce. If you enjoy a glass of wine, make sure you buy organic or biodynamic so you’re not drinking a glass of glyphosate either!
Skip conventionally farmed meat, poultry, dairy and eggs.
Conventional animal products are filled with antibiotics and are also fed crops sprayed with glyphosate. That means you also will be consuming these toxins which are bad for your gut!
Minimize antibiotics.
Sure, these are necessary from time to time but choose wisely. These deplete the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria which can really cause disruption in your microbiome. Opt for herbal “antibiotics” when possible since they kill the bad guys and are easier on the good guys.
Stay away from Proton Pump Inhibitors.
Research has found that people who rely on stomach-acid-blockers (like Nexium, Prilosec, etc.) are less likely to have a diverse collection of bacteria in the gut.
Add prebiotics to your plate.
Certain veggies are great for your microbiome! Prebiotics feed probiotics which help keep your microbiome in good balance. These are the “good guys.” Eat plenty of garlic, onions, radishes, leeks, asparagus, and Jerusalem artichokes.
Add fermented foods.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchee have their own bacteria that join up with the bacteria in your gut. Adding new foods like these a few tmes per week do a good job protecting your health.
Take a daily probiotic.
You can get your probiotics from food, and you can also enjoy them in easy supplement form. There are A LOT on the market so be sure it has a number of active bacterial strains known to promote health.
Filter your water.
To protect your microbiome from some of the chlorine damage on your good bacteria, invest in a good water filter.
Don’t ignore lifestyle changes.
Remember that lifestyle matters A LOT when it comes to your health! Exercise, restorative sleep and stress relief impacts the health of your microbiome, so make this part of your daily routine.
If you’re looking for help creating a healthy microbiome and healthy lifestyle to live your best life, I’d love to help you. Book a complimentary consult here.
You can read Dr. Lipman’s full article here: Source: 11 Ways to Love Your Microbiome – Frank Lipman MD
