‘ PROMOTE GOOD BACTERIA IN YOUR GUT’
The human gut has over 100 trillion bacteria. A healthy gut is protected by mucosal layer designed to promote good bacteria while acting as a barrier for bad bacteria. And, the type of bacteria found in your gut depends essentially on your nutrient intake.
Dr Bhavani Raju, gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Care Hospitals, says, “Good bacteria is found in kefir, yogurt, miso soup ( Japan), kombucha tea ( Korea), goat cheese and fermented food items. Rye bread helps to release more minerals from food. Yogurt contains live bacteria and milk with acidopholus bacteria are probiotic foods that can support or replenish your normal flora. A healthy flora is vital for prevention of constipation, maintaining primary immunity, carbohydrate fermentation, metabolic function and prevention of allergy and fungal infection in the gut.” Probiotic foods help to minimise the possible side effects of gas and bloating but don’t add them to hot foods, adds Dr Raju.
Good gut- bacteria also help in synthesising of vitamin B- 7, B- 12 and K. The deficiency of these vitamins can cause diabetes, obesity, hair loss, gray hair, eczema, anemia, ulcers, cancers, autoimmune diseases as well as degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer. Constipation is a major problem for millions of people. Chronic constipation can cause diseases such as intestinal inflammation, ruptures and even cancer. That’s why, these days, a lot of emphasis is being laid on maintaining a good gut- health. Constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week and it is because of slow mobility of the large intestine. There are various reasons for constipation like less water intake, a low fiber diet, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, neurological conditions, hormonal disorders, depression and also lack of physical activity. Pregnant women are found to suffer because of hormonal changes, and the elderly due to aging factors and the decrease in the level of bacteria in their gut as the time taken by food to digest in the intestinal track increases because of
age.