My Bacterial Balance Is Off And I Can?t Get It Back

My Bacterial Balance Is Off And I Can’t Get It Back
by author on September 8, 2010

Bacterial equilibrium? What is bacterial balance and why should I care? Bacterial balance is really the key to good health.For us to remain healthy we have to be able to break down the foods that we eat and extract all of the essential nutritional value and vitaminsFungi, bacteria and other microbes in our gut make it possible to do this.An added plus is that these same little creatures in our stomach help break down toxins and allow us to manage low levels of contaminated substances. Humans can live all over the planet, in widely different climates, with different food souces, why? It’s the bacteria.

How do I know if I have lost my bacterial equilibrium? If you find you are getting sick easily, this is a good indicator of your bacteria balance off. One of the key functions of good intestinal bacteria is to contribute to the working of the immune system and protect us from various infections.

Bacterial balance is a natural thing or should be. That equilibrium is then adjusted and improved by the foods we eat. Unfortunately, in our world of highly prepared foods, many of the foods we eat essentially throw off our balance. Bad bacteria thrives, and good dies off, because of our food choices. Foods or chemicals in our environment that do this include chlorine, sodium fluoride, sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, birth control pills, and many prescription drugs. When you look at the list your first reaction might be, I don’t eat any of that stuff. But if you live in the US — you do period. That is why your bacterial balance is off.

What should we do to try and regain some of the balance? First, try to eat right. Avoid too many sweets, fats, fried food, meat, and alcohol. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit.

Probiotics are a great way to get that balance back.According to the Mayo Clinic website’s information on probiotics, there is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help treat diarrhea after a course of antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, treat IBS, reduce the incidence of bladder cancer, shorten the length of intestinal infections, and prevent eczema in children. The website also noted that there was a small study done in Sweden to test the effects of probiotics on general health. Probiotics was given to a group of workers they missed fewer work days, and were affected with lower instances of cold and flu. (http/www.mayoclinic.com/health/probiotics/an00389).

What if you’re pregnant or have just had a baby and are breastfeeding. Probiotics are again a very good way to help your system handle or recover from the stress of pregnancy and the life style adjustments that come after having a baby. Struggling with a colicky baby and looking for colic remedies. Probiotics have been proven safe for a baby to injest and some studies have shown them to be one of the effective colic remedies to decrease colic symptoms.

Probiotics are not expensive, especially considering the positive side effects.But there are different kinds, and many of the types that you can obtain in the grocery store are just not that useful. Probiotics have to be stored and shipped carefully in order to prevent the good bacteria from failing off. So it is important to buy the right type, check with health care providers for recommendations..