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The importance of beneficial bacteria in the gut has become widely known as new studies confirm what ancient cultures knew about the value of fermented and cultured foods. However, most easily obtained foods and nutritional products in America are dairy-based. For those who avoid foods of animal origin, vegan probiotics supplements may be the answer.
Recently, the American National Institutes Of Health has undertaken a comprehensive study of the bacteria in the human gut. Many, many different kinds of intestinal microbes have been identified, some with difficult names like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Scientists are identifying the different kinds and trying to determine the function of each. Both good and bad bacteria exist in the human digestive system.
Scientists say that there are far more intestinal bacteria than cells in a human body - as much as ten times more. This gives you an idea of how much activity goes on in the process of digestion and utilization of food. There are harmful, disease-causing organisms, like yeasts; these are held in check by beneficial microbes. Poorly digested food or damaged walls of the large and small intestine cause allergic reactions and inflammation. Beneficial bacteria produce secretions that boost the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation, flatulence, and constipation.
Although cultured and fermented foods play a major part in the diet of many people groups, western societies are less likely to consume them. Furthermore, many foods which could provide beneficial bacteria, like yogurt and kefir, have been turned into desserts with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, neither of which help keep intestinal flora healthy.
Dairy foods, even if cultured, are off-limits for vegans, who eat no animal products. They may think that this eliminates Lactobacillus for them, but actually this familiar bacterium is found in kombucha tea and green superfoods like chorella, spirulina, and blue-green algae. The superfoods are also a source of Bifidum, another beneficial microbe.
Fermented soy foods are exceptionally rich in beneficial organisms, and these Asian foods are familiar to most vegans. Tempeh, Tamari and shoyu sauces, and the soup base called miso are valuable additions to the diet. The Asian diet also included pickled foods, as do other cultures. Sauerkraut is familiar to most of us.
Vegans don't consume foods derived from animals and prefer products that are free from any contact with animal foods, down to the colors and flavorings used in preparation. Home-made dishes are, of course, the easiest to control. However, it's now possible to find products made in dedicated facilities, where no animal foods are ever processed. This prevents cross-contamination.
In these busy modern times, fewer people take the time to make meals at home. In addition, stress and lack of exercise - typical of modern life - are hard on our healthy flora. This is one reason why probiotic supplements have become popular. Fortunately, there are high-quality products available that have the vegan symbol on the label. This assurance is important to consumers who really care about the purity of what they eat. Using supplements also provides high concentrations of beneficial microbes to hasten the process of healing and to make maintaining a healthy bacteria population easier.
Recently, the American National Institutes Of Health has undertaken a comprehensive study of the bacteria in the human gut. Many, many different kinds of intestinal microbes have been identified, some with difficult names like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Scientists are identifying the different kinds and trying to determine the function of each. Both good and bad bacteria exist in the human digestive system.
Scientists say that there are far more intestinal bacteria than cells in a human body - as much as ten times more. This gives you an idea of how much activity goes on in the process of digestion and utilization of food. There are harmful, disease-causing organisms, like yeasts; these are held in check by beneficial microbes. Poorly digested food or damaged walls of the large and small intestine cause allergic reactions and inflammation. Beneficial bacteria produce secretions that boost the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation, flatulence, and constipation.
Although cultured and fermented foods play a major part in the diet of many people groups, western societies are less likely to consume them. Furthermore, many foods which could provide beneficial bacteria, like yogurt and kefir, have been turned into desserts with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, neither of which help keep intestinal flora healthy.
Dairy foods, even if cultured, are off-limits for vegans, who eat no animal products. They may think that this eliminates Lactobacillus for them, but actually this familiar bacterium is found in kombucha tea and green superfoods like chorella, spirulina, and blue-green algae. The superfoods are also a source of Bifidum, another beneficial microbe.
Fermented soy foods are exceptionally rich in beneficial organisms, and these Asian foods are familiar to most vegans. Tempeh, Tamari and shoyu sauces, and the soup base called miso are valuable additions to the diet. The Asian diet also included pickled foods, as do other cultures. Sauerkraut is familiar to most of us.
Vegans don't consume foods derived from animals and prefer products that are free from any contact with animal foods, down to the colors and flavorings used in preparation. Home-made dishes are, of course, the easiest to control. However, it's now possible to find products made in dedicated facilities, where no animal foods are ever processed. This prevents cross-contamination.
In these busy modern times, fewer people take the time to make meals at home. In addition, stress and lack of exercise - typical of modern life - are hard on our healthy flora. This is one reason why probiotic supplements have become popular. Fortunately, there are high-quality products available that have the vegan symbol on the label. This assurance is important to consumers who really care about the purity of what they eat. Using supplements also provides high concentrations of beneficial microbes to hasten the process of healing and to make maintaining a healthy bacteria population easier.
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