Article by: Lisa Blane from Lisa Blane Wellness
WHAT IS GUT FLORA?
Gut flora are microorganisms and other organisms that live inside the intestines of your digestive system. They help digest and process all the food you’ve eaten.
There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are in your intestines. Collectively they are known as your gut microbiota and are what gives you your health.
It’s interesting to know that the food you eat greatly impacts and affects the types of bacteria that live inside you. Did you know that vitamins such as biotin and vitamin K are both made by gut flora?
The state of your gut is related to your overall health in so many ways! Studies show that a limited diet disrupts microbiota leading to various chronic diseases and the best way to improve your health is to start with the gut.
What it needs is a wholesome approach to eating a combination of plant-based foods with real organic red meats, poultry and fermented foods. Seasonal ingredients are also key to health. Don’t forget about the fibre which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Plant protein such as legumes are also part of gut health, including: greens peas, lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans.
Foods such as apples, artichoke, sauerkraut, almonds, pistachios and blueberries have also shown to increase Bifidobacterium in gut health. Bifidobacteria are considered beneficial since they can help prevent intestinal inflammation and enhance gut health.
Fermented foods recommendations: plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and tempeh.
All these foods are rich in Lactobacillus bacteria which helps fight off organisms that might cause diarrhoea. Consumption of these foods has been linked to decrease in Enterobacteriaceae - a bacteria associated with inflammation and chronic diseases.
EAT PROBIOTIC & PREBIOTIC FOODS
It is most of the times fibre or complex carbohydrates that cannot be digested by humans, but instead, certain bacteria break them down and use for fuel.
Resistance starch can also be a prebiotic. This type of starch is not absorbed in the small intestine, but instead it passes into the large intestine where it is broken down to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria which can reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
If you regularly feed the wrong bacteria into the gut, it will start to have a negative impact on your whole gut flora since the bad bacteria will start growing faster and colonise the gut more easily. Since the good gut bacteria is then getting weaker, there’s nothing it can do to prevent this.
Good gut bacteria health is the defender of your health and many essential body functions. This is why eating prebiotic and probiotic foods, and using supplements will ensure that the right amount of bacteria remains healthy and active to fight ‘the bad guys’.
- PROBIOTICS are live bacteria found in certain foods or food supplements.
- PREBIOTICS come from certain carbohydrates that we can’t digest, but are beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Prebiotic food is found in the form of fibre in vegetables, fruits and legumes particularly in beans, peppers, artichoke, asparagus, parsnips, garlic, leeks, onions and dandelion greens.
Foods rich in polyphenols (cocoa, green tea, almonds, onions, garlic, grape skin, broccoli, blueberries) reduce blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol and oxidation stress. Most polyphenols make their way to the colon where they can be digested by gut bacteria.
What you eat plays a huge role in the balance of good and bad gut bacteria. Your healthy gut is linked to the brain through nerves and hormones, and helps maintain the overall health and wellness.
Oregano Oil for Gut Health
Oregano oil – a pure extract from the oregano plant using a steam-distillation method – has been used since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans for supporting respiratory and gastrointestinal health. Hippocrates frequently used oregano oil to alleviate stomachaches and topically for treating skin infections.
A study undertaken by the Journal of Medicinal Food found the essential oil from oregano was inhibitory to the growth of a variety of bacterial strains, and the most effective against E.coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Listeria monocytogenes.
Due to its proven antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, oregano oil is a remarkable natural remedy for preventing and treating certain gut-related conditions, without any of the side effects.
The name oregano comes from the Greek words ‘oros’, meaning mountain, and ‘ganos’, meaning joy. Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) is an aromatic, flowering plant from the same family as mint.
Oregano oil is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and an all-around immune system booster.
Please keep in mind that our oregano oil is 100% pure and undiluted and due to its potency, we highly recommend working with your medical practitioner or a qualified nutritional therapist before adding oregano oil to your diet. If you need support with your health, whether it's strengthening your immune system or getting to the bottom of any gastrointestinal discomfort, you can book an appointment with Lisa Blane today.
Important safety information:
- Never consume undiluted
- Do not exceed the recommended dose
- If you are being treated for any medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare practitioner before use
- Do not use if allergic to thyme, basil, mint or sage
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with clean water
- Keep away from children
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