BY KATHLEEN GREGG
HEALTH
Trust your gut Try these foods that emphasize total body function
O
ne of the most crucial parts of the body when it comes to health is the microbiome or the trillions of bacteria that live in our gut. Scientist are learning that the bacterial communities that call us home are linked to everything from body weight to asthma to acne. Having the right balance of bugs may keep us well in the long term, since some bacteria in the gut are good for our health while other strains raise our risk for disease. We shape our microbiome makeup through our everyday diet. Many of the foods listed here are high in nutrients like fiber, which feed healthy gut microbes. They produce short-chain fatty acids that get absorbed into the blood stream and reduce inflammation while strengthening the immune system. These gut-friendly foods also contain probiotics or prebiotics which boost gut bacteria diversity. Probiotics are bacteria that are very similar to or the same as good
bacterial colonies already in our gut. Some probiotic-filled foods to consider adding to your diet include Kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, kombucha, miso, apple-cider vinegar, and pickles (to get that healthy bacteria, buy pickles brined in salt water, not vinegar). Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a type of plant fiber often found in vegetables that nourish good bacteria. Prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, bananas, apples, asparagus and more.
Both are important for keeping you regular and building a better microbiome.
Dr. Kathleen Ireland Gregg is a Naturopath/Physcotherapist at Health Matters: A Center for Wellness. Reach her at (517) 641-8000 or email: drgregg@healthmattersmi.com
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Call today! (517) 641-8000 Dr. Kathleen Ireland Gregg Naturopath/Psychotherapist drgregg@healthmattersmi.com
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