The value of a healthy gut microflora is hard to overestimate. Without it, normal digestion is impossible, which means that all the tissues and organs of our body will suffer from a lack of certain nutrients. For the smooth functioning of intestinal microorganisms it is important to know what we need to feed them with.
Top products for maintaining and normalizing the intestinal microflora
1. Dairy products enriched with probiotic microflora. To choose the most beneficial products containing bifido and lactobacilli on the shelves of stores, look for yogurt products labeled - organic, which indicates that the product contains live probiotic microorganisms (organic yogurt, organic kefir).
2. Acidophilic drinks. Most often on health food shelves you can find acidophilic milk and acidophilic yogurt. Acidophilus milk is produced by adding an acidophilus enzyme to cow's milk. Its consistency is a viscous liquid and its taste can be of natural yogurt. To prepare acidophilic yogurt (it has a thicker consistency), in addition to acidophilic bacteria, a mixture of lactic streptococci is added to it. These healthy fortified acidophilic products are generally low in fat. These drinks help in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, help reduce cholesterol and reduce the likelihood of allergies.
3. Fermented soy products (tempeh, miso, natto). These are not only excellent sources of proteins and enzymes, but also of beneficial bacteria that form in the resulting fermentation. By the way, miso contains more than 160 beneficial bacteria that support normal intestinal microflora, suppress pathogenic microorganisms and stimulate peristalsis. In addition, natural soy products help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
4. Sauerkraut. There is hardly a person who has not tried sauerkraut. The preparation takes place by allowing the salted cabbage to ferment. This method provides a special bacterial environment, increases the vitamins in the product (for example, vitamin C), improves the absorption of nutrients (especially amino acids and iron). Some bacteria that appear as a result of fermentation act as natural antibiotics and slow down the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines.
5. Products, sources of prebiotics (inulin and lactulose) asparagus, onion, garlic, cabbage, artichoke. Prebiotics do not belong to the beneficial intestinal microorganisms, but they are a nutrient medium for beneficial bacteria and support their effectiveness. They are not digested in the intestines and stomach, prebiotics freely pass through the acidic environment in an unchanged state and actively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Leeks are also good for peristalsis, given that they are related to onions and garlic. They have a number of possibilities for consumption - raw, cooked in soups or main dishes.
Bananas are among the favorite fruit, sources of prebiotics. Add them to your menu in combination with some of the products mentioned above for a healthy gut microflora. A healthy breakfast of a bowl of yogurt with bananas is a good idea.
These substances give energy to the normal microflora found in the intestines - bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Pathogenic microorganisms are unable to use them, which is why taking prebiotic fibers with food selectively activates not all intestinal microorganisms, but only those that play a beneficial role in it - probiotics.
6. Oats - one of the most preferred foods by people who strive for healthy eating and maintaining a good shape. Rich in prebiotics, oats take care of good peristalsis and significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart problems.
7. Honey - of course we are talking about the quality homemade product. Honey contains substances found in probiotics. They take care of the well-being of the intestinal flora. Few people know that honey is recommended for diarrhea and intestinal infections, as well as to limit the symptoms of lactose intolerance. We have found another useful application for this miraculous product - its majesty honey!
8. Green beans - delicious, healthy, wonderful for healthy vegan dishes. It contains substances that promote the production of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora. In addition to its protection, green beans will also reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
9. Apples - thanks to the high content of pectin, apples prevent the development of harmful bacteria in the intestines, by supporting the good health of the intestinal flora.
10. Whole grains - it is no coincidence that if you are on a diet but cannot give up bread, it is recommended to eat whole grains. These foods - barley, millet, wheat, rye, etc., contain a large amount of fiber, which helps the smooth functioning of peristalsis and the good condition of the intestinal flora. Apart from the stomach, whole grain products take care of blood pressure regulation, lower bad cholesterol and control the release of insulin in the blood.
