Photo by Farmhouse Culture Smoked Jalapeno
What are Probiotics?
We ALL have bacteria in our bodies and we need a good bit of this bacteria because it lines our digestive tract, helps our body absorb nutrients and fight infection. When we absorb nutrients, we are helping strengthen our body! This is another reason processed foods are out. We do not get nutrients from this junk. But the good stuff helps our bodies process the foods we eat way better, aiding in digestion. If I go more than a couple of days without some form of probiotics, I can really tell a difference. It is part of my regular routine and I love it!
Dr. Josh Axe tells us a few amazing things that these probiotics do for us:
- Produces vitamin B-12, butyrate and vitamin K2
- Crowds out bad bacteria, yeast, and fungi
- Creates enzymes that destroy harmful bacteria
- Stimulates secretion of IgA and regulatory T Cells
Dr. Axe goes on to tell us the top 7 probiotic killers which include:
- Prescription Antibiotics: I do not take these unless under severe circumstances. Why? It kills the good stuff! I want the good stuff. Instead, I will add 2 drops of pure oregano oil and 3-4 drops lemon oil to a glass of water and down the hatch it goes. I do this prior to travel or any indication that my immune system could be compromised. I sometimes simply rub this concoction mixed with a bit of fractionated coconut oil right on my neck before going to bed.
- Sugar: This is the big talk now. If you haven’t cut the sugar, make a commitment to cut half of it…something. You have to do this. Stop drinking sodas (Pelligrino and the like is fine); I’m talking about cokes- regular or diet. None. Stop. Zilch.
- Tap Water: This one is tough, even for me, because I can find myself out for a run and needing to drink from the city fountain! I do the best I can to drink bottled water from a glass. I am in the process of getting a Berkey for my kitchen counter. More on this research soon.
- GMO Foods: If they are genetically modifying our foods it probably is not in a good way! It is likely being done to make big money for someone and will negatively affect your health. Stay away.
- Grains: Breads and pastas, etc are another form of sugar (hence, the “carb up” phrase you may hear before someone is going to do a marathon); the added disadvantage of gluten for many is enough to leave this one alone or least do some experimenting to see how you feel when you leave it off of your plate.
- Emotional Stress: This affects so many things and can be tough. Find ways to deal with your stress: a walk, calling a friend, yoga, deep breaths and even a glass of water can help. Also, lavender oil is amazing for this. I diffuse it regularly and rub it on my skin. I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this precious oil and many others!
- Chemicals and medications: Any chemicals or foreign things you put in your body will cause your body to react because it wants to protect you. The problem is, it can react in the wrong way. When the body receives something that it does not recognize as good, it can attack and cause a lot of inflammation and even serious health issues that can take years to repair.
Where can you get probiotics?
My favorite sources are straight from my food. I do not take supplements but rather I eat what I need. I have kombucha (GTs Ginger is my favorite) at least every other day. I enjoy sauerkraut; pictured here is a new find that I love: Farmhouse Culture Smoked Jalapeno and will have this several times a week (I slip it into a spicy avocado hummus wrap, toss it on top of my salad…), and perfect for the afternoon or after dinner is a lemon ginger tea with probiotics. Dr. Axe has other ideas that may work well and he even has it as a supplement if that is the best method for you. Consistency is important.
Try incorporating this into your lifestyle daily and you will notice a difference.
