By now, you’ve surely heard that many human health ailments begin in the digestive tract. They can stem from digestive issues, and they can become more inflamed due to digestive inflammation. But, there is good news. The digestive tract, which holds the majority of the body’s immune components, can also fight these ailments if it’s healthy. In fact, you can fortify your digestive tract to fight better each day by taking probiotics.

The Issue with Taking Probiotics

Ready to start taking probiotics?

Not so fast.

There are also major issues with many probiotics supplements. In fact, some probiotics do not live through digestion, do not remain viable in the small intestine, do not adhere to the mucosa, and do not become an established working part of the native microbiota. They often contain few strains that have been proven to help human health. 

What a waste of time and money!

It’s vital to know which probiotic strains actually help human health, and which formulations work best to deliver the probiotics into the gut while they are still viable.

Amazing Probiotic Strains for Human Health

Again, not all strains of probiotic bacteria are equal. Some bacteria strains can cause damage, some are  neutral, and some are amazing allies to digestive health and whole body health.

A few great probiotic strains you’ve maybe never heard of include:

Bacillus Coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a hardy, spore-forming bacterium that produces lactic acid. Its protective spore coat helps it survive stomach acid on the way to your intestines, and it is found in some fermented foods and in many probiotic supplements. 

Lactobacillus Plantarum (N13)

Another amazing and effective probiotic strain is Lactobacillus plantarum. It is a widespread species of lactic acid bacteria, and it is commonly found in fermented plant products such as sauerkraut, pickles, brined olives, and Korean kimchi.

Specifically, L. plantarum is an antioxidant probiotic that fights cell overgrowth, inflammatory responses, fat gain, and unhealthy glucose levels (6).

What’s more, L. plantarum is able to produce B-group vitamins including riboflavin and folate in the human body (7). It also supports digestion by increasing absorption of minerals including iron and calcium (8, 9, 10). Lastly, L. plantarum has been found to improve diarrhea, including traveler’s diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (11, 12).

But L. plantarum doesn’t stop there. It can actually affect skin health and aging skin. In clinical trials, L. plantarum significantly increased the skin water content in the face and hands, and participants experienced a significant reduction in wrinkle depth and appearance in 12 weeks.  What’s more, skin elasticity in the probiotic participants improved by 13.17% after 4 weeks and by 21.73% after 12 weeks (13). How?

When taken as a probiotic, L. plantarum improves skin hydration, has anti-photoaging (sun) effects, and inhibits the degradation of collagen in human skin (14, 15, 16). Lastly, it improves skin appearance by alleviating symptoms of skin inflammation in humans (17).

As if that wasn’t enough, many studies show that L. plantarum supports healthy cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and blood sugars. In one study, supplementation with it reduced total cholesterol by 13.6% after 12 weeks (18)!

Bifidobacterium Breve (BBr60)

Bifidobacterium breve is a beneficial bacteria found in human breast milk and the gastrointestinal tracts of infant and adult humans. As an individual ages, however, the total population of B. breve in their gut decreases (19).

When taken as a supplement, B. breve can affect skin health by increasing skin hydration (20, 21) and reducing the appearance of skin damage from UV exposure (22, 23, 24).

Next, B. breve may reduce eczema symptoms, skin inflammation (25), and allergic rhinitis by reducing the inflammatory response to allergens (26).

Then, B. breve supports digestive health by promoting the viability of Bifidobacteria and the formation of normal intestinal flora, reducing severity of diarrhea, and alleviating abdominal pain and constipation, as shown in human and animal studies (27, 28, 29).

Bifidobacterium Lactis 

Bifidobacterium Lactis is another probiotic found in the large intestine of humans and other mammals. This one’s likely on your radar; in fact, Bifidobacterium Lactis is one of the world’s most documented probiotics.

B. lactis is extremely versatile and beneficial. In fact, it supports:

• Gut mucosa health
• Reduced pathogens
• Intestinal barrier function
• Immune function

Researchers have found that B. Lactis can decrease gastrointestinal discomfort (30), improve oral health(31), support healthy weights (32), decrease antibiotic-related diarrhea (33), and improve immune response (34).

More to Consider When Taking Probiotics

Now you know. There’s more to it than just picking up a generic probiotic supplement at your grocer. Some strains really promote human health.

What’s more, some probiotics formulations go beyond the strains of bacteria. They:

• Have been extensively studied to remain viable, incorporate into the microbiota, proliferate, and impact health in humans.
• Functionally improve the structure, communication, and health of gut cells.
• Support brain health by reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy brain-gut axis communication and interaction.
• Thrive in the intestines partly because they also contain prebiotic fiber such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS).
• Fight pathogens from spoiled foods, viruses and bacteria to promote year-round health. 

How to Take Probiotics the Right Way

Even the best probiotic only works if you take it well. Here is what I recommend:

• Take it with or just before a meal. In a model of the human digestive tract, probiotic bacteria survived best when taken with a meal or up to 30 minutes before a meal containing some fat.
• Be consistent. Most probiotic strains do not set up permanent residence, so daily use matters.
• Feed the good bacteria. Prebiotic fiber from vegetables, flaxseed, and a fiber supplement such as Fiber Zone helps beneficial bacteria thrive.
• Space it from antibiotics. Take your probiotic at least two hours apart from each antibiotic dose.
• Store it as directed. Heat and moisture can reduce the number of live bacteria, so check the label and the expiration date.
• Check with your doctor first if you are critically ill, have a severely weakened immune system, or have a central IV line.

Watch: Dr. Colbert on Healing Your Gut Lining

In this episode, Mary and I talk about the everyday things that damage your gut lining, from antibiotics and NSAIDs to processed carbs, the gut tests I use with patients, and my own daily gut repair routine, including the probiotic I take each morning.

Ready to Start Taking Probiotics?

As with all Divine Health supplements, Dr. Colbert has gone through the painstaking process of developing a probiotic supplement he believes will help people the most. It contains each of these bacteria strains and is formulated to survive digestion and support health throughout the body.

Now, you can try it for yourself and buy Divine Health Biotics! 

If you are looking to support your gut health, skin health, brain health, and heart health, this is a great option for you.

Bottom Line

Don’t waste your time and money. If you are already taking probiotics, make sure they are up to par. If you are looking for one, check out Divine Health Biotics. It can make a huge difference in your health, from your gut to your brain to everywhere else, starting today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to take a probiotic?

Consistency matters most, but research using a model of the human digestive tract found that probiotic bacteria survived best when taken with a meal or up to 30 minutes before a meal that contains some fat. Many people simply take theirs with breakfast. Follow the directions on your product label.

How long does it take for probiotics to work?

Some people notice less bloating or more regular bowel movements within a few days to two weeks. Benefits for skin, cholesterol, or immune health were measured in studies over 8 to 12 weeks. Give a quality probiotic at least a month of daily use before judging it.

Can probiotics cause gas or bloating at first?

Yes. Mild gas or bloating in the first week or two is common as your gut bacteria adjust, especially with formulas that include prebiotic fiber. Starting with a lower dose and taking it with food usually helps. If symptoms are severe or do not settle, stop and talk with your doctor.

Should I take probiotics while on antibiotics?

Probiotics may help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Take your probiotic at least two hours apart from each antibiotic dose and continue it for a few weeks after the antibiotic course ends. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Who should avoid probiotics?

Probiotics are safe for most healthy people. People who are critically ill, have a severely weakened immune system, have a central IV line, or are recovering from major surgery should talk with their doctor before taking them, because rare but serious infections have been reported in these groups. Premature infants should only receive probiotics under medical supervision.

References

1. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
2. Mandel DR, Eichas K, Holmes J. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010.
3. Lee DE, et al. Clinical Evidence of Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2015.
4. Tompkins TA, Mainville I, Arcand Y. The impact of meals on a probiotic during transit through a model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract. Benef Microbes. 2011.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before changing your diet, starting a supplement, or changing any medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Taking Probiotics? Read This First appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

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In fact, the health of your digestive microbiota (bacteria in your digestive tract) affects literally every other part of your body. Brain health. Metabolism and weight management. Immune health. Heart health. Blood sugars. Skin health.

Although it may seem far-reaching, this area of medical research is changing the way we think about foods, bacteria, and human health. Here’s how improving digestive health improves your whole body, and how you can start today.

Improve Digestive Health to Improve Whole Body Health – 7 Ways 

1. Energy Metabolism and Weight

Amazingingly, the gut microbiota (healthy bacteria) contributes not only to how your body digests nutrients, but how it metabolizes, uses, and burns them. In fact, studies have found that altered gut microbiota has been associated with unhealthy weights and metabolic issues related to them (1).

In fact, one study concluded that the use of a probiotic alone or together with a prebiotic influenced body fat mass in healthy adults with high weight (2). 

Another study followed to see if changes in the gut microbiota due to probiotic supplementation improved gut barrier function, metabolism, and obesity-related markers. The researchers found positive correlation in this study (3).

When you improve digestive health, you encourage better metabolism!

2. Blood Sugars 

The gut microbiota affects tissue physiology, metabolism, and function of both the immune and nervous systems. We found that intrinsic 

Altered blood sugars have a huge impact on individual health as well as our health as a society. Can a healthy digestive system help?

Amazingly, our digestive tracts have their own “nervous system.” It is outside the central nervous system, and affects the health of systems throughout the body (4, 5).

In animal studies, scientists investigated how changes in digestive nervous system cells (enteric-associated neurons) in the lower digestive tract affected glucose metabolism. Specifically, they looked at changes in the microbiota associated with the cells.  They found that microbiota depletion led to loss of the neuron cells and impaired glucose regulation (6). 

While more research is needed, this leads us to believe impaired microbiota hurts glucose metabolism and blood sugars. This has implications for the metabolism, weight, and blood sugar issues that plague more than 50% of American adults.

Improve digestive health and support glucose metabolism and healthy blood sugars!

3. Immune Health 

Before the industrial revolution, humans consumed natural, wild, and pre-agricultural foods.  Since then, Western societies have relied on semi-processed and ultra-processed foods as the primary source of nutrition. This change has had a huge impact on the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and gut health. In fact, The industrialized Western diet and changes in gut microbiota has been shown to have negatively impacted human digestive physiology and immune health (7).

How? 

It’s estimated that 80% of your immune system “lives” in your gut. These immune components form the gut mucosal immune system, and consist of lymph nodes, lamina propria, epithelial cells. They make up a protective barrier for the integrity of the intestinal tract. 

Studies have found that depressed gut microbiota causes a significant immune system deficiency. On the other hand, healthy, viable microbiota play a vital role in the development and maintenance of a health gut immune system (8). 

How can you bolster your immune system? Focus on your gut. When you improve digestive health, you support your immune system!

4. Brain Health

The degradation of immune health that has followed poor digestive health doesn’t stop with immunity. Impaired immune responses in turn cause exaggerated neuroinflammation. This means inflammation of neurons in the brain.

Neuroinflammation, unfortunately, is linked with brain impairment and dysfunction. In fact, many experts implicate the modern Western diet in the development of many health and brain issues including memory impairments, neurodegenerative issues, and depressed moods. 

This propagation of these brain and health impairments are amplified with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and excessive energy intake (9). There is growing evidence that this relationship may be more than just coincidental. In fact, researchers have found that the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut is vital for maintaining homeostasis and regulation of the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). This communication system between the gut-brain and the brain is called the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (10).

This means the health of each nervous system is dependent on the other. When you improve digestive health, you support healthy brain function.

5. Heart Health

Take note, cardiovascular illness is still the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. In fact, it is responsible for approximately ⅓ of deaths in the United States and ¼ of the deaths in Europe (11). What’s more, we’re experiencing a steady increase in many risk factors for poor heart health, including blood sugar impairments, metabolic issues, and unhealthy weights (12).

Does the human gut microbiota affect heart health?

Microbial sequencing analysis has a lot of information about gut microbiota and heart health issues (13, 14). What’s more, studies also show that changes in gut microbiota affects metabolism, blood sugars, weight, and more (as described above) (15, 16).

When it comes to direct effects on heart health, scientists know that gut microbiota produce numerous metabolites that are absorbed into the circulatory system while biologically active (8, 13). This means that gut bacteria communicates directly with organs through circulatory pathways, enzymes, and more, including the heart (17, 18, 19). 

Want to support heart health? When you improve digestive health, you support the health of your heart!

6. Emotional and Mental Health

The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis doesn’t just affect physical health or physical brain function, it affects emotional and mental health as well. While the gut-brain and enteric neurons don’t seem capable of thought like the brain in our heads, they do communicate with the “big brain” in ways that affect emotions.

According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine report, “The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset.  Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes” (20, 21, 22).

In fact, doctors are reporting that they may have thought of the relationship between digestive issues and anxious or depressed moods backwards for years. In other words, we’ve thought that anxious and depressed moods may trigger digestive issues. Now, studies and anecdotal reports are finding that many people with serious digestive issues develop emotional and mental impairments at a higher-than-normal rate. Since 30-40% of our adult population deal with impaired digestion from time to time, this is a huge issue for mental health (23).

What can be done? First, we can start with healthy digestion. When you improve digestion and gut health, you support your mental health.

7. Skin Health

More and more people seem to be suffering from skin impairments, from eczema to psoriasis. Could our modern, processed diets and the resulting damage to the microbiota and immune system be one cause? 

Scientists are now studying the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on skin health. These studies include both topical and ingested formulations. 

Here’s what they are finding: Ingested and topical probiotics improve skin and gut microbiota. The skin ecosystem is a complex environment covered with many strains of bacteria. Some are beneficial, some are essentially neutral, and others are harmful or at least potentially harmful. Scientists have found pre- and probiotics can optimize, maintain and restore the microbiota of the skin in different ways. Topical formulations have a direct effect on the skin by enhancing the natural defenses of skin. Ingested probiotics have a positive effect on skin by supporting the immune system and reducing inflammatory responses systemically (throughout the body) (23).

Ready for healthier skin? When you improve digestive health, you support skin health!

How Can You Support Digestive Health?

• Start with a great probiotic supplement. Dr. Colbert formulated his Dr. Colbert Beyond Biotics™ with 12 billion healthy probiotic bacteria units that have been proven to encourage optimal digestive health in just 4 weeks! In fact, Beyond Biotics™ contains 3 clinically studied and tested probiotic strains consisting of 12 billion bacteria, supporting the immune response and natural defenses. If you want to encourage great health in all the systems listed above, this is where to start.
• Next, begin Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone Plan. It will teach you, step-by-step, how to improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to prioritize your gut health. It can make all the difference to your whole body.
• Continue a Healthy Lifestyle with Beyond Keto! Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto program combines Keto Zone and Mediterranean foods to support gut health! In fact, studies have found the Mediterranean diet specifically improves gut microbiota and its associated metabolism functions (24). Get started with Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto today and supports digestive and whole-body health!

Bottom Line

It should be obvious. When you improve digestion, you positively affect every other system in your body. It could not be more important. If you need one health aspect to focus on, start here. Make your digestive health a priority today, and support the health of your entire body.

The post Improve Digestive Health for the Sake of 7 Other Systems appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Did you know there’s one system in your body that’s responsible for the health of all other systems? Sure, if your nervous system or cardiovascular system fails, the whole body fails. However, there’s one system that functions to maintain the health of all other crucial organs. This one system is the digestive system. Your digestive health is paramount to your entire body’s health, and specifically your brain’s health.

Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 60-70 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive issues each year (1). Some are severe. Some are more minor. All impede everyday life to some extent and affect every other system in the body.

It’s for this reason that Dr. Colbert has created an amazing system to help you care for your digestive health: Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. This complete kit includes the best probiotics available, a two-fiber supplement powder for complete digestive health, and Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone book.

With the Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll learn how digestive health affects your entire body and what you can do to keep yours in top-notch shape!

Digestive Health, Brain Health & Beyond

Amazingly, your digestive health has direct implications for your brain health. In fact, it’s now known that:

• Gut inflammation promotes brain inflammation and declining function
• An unhealthy digestive tract promotes illness in other parts of the body
• Healing your gut can reduce brain fog, increase alertness, support youthful memory, and energize the body and brain
• Immune function is dependent on a healthy digestive tract

Healthy digestion is first responsible for nourishing your body, from your hair to your toes. What’s more, there is an incredible gut-brain connection that impacts your brain health directly. In fact, your digestive tract is home to 75% of your immune system. The health of your brain depends on strong immunity and a healthy gut-brain connection!

Are you convinced? Ready to take care of your digestive health above all else? Here are 5 steps you can take today to optimize digestive health and therefore, whole-body health with Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System.

5 Steps to Optimal Digestive Health

1. Take Care of the Good Bacteria

Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you.

It’s time to start helping them. How?

It’s simple, really. The first thing to do is to replenish and fortify your healthy bacteria with probiotic supplements and foods.

Within Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll receive Dr. Colbert’s Zone Biotics. Zone Biotics is a probiotic supplement that contains live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill form. It is specifically beneficial to modern-day humans since we have many food-supply, environmental, and chemical compounds that harm our digestive tracts and bacteria.

Both anecdotal reports and studies show that probiotics help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (2). What’s more, they can affect other health issues within the body as they improve digestion comfort, nutrient absorption and microbiota (3, 4, 5).

In addition, Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book emphasizes healthy foods you can consume to fortify your digestive tract’s healthy bacteria. These include Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood, plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and more.

Don’t leave your healthy bacteria to fend for themselves. Fortify them with probiotics each day.

2. Fortify Your Digestive Tract with Fiber

Next, you can fortify your digestive tract with fiber. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone^® Fiber Zone is included in the Healthy Gut Zone System.

Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone^® Fiber Zone is a delicious fiber powder specially formulated using 2 of the most powerful, important fibers available. 

First, it contains psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is made of both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibers (30%).  This means twice the benefits. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding and fortifying healthy gut bacteria. Its insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, providing bulk and softness to stools. This encourages digestive health, reduced inflammation, and a healthy gut-brain connection (6).

Next, Fiber Zone contains inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber. Like psyllium, it feeds the healthy bacteria and cells in our digestive tracts, making them stronger and healthier (7). 

Together, these fibers work to reduce hunger cravings, support healthy digestion, encourage optimal weight, support bone health and optimize the gut-brain connection (8).

In addition, following Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book, eat healthy high fiber and prebiotic foods. These include berries, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, greens, onions, garlic, leeks, cacao, flaxseeds, hemp heart seeds, nuts, and more.

3. Nourish with Collagen

Collagen is another great food for your digestive health!

In fact, collagen supports healthy digestion, joint health, vibrant skin, healthy weight, and more!

In particular, those who suffer from leaky gut syndrome can find relief by adding collagen to their diets. With this digestive issue, toxins, allergens and large particles are able to pass from your gut into your bloodstream, causing negative reactions. Collagen can help fortify connective tissue in the protective lining of the digestive tract. It heals it and helps it seal out the offending particles. Further, it supports better digestive health in those who suffer from inflammatory digestive issues, acid reflux, and more (9).

Keto Zone^® Collagen Powder is a great source of collagen. It is enzymatically hydrolyzed, or predigested, for effortless digestion and full absorption into the body. It is derived from chicken and marine peptides, and contains Types I, II, and III collagen. This combination of collagen supports the formation of elastin in the body, which is critical in fighting against wrinkles and sagging skin. 

4. Avoid Harmful Substances

Did you know some substances you consume actually harm digestive health? Some foods, drinks, and environmental contaminants harm or destroy digestive cells, healthy bacteria, and more. These include:

• Sugar: Sugar can harm the digestive tract in a few ways. First, it promotes the growth of harmful Candida albicans which can lead to leaky gut and other digestive issues (10). Next, in animal studies, high-sugar diets increased gut permeability, degraded healthy gut barriers, increased spleen weight, and increased the inflammatory immune response (11).
• Man-Made Artificial Sweeteners: Chemical artificial sweeteners have been widely used in “diet foods.” Unfortunately, they can have negative effects on gut bacteria.   Animal and human studies have shown that aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners can impair gut bacteria (12) allowing other microbes to take over (13). If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: xylitol is safe and does not seem to affect gut bacteria (13).
• Antibiotics: In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Doctors have been urged to prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades. The overuse of antibiotics has been shown to 1) hurt the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (14).
• Alcohol: Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort. When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them (15).
• Nicotine: Nicotine is harmful to digestive health. It has been associated with excess reflux, peptic ulcers, and a decrease in colon strength. What’s more, smokers experience higher Helicobacter pylori infections (16).

While you use the tools in Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you will learn to also avoid these compounds that harm your digestive system.

5. Be Active, Hydrate, and Reduce Stress

Your lifestyle choices make a difference in the health of your digestive system.

First, exercise can improve digestion. Movement and gravity help food naturally move through your intestines. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle actually harms the digestive system. Sitting for long stretches slows the natural movement of food through your intestines, which makes healthy digestion more difficult. Make sure to get up frequently and include physical activity each day to support healthy digestion.

Next, healthy digestion depends on the presence of fluids. Water helps break down food, lubricates the digestive tract, reduces constipation, and keeps your cells healthy. Make sure to drink water throughout each day.

Lastly, chronic stress can have a negative effect on digestion. In fact, chronic stress can decrease the blood flow to the intestines, slow nutrient absorption, and even change how the bacteria in your gut function. One way to reduce stress? In addition to daily de-stress strategies, make sure you stay hydrated! Dehydration is linked to elevated cortisol levels.

Watch: Leaky Gut Symptoms and How to Heal Your Gut Naturally

In this episode, Mary and I explain what causes leaky gut, from antibiotics and NSAIDs to processed carbs, the gut tests I use with patients, and the daily routine I follow to support a healthy gut lining.

Bottom Line

You can improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to help the millions of Americans that suffer from digestive issues. Try Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System now and enjoy better digestion!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Healthy Gut Zone System?

The system brings together three tools: Zone Biotics, a daily probiotic; Fiber Zone, a fiber powder made with psyllium husk and inulin; and my book, The Healthy Gut Zone, which explains the foods, habits, and lifestyle steps that support a healthy digestive tract.

What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?

Common signs include bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort after meals. Many people also notice fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups, or new food sensitivities. See your doctor promptly for blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain.

How long does it take to improve gut health?

Many people notice changes in their digestion within a few weeks of eating more fiber, adding fermented foods, and cutting back on sugar. Rebuilding a healthy microbiome and gut lining usually takes several months of consistent habits, so think of it as a lifestyle rather than a quick fix.

Should I take probiotics and fiber together?

Yes, they work well as a team. Probiotics add beneficial bacteria, and prebiotic fibers like psyllium and inulin feed those bacteria so they can thrive. Start with a small amount of fiber, increase slowly, and drink plenty of water to avoid gas and bloating.

Do artificial sweeteners hurt your gut?

They may. In a well-known 2014 study published in Nature, artificial sweeteners such as saccharin changed the gut bacteria of mice and some people in ways that worsened blood sugar control. I recommend natural options like stevia, monk fruit, or xylitol instead.

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States.
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety.
3. Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013.
4. Suez J, et al. Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Nature. 2014.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before changing your diet, starting a supplement, or changing any medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The post Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Is it really that surprising?

Our digestive tracts have a really big job, every day.  They never get a break. They are one of the only organs bombarded daily with external substances. 

In fact, they are in the initial filter by which most of our body interacts with outside substances. Like the lungs, they come in direct contact with both healthy and unhealthy substances from our environment. Think about the filters in your home or vehicles. They get dirty, beat up, and torn down. The same can happen to your digestive tract if not properly cared for. 

The digestive tract is also really large. It includes about 7 digestion organs (the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (aka colon), rectum, and anus) and 4 digestion accessory organs (the salivary glands, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver) (2). The tract itself covers a surface area of about 400-500 square feet (3). Interestingly, this number has been reduced from an estimate of 2500-3000 square feet to 400-500 in just the last 10 years after new evidence emerged that it is smaller than previously thought.

In other words, there’s a lot to this system of organs, it does a lot of work every day, and a lot can go wrong.

How can you improve digestion today? Here are 3 tricks to get started. 

Trick #1 to Improve Digestion: Use Your Brain

Amazingly, there is a strong brain-gut connection. In fact, as digestive health falters or becomes inflamed, the brain experiences inflammation. This may look like brain fog, memory loss, fatigue, and even invite neurodegenerative issues. In fact, a recent study published in Scientific Reports showed a link between gut bacteria and dementia (4).

On the flip side, as brain health falters, the digestive tract is affected and often impaired. Stress, for example, can ignite a series of digestive issues from ulcers to diarrhea to nausea. Why do we “feel things in our guts?” It’s the brain-gut connection. 

To improve digestion, then, do everything you can to support brain health. Try to:

• Reduce stress as much as possible through activity reduction, journaling, praying, etc.
• Incorporate laughter into your everyday schedule
• Get 7-10 hours of good-quality sleep every night
• Eat brain-healthy,  anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3s from seafood, spices, and supplements each day
• Hydrate well
• Incorporate fasting into your diet

To learn more ways to support brain health, see our 11 Top Tips.

Trick #2: Eliminate and Fortify with Nutrition

Simply put, some foods and nutrients damage your gut. Some fortify it. The more we damage our guts, the more digestive issues arise, and more and more foods become intolerable to it. 

In some cases, food simply does not “set well” in our guts. In other cases, the food or nutrient actually hurt. This can lead to inflammation and a cascade of digestive issues.  

On the other hand, there are many foods that fortify both the healthy bacteria and cells in our guts. Most of these foods contain soluble fibers (prebiotics) and healthy bacteria (probiotics). 

To improve digestion, eliminate or reduce:

• Inflammatory carbohydrates such as sugars and white flours (consider the Keto Zone Diet)
• Sugary drinks
• Gluten, if not tolerated (in some people, gluten actually harms and flattens the tissues in the digestive tract responsible for nutrient absorption)
• Processed foods, especially those with inflammatory fats like soybean oil
• Alcohol
• Foods and medications with antibiotics (when not indicated)

To improve digestion incorporate:

• Fermented foods such as plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, fermented vegetable powders like Greens Supremefoods©, and living foods like chia seeds
• Vegetables and plant foods that provide prebiotics and polyphenols and living vitamins
• Plant-based protein powders
• Nuts like walnuts, which support healthy gut bacteria, every day (5)
• A daily probiotic supplement such as Zone Biotics Probiotic

To learn more, read our post on the health benefits of fiber and tips to improve gut bacteria.

Improve Digestion Trick #3: Slow Down and Look Up 

Are you a victim of the rush, rush, rush mentality? Are you overscheduled and burnt out? Do you have little time to cook at home and focus on foods that improve digestion? If so, your busy lifestyle is likely hurting your digestion.

If you can find ways to slow down, you’ll have time to really utilize tricks #1 and #2 to improve digestion and brain health. It’s challenging to slow down in the midst of many demands, but it’s incredibly important.

What can you do to simplify your life and leave the hustle and bustle of the modern stressed-out schedule? How can you make more foods at home (even simple foods such as grilled chicken or an easy slow cooker meal)?

Can you clear your schedule and allow for more downtime? Non-activity time? Time outside in nature or in a garden?

How can you incorporate daily gratitude, optimism, and prayer within your family?

Even if you can only think of one thing you can do to slow down and look up within nutrition and pace of life, you can improve digestion and brain health! Take a few moments to jot down ways you can do so today.

Get the Best Plan to Improve Digestion

If you are ready to really improve digestion and overall health, it’s time to get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book or the Healthy Gut Zone Starter Kit (includes the Healthy Gut Zone book, Fiber Zone supplement, and Zone Biotics Probiotic) today. You’ll find a clear plan that supports digestion, improved overall health, and additional protection for your brain.  What’s more, Dr. Colbert’s fiber and probiotic supplements utilize the best fibers and bacteria strains that support optimal gut health. 

Bottom Line

The digestive tract is amazing. It takes substances outside our bodies and breaks them down for energy, fuel, and nutrients within our entire bodies. It is strongly linked to our brains, and every other system depends on it. 

You can support digestion and overall health, starting today, with these 3 tricks. What’s more, a great digestion health plan is only a click away! Get your Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book or the Healthy Gut Zone Starter Kit. Learn how to support digestive health in every area of your life, from stress to lifestyle to sleep to nutrition. The entirety of your health depends on your gut. Get started today!

The post 3 Tricks to Improve Digestion Today appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

And, you can certainly get enough on Keto Zone if you’re aware of good sources.

For example, inulin and psyllium husk are two great sources. Here’s what they are, how they are different, great sources, and the health benefits of fiber.

What is Inulin?

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber, meaning it feeds the healthy bacteria and cells in our digestive tracts.

Healthy bacteria, whether already in the gut or consumed via foods or probiotic supplements, need a food source to proliferate.

In nature, inulin is found in many plants, like chicory root. Inulin is made up of fructose molecules linked by bonds human digestive tracts can’t break down and digest.

In this way, it’s not a nutritive carbohydrate or calorie. Instead, inulin is consumed by healthy bacteria and converted into a short-chain fatty acid that further nourishes colon cells (1).

Our Keto Zone Shake and MCT Oil Powder both contain inulin powder to aid in healthy digestion.

What is Psyllium Husk?

Psyllium husk is made of both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibers (30%).  This means twice the benefits.

Similar to inulin, the soluble fiber acts as a prebiotic, to feed and fortify healthy gut bacteria.

The insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, mostly intact. It provides bulk and softness to stools, subtle laxative effects, and can improve digestive health, in addition to other benefits of fiber.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Fiber on Keto Zone (Inulin & Psyllium Husk)

1. Promotes Weight Loss and Curbs Appetite

For those looking to lose weight, inulin and psyllium husk are great choices. Multiple studies show that it can reduce intake and promote weight loss (2, 3).

In fact, in one study, the inulin fiber group lost 2 pounds while the control group gained one. While consuming 21 grams of inulin per day, the inulin group experienced lower hunger-hormone levels and increased fullness (4).

2. Optimal Blood Sugars and Improved Diabetes Control

For those with diabetes and prediabetes, several studies on inulin and psyllium husk suggest it may help optimize blood sugars (5, 6, 7, 8).

How?

First, as a fiber, it slows digestion to reduce blood sugar spikes.

Second, it has been shown to actually decrease fat in the livers of people with prediabetes (9). Reducing liver fat can reduce insulin resistance and may help reverse diabetes (10).

What’s more, another study showed that 10 grams of High-Performance inulin per day reduced fasting blood by an average of 8.5% and hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1C) by an average of 10.5% (11).

3. Improves Probiotic Colon Health

Healthy gut bacteria are at the center of overall health.

Both inulin and psyllium husk stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. When these bacteria proliferate, yeast overgrowth is inhibited, digestion improves, and the immune function benefits (12, 13).

4. Reduces Constipation

Inulin and psyllium husk also decrease constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestion issues.

Inulin relieves constipation with soluble fibers; Psyllium does so with both soluble and insoluble fibers.

For example, one 4-week study found that 15 grams of inulin per day improved constipation in older adults (14).

Psyllium husk softens stools and increases stool bulk to reduce constipation and hemorrhoids.

5. Inulin Replaces High-Carbohydrate Thickeners

Inulin improves the texture of manufactured foods.

You can use it in home cooking as well. Use inulin powder in Keto Zone recipes to thicken sauces, soups, condiments and more. Stir it into a warm liquid and continue stirring until slightly thickened.

6. Improves Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels

Psyllium husk and inulin are proven cholesterol reducer.

One study concluded that 6 weeks of psyllium intake resulted in lower cholesterol in obese and overweight participants (15).

What’s more, another study confirmed that 5 grams of psyllium three times daily for six weeks reduced triglycerides by 26%, compared to the placebo (16).

7. Supports Bone Health

Bone health depends on the efficient absorption of minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

Lab studies have found inulin improves the absorption of both, resulting in improved bone density (17, 18).

What’s more, studies of children (ages 9-13) have shown better calcium absorption and bone mineralization when taking inulin (19, 20).

8. Reduces Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that psyllium husk can reduce blood pressure.

In fact, one study showed a diet with an additional 12 grams of fiber from psyllium reduced systolic blood pressure by 5.9 mm mercury in 36 participants with high blood pressure (21).

9. May Reduce Incidence of Colon Cancer

Studies have supported inulin as an anti-colon cancer agent.

A review of 12 animal studies found that 88% of the groups given inulin saw a reduction in precancerous colon growths (22).

In terms of human studies, one promising experiment showed that inulin caused the colon environment to be less favorable for cancer cells (23).

10. Reduces Diarrhea and Loose Stools

Since these fibers promote stools and reduce constipation, it’s a wonder they can also improve diarrhea. Digestion is about “balance.” With the right amount of fiber, you should experience regularity without constipation or diarrhea.

How does it work?

The fibers absorb water, thereby reducing diarrhea and increasing stool softness and bulk (24, 25).

Are Inulin and Psyllium Husk Safe?

The safety of inulin and psyllium husk has been studied extensively.

For most people, it’s completely safe.

For those who have experienced small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, there may be side effects. Also rarely, those allergic to ragweed may experience worsening symptoms from inulin (26).

Overall, they are both extremely safe and beneficial in reasonable doses.

Get More Fiber with Fiber Zone

If you don’t get enough fiber on a regular basis, there’s a Keto Zone product to help. Try Fiber Zone. It’s formulated with psyllium husk and inulin and will support health, as described above, in an easy-to-take powdered supplement.

Bottom Line

There are many health benefits of fiber. Both inulin and psyllium husk can improve health from digestion to heart health to bones to blood sugars. If you’ve eliminated many carbohydrate sources from your diet, you can still get plenty of fiber. Choose whole foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetables, and inulin and psyllium husk as supplements.

The post Getting Enough? 10 Health Benefits of Fiber on Keto Zone appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Causes of Bloating

Although most people consider bloating a rather minor health issue, it can often be a sign of a serious underlying problem in the digestive system. The sensation of bloating is often caused by a buildup of gas in the digestive tract. This gas comes from either air that has been swallowed or from the bacteria in the gut.

Anxiety

Swallowed air is usually a result of anxiety. When the nervous system is in “fight or flight” mode the breathing becomes short and shallow and can lead to excess air being swallowed. In fact, anxiety attacks are frequently accompanied by bouts of burping up of air that has been swallowed due to improper breathing. Effective anxiety reduction techniques include prayer, meditation, nature immersion, and relaxed time spent with loved ones

There are other reasons for swallowed air such as eating too quickly, using straws, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy.

Gut Dysbiosis

The other common cause of air in the digestive tract is from the fermentation of sugars and fiber by the bacteria in the gut. Trillions of bacteria live in our gastrointestinal systems and the collection of these bacteria is referred to as the “microbiome.” Some bacteria are good, some are bad, and some are neutral. The good bacteria help us break down and assimilate our food, modulate our immune systems, and protect our bodies from foreign invaders.

Unfortunately, due to our modern lifestyles, the ratio of bacteria can become imbalanced and the bad bacteria can take over and even migrate to parts of the digestive system they are not meant to be in. This is referred to as “intestinal dysbiosis.”

Bacteria and Bloating

In those with dysbiosis, foods that contain certain types of sugar and fiber will feed the excess bacteria who then produce gas as a byproduct of digestion. The buildup of this gas is often the cause of bloating.

In order to ease the symptoms of bloating it is essential to balance the microbiome. This can be done by eliminating foods that feed the bad bacteria and consuming more good bacteria (probiotics) and food for the good bacteria (prebiotics).

FODMAPs

Sadly, many otherwise healthy vegetables can potentially contribute to bloating in certain extreme cases. This is because vegetables like onions, garlic, and leeks contain specific carbohydrates called FODMAPs. These carbohydrates are readily fermented by bacteria in the bowel and can feed an overgrowth of bad bacteria.

Beat the Bloat!

In order to reduce the incidence of bloating it is important to pay attention to the lifestyle factors that contribute to this phenomenon. There is no one cause of bloating universal to everybody. It is important to listen to your body so you can figure out what foods and factors are major contributors for you. To make it easier for you, here is a list of foods that likely contribute to bloating and foods that will likely help prevent it.

Foods to Avoid

• Sugar
• Difficult to digest grains such as wheat, corn, brown rice, barley, rye, and oats.
• High FODMAP veggies such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower
• Pasteurized dairy

Foods to Add

• Probiotics
• Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, raw yogurt or kefir, kombucha, and Fermented Green Supremefood
• Water rich and low sugar fruit and veggies such as leafy greens, cucumbers, berries, and celery

Feel the Fermented Difference

Dr. Colbert developed Fermented Green Supremefood as an easily digested alternative to conventional greens powders. By fermenting the vegetables before consumption, the chances of bloating are dramatically decreased. The result is a delicious and nutrient dense formula that provides a substantial dose of probiotics!

More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health.

References

1. https://draxe.com/bloated-stomach/
2. http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/788563/bloating-stomach-symptoms-cause-link-to-IBS-diet

The post How You Can Beat the Bloat! appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

But first…

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a result of stomach acid that has made it’s way up into the esophagus. This part of the body is not designed to have contact with the powerful acid of the stomach and prolonged exposure can lead to damage of the tissue of the esophagus.

Interestingly, acid reflux is not always caused by too much stomach acid, but can also result from the body not producing enough stomach acid and/or digestive enzymes.

Poor dietary choices, over eating, quickly eating, or eating in a stressed state can all contribute to acid reflux. These activities can cause an excess of acid production which may then lead to acid finding its way into the esophagus.

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can cause a myriad of symptoms including heartburn, bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Symptoms can be triggered by eating fried foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy food, onions, garlic, citrus, soda, and tomatoes.

The chances are that you or a loved one will be dealing with acid reflux at some point in your life. Many people use antacids or other medications to help alleviate the symptoms but these treatments can often have unwanted side effects and don’t always actually treat the underlying cause of the condition.

So before you pay for expensive and often counterproductive medications first try these 5 easy and natural acid reflux remedies:

Chew Your Food

By eating mindfully and chewing each bite of food at least 30 times, not only is the act of masticating mechanically breaking down the food, but this also allows the enzymes of the saliva to begin to digest your food before swallowing. Plus, this gives the stomach adequate time to gauge the proper amount of acid that needs to be produced. Be sure to eat in a relaxed state without too much distraction. When we are relaxed, the nervous system to comes in to parasympathetic dominance which is considered the “rest and digest” state. This will allow your body to utilize adequate resources for the digestion and assimilation of your meal.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 6-8 oz of filtered or spring water. Drink this mixture 10-30 minutes before your meal to help create an environment in the stomach conducive to healthy digestion and balanced stomach acid production. The vinegar will help curb overproduction of acid or will stimulate acid in the case of underproduction.

Ginger

Ginger root can be used as a delicious appetizer to help prepare your stomach for digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, enzymes, and bile. Take a small slice of ginger root and marinate it in a bit of lime juice. Top it off with a dash of mineral rich celtic, himalayan, or aztec sea salt. The salt contains chloride which will help stimulate production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Allow the ginger to marinate in this mixture for 1-2 hours. Consume the marinated ginger 10 to 30 minutes before your meal for best results.

Probiotics

The balance of bacteria in our digestive tract is critical to the efficiency of our digestion. By adding a small amount of fermented food such a sauerkraut, kimchi, grass-fed yogurt or kefir, raw grass-fed cheese, or kombucha, you introduce a high number of beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and enzymes that help regulate digestion and balance stomach acid production. Additionally, you can supplement probiotics, such as Zone Biotics Probiotic, in a capsule or powder form.

Digestive Enzymes

When the pancreas is not producing adequate digestive enzymes or if the pancreatic ducts are congested and the enzymes can not make their way to the stomach then the food you eat is not broken down entirely and can irritate the stomach causing acid reflux. Raw living foods have naturally occurring enzymes that are wiped out by the cooking of food. To get around this issue you can use a high quality digestive enzyme supplement before meals can help supplement the digestive process allowing your food to digest easier and prevent the overproduction of stomach acid. It is important to only use digestive enzymes intermittently because the goal is to boost your body’s own innate ability to produce enzymes so you are not overly reliant on a supplement.

Digest Like The Best!

These 5 simple tricks can support your body’s balanced production of stomach acid and dramatically reduce the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux.  These all natural and effective remedies produce results without turning to

Dr. Don Colbert has formulated a highly efficacious supplement called Fermented Green Supremefood. This collection of fermented grasses and vegetables comes packed with beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and fiber which all help to regulate digestion and alleviate acid reflux.

References

1. http://articles.mercola.com/home-remedies-heartburn-acid-reflux-ulcer.aspx
2. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/
3. https://draxe.com/acid-reflux-symptoms/
4. http://lifespa.com/cool-your-digestion/#

The post 5 Surprisingly Simple Tricks To Eradicate Acid Reflux appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you.

How can you help them help you?

It’s not hard. If you are intentional about eating real, whole, Keto Zone foods, avoiding substances that deplete them, and resupplying them with probiotics and fermented foods as needed, you can keep these 40 trillion going strong.

Here are 8 tips to improve gut bacteria for better health on Keto Zone.

8 Tips to Improve Gut Bacteria for Better Health on Keto Zone

• Saccharin reducing healthy bacteria growth by 40%
• Sucralose decreasing bacteria by more than 2-fold
• Aspartame increasing the number of harmful bacteria by 10%

If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: erythritol, xylitol, and others is safe, and do not seem to affect gut bacteria (8).

4. New Baby? Breastfeed if You’re Able

At the beginning of human life, an infant’s gut is continually developing microbiota. This bacteria flora is especially high in Bifidobacteria, which is important in the digestion of breast milk (9).

Studies show that infants who are breastfed have more Bifidobacteria than those who are fed formula (10, 11).

This difference may be linked to the lower rates of allergies and other digestion issues associated with breastfed infants (12).

5. Eat Your Polyphenols

Polyphenols are highly-beneficial nutrients found mostly in plant foods. They are often associated with disease prevention, reduced oxidation stress, and reduced inflammation (13).

Somewhat like fibers, many polyphenols cannot be fully digested by humans, and make a great, nourishing meal for gut bacteria (13, 14). They can increase the colonies of good bacteria to help the body fight detrimental strains.

Good sources of Keto Zone polyphenols include:

• Raw cacao
• Green tea
• Almonds
• Onions
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Leafy greens

6. Especially if You Have Digestion Issues, Take a Probiotic Supplement

Probiotic supplements contain live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill or powder form. These supplements are especially beneficial to humans who have digestion issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, frequent loose stools, constipation, and more.

Typically, probiotics supplements don’t provide a permanent cure to digestion issues, nor do they colonize in the gut permanently.

However, both anecdotal reports and studies show they help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (15).

Probiotic supplementation has been under scrutiny after a review found that they had little effect on the gut colonies of healthy people. However, this did not account for the digestion and health improvements we see in those with poor digestion and discomfort (16). There have also been studies that produce mixed results in improving microbiota as well as studies that show benefits (17, 18).

7. Minimize Use and Consumption of Antibiotics

In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals.

Doctors have been urged to only prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades.

Why?

The overuse of antibiotics is 1) hurting the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the prescriptions of antibiotics are decreasing, the number of unnecessary ones is still too high (19).

What’s more, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (20).

Then, the animal should be taken out of the milking schedule, for example, until the antibiotics have cleared its system. By reducing antibiotics in animals consumed by humans, fewer antibiotics can be transferred to the human body, less affect human digestion, and fewer bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

8. Don’t Abuse Alcohol

Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort.

When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them.

Bottom Line

Want to improve gut bacteria for better health? It’s simple!

Do: Eat a variety of fermented foods, eat prebiotics, eat foods high in polyphenols, breastfeed if you’re able, and use probiotic supplements as needed.

Don’t: Consume aspartame or saccharin, over-consume antibiotics, or abuse alcohol.

Your gut bacteria is extremely important for many aspects of health. Luckily,  can improve gut bacteria for better health on Keto Zone.

More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health.

The post 8 Tips to Improve Gut Bacteria for Better Health on Keto Zone appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

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