HOW THE FOOD YOU EAT AFFECTS YOUR GUT

 It has become evident through research that the microbiota that humans carry have a significant impact on human health,” Lee Jones, founder and CEO of Rebiotix 

According to The Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health at the University of Washington (paraphrased)...

• Humans are mostly microbes, over 100 trillion of them.
• Microbes outnumber our human cells ten to one.
  • The majority live in our gut, particularly in the large intestine.
• The bacteria in the microbiome help... 
  • digest our food
  • regulate our immune system
  • protect against other bacteria that cause disease
  • produce vitamins including B vitamins B12, thiamine and riboflavin, and Vitamin K, which is needed for blood coagulation
• The microbiome was not generally recognized to exist until the late 1990's.

We think these are pretty good reasons to pay attention to whether or not your gut is happy. We think you'll agree, especially after you learn some of the things that we already know. 

Great educational videos to learn why the microbiome is so vitally important to our health:

• Microbiome Basics
• Microbiome Top TED Talks
• Microbiome - Deep Dive
• Microbiome - Interesting Tidbits
• Your Gut Microbiome - The most important Organ you've never heard of

• What is the Microbiome - U of Washington
• Diet and Microbiome
• Former advertising executive reveals junk food-pushing tactics
• Food vs. Medicine Spending
• 5 Best Fermented Foods
• Intermittent Fasting

Water is an essential function of digestion.  Drinking before and after a meal helps break down the food for faster and easier absorption. 

Gas can be a common side effect of your bodies lack of ability to digest food completely.  If you struggle with gas or bloating after eating leafy greens, vegetables and beans we suggest a simple OTC Beano or Alpha-Galactosidase (A-Gal) enzyme.  This enzyme aids in breaking down the sugars in these plants and will significantly reduce gas.  It's safe to take daily.

If you're experiencing loose stools add in fiber rich foods or even an OTC fiber additive (Metamucil).  Hard stools - drink more water along with adding fiber.