Hey everyone. Today I will be doing a post of 8 steps to a healthier microbiome. This will be part 1 of 2. Lets get to it...
Step 1: Eat Plant Based Diet with Plenty of Fiber
Fiber in plant foods passes the digestive system until it reaches the colon. Bacteria in the colon then break down the plant polysaccharides through fermentation into short-chain fatty acids, the largest being butyrate. Butyrate is the preferred energy source of cells in the colon and can help prevent colon cancer.
Step 2: Eat Fermented Foods Everyday
Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria that can help fight against bad bacteria in your gut, resulting in healthier balances of good bacteria in the intestines.
Step 3 Consume Prebiotic Rich Foods
Prebiotics are the fuel source for your gut's good bacteria. They are the indigestible fibers found in plant based foods. Excellent sources of prebiotics include onions, garlic, artichokes, green bananas, oatmeal, and cooked and cooled rice and potatoes.
Step 4: Choose Polyphenol Rich Foods
Polyphenols are micro-nutrients found in red wine, green tea, blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and dark chocolate that act as antioxidants. They decrease inflammation and stimulate growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Well there you have it for now. This was part 1. Be sure to be on the lookout for part 2 where I will finish the 8 steps to a healthier microbiome. Thanks for stopping by.