Fiber, leaky gut, good bacteria and bad bacteria...
it all gets confusing and truthfully most people don't really care. The reality is, you do care.
Knowing what is going on in your gut will change your life and prevent a variety of random pains and illnesses. Without a doubt, not understanding your gut will affect you in your lifetime.
The article below is a simple explanation that you won't forget. It is taken from the Veg Appeal Newsletter, who did a great job explaining a complex situation very clearly.
From Veg Appeal Newsletter:
"You may not believe it but our gut microbiome is fascinating! The more we learn, the more in awe we are of what these little bacteria do for our health. The bacteria in our bodies actually outnumber our own cells. The best way to keep these friendly bacteria working properly is to feed them. That's right, what you eat actually feeds other organisms in your body. Unfortunately, when people eat the standard American diet of low-fiber, highly processed and fattening foods, these bacteria perish and actually start eating away at the stomach lining. This can cause "leaky gut" syndrome as toxins and undigested foods creep through the stomach lining and leads to inflammation. Inflammation is a precursor to all kinds of illnesses including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
What's the best foods to feed these little powerhouses you ask? Fiber! Fiber only comes from plant-based foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. All animal products including meat, dairy and eggs are devoid of fiber. The gut bacteria break down fiber and produce short chain fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation."
"You may not believe it but our gut microbiome is fascinating! The more we learn, the more in awe we are of what these little bacteria do for our health. The bacteria in our bodies actually outnumber our own cells. The best way to keep these friendly bacteria working properly is to feed them. That's right, what you eat actually feeds other organisms in your body. Unfortunately, when people eat the standard American diet of low-fiber, highly processed and fattening foods, these bacteria perish and actually start eating away at the stomach lining. This can cause "leaky gut" syndrome as toxins and undigested foods creep through the stomach lining and leads to inflammation. Inflammation is a precursor to all kinds of illnesses including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
What's the best foods to feed these little powerhouses you ask? Fiber! Fiber only comes from plant-based foods including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. All animal products including meat, dairy and eggs are devoid of fiber. The gut bacteria break down fiber and produce short chain fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation."