The importance of beneficial bacteria in the gut has become widely known as new studies confirm what ancient cultures knew about the value of fermented and cultured foods. However, most easily obtained foods and nutritional products in America are dairy-based. For those who avoid foods of animal origin, vegan probiotics supplements may be the answer.
Recently, the American National Institutes Of Health has undertaken a comprehensive study of the bacteria in the human gut. Many, many different kinds of intestinal microbes have been identified, some with difficult names like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Scientists are identifying the different kinds and trying to determine the function of each. Both good and bad bacteria exist in the human digestive system.
Scientists say that there are far more intestinal bacteria than cells in a human body - as much as ten times more. This gives you an idea of how much activity goes on in the process of digestion and utilization of food. There are harmful, disease-causing organisms, like yeasts; these are held in check by beneficial microbes. Poorly digested food or damaged walls of the large and small intestine cause allergic reactions and inflammation. Beneficial bacteria produce secretions that boost the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation, flatulence, and constipation.
Many people groups still eat a lot of fermented and cultured foods and therefore have a better chance of maintaining a healthy population of intestinal flora. Western societies tend to eat less of these probiotic-rich foods. A great deal of the so-called 'good for you' yogurt and kefir products are filled with sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup; these sweeteners are hard on good bacteria but feed yeast.
Dairy foods, even if cultured, are off-limits for vegans, who eat no animal products. They may think that this eliminates Lactobacillus for them, but actually this familiar bacterium is found in kombucha tea and green superfoods like chorella, spirulina, and blue-green algae. The superfoods are also a source of Bifidum, another beneficial microbe.
Fermented soy foods are exceptionally rich in beneficial organisms, and these Asian foods are familiar to most vegans. Tempeh, Tamari and shoyu sauces, and the soup base called miso are valuable additions to the diet. The Asian diet also included pickled foods, as do other cultures. Sauerkraut is familiar to most of us.
Packaged foods made especially for vegans will display the industry symbol on the label. Vegetarian products may contain colors, preservatives, or flavors that are of animal origin. Dishes made at home are easy to control, but purchased foods and supplements should have the symbol that assures consumers they are free of animal products. Some manufacturers ensure against cross-contamination by using separate facilities for vegan foods.
The facts are that eating out complicates things further for vegans, and stress and lack of exercise (symptomatic of a busy lifestyle) are hard on beneficial bacteria. Fortunately, probiotics come in supplement form, and some are made especially for vegans. This is a good way to get friendly bacteria in concentrated form, with millions of organisms and often several strains of different microbes. This makes maintaining a high level of flora easier than ever.
Recently, the American National Institutes Of Health has undertaken a comprehensive study of the bacteria in the human gut. Many, many different kinds of intestinal microbes have been identified, some with difficult names like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Scientists are identifying the different kinds and trying to determine the function of each. Both good and bad bacteria exist in the human digestive system.
Scientists say that there are far more intestinal bacteria than cells in a human body - as much as ten times more. This gives you an idea of how much activity goes on in the process of digestion and utilization of food. There are harmful, disease-causing organisms, like yeasts; these are held in check by beneficial microbes. Poorly digested food or damaged walls of the large and small intestine cause allergic reactions and inflammation. Beneficial bacteria produce secretions that boost the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation, flatulence, and constipation.
Many people groups still eat a lot of fermented and cultured foods and therefore have a better chance of maintaining a healthy population of intestinal flora. Western societies tend to eat less of these probiotic-rich foods. A great deal of the so-called 'good for you' yogurt and kefir products are filled with sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup; these sweeteners are hard on good bacteria but feed yeast.
Dairy foods, even if cultured, are off-limits for vegans, who eat no animal products. They may think that this eliminates Lactobacillus for them, but actually this familiar bacterium is found in kombucha tea and green superfoods like chorella, spirulina, and blue-green algae. The superfoods are also a source of Bifidum, another beneficial microbe.
Fermented soy foods are exceptionally rich in beneficial organisms, and these Asian foods are familiar to most vegans. Tempeh, Tamari and shoyu sauces, and the soup base called miso are valuable additions to the diet. The Asian diet also included pickled foods, as do other cultures. Sauerkraut is familiar to most of us.
Packaged foods made especially for vegans will display the industry symbol on the label. Vegetarian products may contain colors, preservatives, or flavors that are of animal origin. Dishes made at home are easy to control, but purchased foods and supplements should have the symbol that assures consumers they are free of animal products. Some manufacturers ensure against cross-contamination by using separate facilities for vegan foods.
The facts are that eating out complicates things further for vegans, and stress and lack of exercise (symptomatic of a busy lifestyle) are hard on beneficial bacteria. Fortunately, probiotics come in supplement form, and some are made especially for vegans. This is a good way to get friendly bacteria in concentrated form, with millions of organisms and often several strains of different microbes. This makes maintaining a high level of flora easier than ever.
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