Food4ThoughtWellness

You Don’t Need a Drug to Banish Acid Reflux

The answer to gastric problems like ulcers and acid indigestion is to restore your natural gastric balance and function. Not only is it useful for optimal gut function but it is crucial for your long-term health, as your gut flora can increase your absorption of nutrients, and play a significant role in mental and physical health. It is very clear from reviewing the literature that you can’t be healthy until your gut flora is optimized. That is one of the ways eating sugars harm you—they push your gut flora balance in the wrong direction.

Switching from processed foods to whole foods is therefore step number one. To further optimize your gut health, you’ll want to make sure you’re consuming enough good bacteria from traditionally fermented foods, such as fermented vegetables, or in a probiotic supplement. This will help balance your bowel flora, which can help eliminate Helicobacter bacteria naturally. If you have heartburn, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, or any acid-related condition, the strategies listed above may also offer relief.  Read more…

Make sure to take a good Probiotic supplement….

Probiotic or beneficial (“good”) intestinal bacteria promote health, discourage the growth of disease-causing (“bad”) bacteria and pathogenic fungi, and improve the balance of microbes which normally inhabit our intestines. Many beneficial bacteria transform naturally occurring sugars, especially lactose, into lactic acid, promoting a more balanced and stable intestinal environment. As one of the most abundant sources of lactose is milk, these beneficial bacteria have been used for thousands of years to produce yogurt, cheese, and fermented milks. Both science and folklore support healthful roles for these foods. GNLD’s supplement of beneficial bacteria, Acidophilus Plus, combines potency with technology to guarantee that live organisms survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines to deliver five billion viable organisms capable of supporting optimal digestive tract function.

Intestinal lactobacilli aid normal digestive functions and promote healthy immune system responses.*
Broad spectrum: Provides beneficial probiotic lactobacilli in the forms of L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, B. bifidum and S. thermophilus.

Targeted-Delivery Technology: Exclusive Gel-Gard protection system assures that bacteria are protected from stomach acid and the maximum number are delivered to the intestines where they’re needed.

Potency guaranteed: 5 billion organisms sealed in every capsule.

Whole-food-based: Contains beneficial bacteria isolated from cultured dairy foods.

Concentrated: As many beneficial bacteria as 10 servings of yogurt or 5 servings of acidophilus milk.

Risk-free for the lactose intolerant.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Also…Prebiotics are very important!  What’s the difference??

Question: What are probiotics and prebiotics? How can I benefit from consuming them?

Answer: Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy by controlling growth of harmful bacteria. Prebiotics are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the human body. They are food for probiotics. The primary benefit of probiotics and prebiotics appears to be helping you maintain a healthy digestive system.

Question: What foods are good sources of probiotics?

Answer: One of the best sources of probiotics is yogurt. It has good bacteria like lactobacillus or bifidobacteria. Look for “live or active cultures” on the label to be sure your favorite brand of yogurt is a rich source of probiotics. Other good food sources are sauerkraut, miso soup, fermented, soft cheeses (like Gouda), and even sourdough bread. The common feature of all these foods is fermentation, a process that produces probiotics.

Question: What foods are good sources of prebiotics?

Answer: To help maintain healthy level of prebiotics, you can feed them with the foods you eat. Foods rich in prebiotics include asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, oatmeal, and legumes.

Question: What foods, if any, have both prebiotics and probiotics in them?

Answer: The types of foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics are very different. Therefore, there is no food that contains both. However, you can find supplements that contain probiotics and prebiotics.

Question: Can consuming probiotics help prevent yeast infections?

Answer: There is some evidence that eating yogurt may help prevent vaginal yeast infections. Some doctors recommend this to help prevent infections in women who have them frequently.

Question: Can adding prebiotics to my diet replace the meds I have to take for my Crohn’s disease?

Answer: No, probiotics or prebiotics are not an appropriate replacement for your medications. You should not stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor. This could lead to an increase in symptoms and complications. There is some evidence that probiotics may be helpful for people with Crohn’s disease, but the research is very preliminary. Plus, some medical evidence questions their usefulness. If you’re interested in trying probiotics or prebiotics, talk to your doctor about how to safely incorporate them into your diet.

I love Zia’s SmartMix…not only does it contain Prebiotics, but has Moringa to boot!!

SMARTMIX Shake things up with Zija’s SmartMix. Add this easy-to-open packet to water for a dose of Moringa nutrition and prebiotic benefits. It’s easier than ever to Drink Life In—even on the go! With the evolution of the modern diet, it has become more and more difficult to consume the nutrients that we need to thrive. Our body is full of toxins and our digestion has been affected by an overabundance of processed foods and beverages. Our health is dependent not only on the nutrition that we consume overall, but also on the amount that our gut flora receives. This flora is comprised of many different microbes, each with its own unique environment, depending on what it is exposed to. Our flora is critical in strengthening our immune system, digesting foods efficiently, increasing nutrient absorption, maintaining a healthy weight, and obtaining increased energy levels. Prebiotics are an important tool in helping regulate our body’s flora. Supplementing a diet with prebiotics has been shown to increase the level of certain microbes, which in turn regulates metabolism and allows for better communication between different organs. The end result is enhanced system-wide health. In addition to its strong Moringa foundation, SmartMix also delivers prebiotics and other benefits through the following natural botanicals: Chicory Root Extract Derived from the herbaceous chicory plant, chicory root contains inulin, a prebiotic that stimulates healthy digestive function. Chicory root also provides a feeling of fullness without adding extra calories. Similar to Moringa itself, chicory root helps maintain blood sugar levels. FoTi Root Extract This botanical has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to increase vitality and mood. It also helps remove toxins from the body. Additionally, FoTi root is often used in hair and skin beauty products. SmartMix Suggested Use Add one serving (1 packet) of SmartMix to 8-18 ounces of cold water, shake well, and Drink Life In every day.

Moringa Oleifera…The Tree of Life!

For more info, please contact me at www.food4thoughtwellness.com