A Renegade Cowgirl

Beneficial bacteria have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years in many cultures around the world with pickling and fermenting various grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Yogurt, kefir, miso, beer, and wine are foods and beverages that most of us are familiar with. But the knowledge about beneficial bacteria was not discovered until the early 1800's. Fermented Soybeans on Rice

Today’s emphasis on antibiotics creates an illusion that all bacteria are bad. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Today we are re-discovering the many benefits of daily probiotic supplementation.

Acidophilus inhabits the upper GI, mainly in the small intestines. Bifidus inhabits the large intestine, or colon. Together with other varieties of bacteria, this microscopic population is huge: bacterial cells number more than the total number of all other cells in the body, about 3 to 5 pounds of total body weight!

Acidophilus bacteria limit the population of harmful bacteria, support digestion, and manufacture essential nutrients, including B vitamins. The small intestine are covered by millions of ‘villi’ (like tiny fingers) that assist with absorption of nutrients.

Once the food reaches the end of the small intestine, potentially, most of the food nutrients will have been absorbed. The waste (fiber, dead bacteria, and water) passes through the Ileocecal valve into the colon. The appendix then secretes various substances that help with the removal of toxic waste.

(If you no longer have your appendix, a regular cleansing program is even more essential!)

Cross Section of Large IntestineThe walls of the large intestine are lined with muscular tissue which contract (peristalsis) to move waste forward and permits reabsorption of water. When you experience problems such as constipation, you can be sure that the mucus membranes in the walls of the large intestine have become weak or damaged due to the absence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes, or insufficient water intake. A sluggish bowel can lead to some of this toxic waste becoming lodged in folds and pouches, causing inflammation such as diverticulosis and colitis.

Bifidus bacteria supports the colon, helping to maintain good digestion, and protecting the lymph nodes in the colon.

If this acid environment gets too alkaline, the pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and molds start to get out of hand. Too much stress, chlorinated water, indigestible food, drugs, especially antibiotics and antacids, throw this natural balance off. The best way to re-establish the right balance is to replenish Probiotics in your intestines, and to drink plenty of fresh water often!

A plentiful supply of beneficial bacteria will support the absorption and assimilation of nutrients from our food, as well as the elimination of waste through the intestinal tract. In addition, they play a major role in our overall well-being, through the immune system.

Most people don’t realize that the intestines play a significant role in the immune system. It really is the beginning of the immune response. Many people find that when their immune system feels threatened (the start of a cold, or sore throat), a handful of acidophilus is just the ticket.

With proper balance of beneficial bacteria, common problems like constipation, diarrhea, and gas, is less frequent. Good health starts in the digestive tract! It can truly be said that we aren’t just what we eat – we are what we digest!

For more information on Probiotics or how to order,

please visit my website at Blue Green Café.com.

Cher Marie

Blue Green Cafe