What to know something pretty gross? At this very moment in time 400-500 species of living bacteria are fighting a war for control of your intestines! Yuck! Am I serious? Of course, I am. Okay, okay, so some of that bacteria is actually good, and some are big trouble…but they compete with each other for living space and nutrients.
So how can bacteria be good? Well, there are various strains of good bacteria, which help us absorb food and minerals. They can manufacture vitamin B and amino acids (very good for your brain). These good bacteria include acidophilus (yup, like the yoghurt!) & bifidobacterium. When your gut is healthy, the good outweighs the bad bacteria.
And did you know, when you are sick and you take antibiotics to combat the flu/cold – those antibiotics will kill all bacteria (even the good stuff). Also, taking the medicine when you don’t really need them, means they wont be as effective when you do really need to take them. In many cases the good bacteria can help you fight off the flu just as effectively as medicine – as well as helping you produce vitamins K, B12 and biotin. Of course sometimes there just are times when you do have to take medicine – and should! But if you are put on a course of antibiotics, think about prescribing yourself a course of natural yoghurt as well – to help replace the some of the good bacteria you are losing. Yoghurt…I can’t think of a better excuse.
Kym
Last updated: 30/04/2008
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What to know something pretty gross? At this very moment in time 400-500 species of living bacteria are fighting a war for control of your intestines! Yuck! Am I serious? Of course, I am. Okay, okay, so some of that bacteria is actually good, and some are big trouble…but they compete with each other for living space and nutrients.