Did you know that we humans have 10 times more bacteria in our bodies than we have human cells?
They are found in the stomach, in the mouth, on the skin, and in the genital area where they help protect us against harmful bacteria, balance pH levels, convert food into nutrients, and produce important neurotransmitters.
To say they are important for our health is a serious understatement, as we would not exist without them.
Benefits of good bacteria
Healthy bacteria play a major role in overall health and contribute to, among other things:
- Healthy digestion.
- Regulation of the immune system.
- Vaginal health.
- Normal hormone balance.
- Stabilization of metabolism.
- Counteracting allergies.
- Elimination of toxins in the digestive tract.
- Psychological / emotional health.
- A good gut flora can also help with weight loss, skin problems such as acne or eczema, and strengthen hair and nails.
Healthy digestion
Healthy lactic acid bacteria help support the daily function of the trillions of bacteria living in the stomach.
Our bacterial friends have a well-defined role in digestion, enabling us to break down and absorb important nutrients such as magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
70% of our immune system is controlled from our stomach and intestines. Therefore, the health of our gut flora plays such a big role. It affects our overall health and well-being.
Vaginal health
Lactic acid bacteria also play an important role in maintaining vaginal health.
They support by helping to maintain a slightly acidic environment, which helps reduce the overgrowth of bacteria that could otherwise be harmful.
This is especially important because there are many factors that can negatively affect the vaginal environment, including the use of antibiotics and contraceptives.
Our external environment does not support the bacteria
In an ideal world, we would probably manage just by eating right.
But that would require a world where food does not contain preservatives and artificial additives. It would be a world free from toxins in the air and water. And perhaps most importantly, it would be a world where we were not exposed to various medications or stress that can cause chaos for our gut bacteria.
It is therefore very easy for the microbiome in the stomach to become unbalanced, which can have very negative effects on digestion, our ability to eliminate toxins, and our general sense of well-being.
5 ways to optimize your microbiome
It is up to us to support and nourish our inner "bacterial world" through our choice of diet and the type of lifestyle we lead.
- Avoid refined foods as much as possible, such as white flour, white sugar, chemical sweeteners, and other additives that disrupt our gut flora.
- Eat plenty of foods containing good bacteria (probiotics). Examples of such foods are organic fruits, organic vegetables and greens, wild foods, and fermented foods of various kinds, e.g., sauerkraut or kimchi.
- Eat plenty of foods that nourish these bacteria (prebiotics). Examples of foods rich in prebiotic fibers are Jerusalem artichokes, apples, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, berries, legumes, onions, and garlic.
- To optimize even more and ensure a rich and healthy flora, regularly take supplements with probiotics* that nourish the good bacteria you already have. *Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit.”
- Manage stress. Yes, stress also negatively affects our microbes.
How to add good bacteria to your daily life
Lactic acid bacteria play an important role not only inside our bodies but also on the outside. They have several uses outside our bodies, such as in skincare and in our homes.
- Skincare: Some of our skincare products contain specific bacterial strains that act on the skin to protect and strengthen the “body’s largest organ,” i.e., the skin.
- In cooking: It is possible to make your own yogurt, vegan-friendly cheese, and ice cream with lactic acid bacteria.
- Here you will find 3 fun recipes with probiotics.
- Here you will find recipes for plant-based cheese.
- For plants & animals: Certain combinations of lactic acid bacteria, such as Probioform, can also be used as supplements for pets and to increase the vitality of plants both at home and in the vegetable garden.
- Cleaning products: Beneficial bacteria can act as purification and protection against unwanted bad odors, bacteria, and more.
How do you use good bacteria in your home?
