Did you know that we humans have 10 times as many bacteria in our bodies as 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 signaling molecules.
To say that they are important for our health is a serious understatement, as we wouldn't exist without them.
Benefits of Good Bacteria
Healthy bacteria play a major role in overall health, contributing to:
Healthy digestion.
Immune system regulation.
Vaginal health.
Normal hormone balance.
Metabolic stabilization.
Allergy prevention.
Elimination of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
Psychological / emotional health.
A healthy gut flora can also help with weight loss, skin problems like acne or eczema, and make hair and nails stronger.
An image showing a flat illustration of intestines placed on a wooden cutting board. Around the cutting board are various types of vegetables and fruits, such as lettuce, leeks, grapes, avocado, cabbage, cucumber.
Healthy Digestion
Healthy lactic acid bacteria help support the daily function of the trillions of bacteria that live in the stomach.
Our bacterial friends have a well-defined role in digestion, which allows 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. That's why the health of our gut flora plays such a major role. It affects our health in general and our overall well-being.
Vaginal Health
Lactic acid bacteria also play an important role in maintaining vaginal health.
They provide support by helping to maintain a slightly acidic environment, which helps reduce overgrowth of bacteria that could otherwise be harmful.
This is particularly important because there are many substances that can negatively affect the vaginal environment, including the use of antibiotics and contraceptives.
Our External World Doesn't Support the Bacteria
In an ideal world, we would probably manage just by eating right.
But that would require a world where food doesn't contain preservatives and artificial additives. It would be a world free from toxins in air and water. And perhaps most importantly, it would be a world where we weren't exposed to various medications or stress that can cause chaos for our gut bacteria.
It is therefore very easy for the microflora 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.
Various types of dried legumes and lentils spread out on a white table.
5 Ways to Optimize Your Microflora
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 processed 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 that contain good bacteria (probiotics). Examples of such foods are organic fruits, organic vegetables and greens, wild foods, and fermented foods of various kinds, such as sauerkraut or kimchi.
Eat plenty of foods with nutrition for these bacteria (prebiotics). Examples of foods that are rich in prebiotic fibers are Jerusalem artichoke, apples, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, berries, legumes, onions, and garlic.
To optimize even more and ensure a rich and healthy flora, take regular probiotic supplements* that nourish the good bacteria you already have. *Probiotics are "living microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a beneficial health effect."
Manage stress. Yes, stress also affects our microbes negatively.
How to Add Good Bacteria to Your Daily Life
Lactic acid bacteria play an important role not only inside our bodies but also outside the body. They have several applications beyond our bodies, such as in skincare and in our homes.
Skincare: Some of our skincare products contain specific bacterial strains that work on the skin to protect and strengthen "the body's largest organ," namely the skin.
In cooking: It's possible to make both homemade yogurt, vegan-friendly cheese, and ice cream with lactic acid bacteria.
Here you can find 3 fun recipes with probiotics.
Here you can find recipes for plant-based cheese.
For plants & animals: Certain combinations of lactic acid bacteria, such as Probioform, can function as supplements for pets as well as to increase plant vitality both at home and in the vegetable garden.
Cleaning products: Beneficial bacteria can function as purification and protection against unwelcome bad odors, bacteria, and other things.
How do you use good bacteria in your home?
