Healthy intestinal flora: That’s how important it is for the skin
Dear readers, well-nourished cells are the secret to natural beauty. In the digestive tract, food is gradually broken down into finer components until all essential substances can enter the bloodstream and reach the cells.
When digestion and cell nourishment aren’t optimal, it quickly reflects on our skin: if nutrient supply is disrupted, our skin can appear dull and lacking firmness. Furthermore, substances that the intestines normally filter out are expelled through the skin, leading to issues such as acne, rosacea, or psoriasis. No matter how much we moisturize and care externally, if the cause comes from within, it must be addressed internally – through changes in diet and lifestyle.
REMEMBER!
Issues with nutrient supply can lead to skin problems.
Healthy Gut Flora: How Our Gut Bacteria Work
Approximately 1000 different bacterial species reside in the intestinal wall. Without them, our sophisticated digestive system wouldn’t function properly. Some nutrients can only be entirely processed due to these bacteria. Additionally, they produce essential substances like Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting, bone growth, and cell development. These diligent helpers in the gut also aid in absorbing vital vitamins like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Let’s not forget: an incredible 80% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut. Therefore, a healthy gut flora is indispensable for combating diseases and pathogens.
REMEMBER!
Our gut bacteria collectively weigh about 1.5 kilograms.
Healthy Gut Flora: What Happens When It’s Imbalanced
The gut hosts both beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and harmful bacteria and fungi like Clostridia or Candida Albicans. In a healthy gut flora, the good bacteria keep the bad ones in check. However, if the balance is disrupted – for instance, due to medication, environmental toxins, or stress – it can lead to illness. The harmful bacteria consume the vital nutrients that our bodies need, causing a deficiency. Moreover, their own metabolic by-products can penetrate the intestinal lining into the body, resulting in overall reduced performance, metabolic disorders, or even diseases like soft tissue rheumatism.
REMEMBER!
When the balance of gut flora is disturbed, harmful bacteria take over, competing for nutrients.
Healthy Gut Flora: Sugar is Its Worst Enemy
Refined sugar affects gut flora by stimulating the growth of yeast fungi in the intestines. This, in turn, leads to constipation, bloating, and further metabolic disturbances. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daily sugar intake of 25 grams, which is only about 5 level teaspoons. Are you staying below this limit in your daily habits? For your gut health, it’s advisable to try!
REMEMBER!
Sugar provides a breeding ground for yeast fungi in the gut.
Glow Food: These Foods are Beloved by Gut Bacteria!
Try to maintain a balanced, fiber-rich diet – it’s a guarantee for trouble-free digestion. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help you reach the German Nutrition Society’s guideline of 30 grams of fiber per day.
If I were to recommend specific foods, they would be:
Oatmeal: Their water-soluble fiber called Beta-Glucan promotes the growth of good gut bacteria. Additionally, oatmeal soothes a nervous stomach.
All fermented foods, such as Kefir, buttermilk, sauerkraut, or Kimchi, contain valuable lactic acid bacteria, which are beneficial for gut flora.
Generally, all vegetable types have a high content of water-soluble fiber that gut bacteria love. Particularly valuable is the water-soluble fiber Inulin, found in Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, black salsifies, chicory, onions, and garlic. However, approach cautiously! Inulin can cause severe bloating in individuals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract.