Our Microflora

Ms H

We have trillions of bacteria, microflora living on our skin, in our mouth, nose and our intestines These bacteria take residence in our bodies from the day we are born and remain with us throughout our lives. The gut contains the largest numbers of bacteria and the greatest number of species compared to other areas of the body.  The human gastrointestinal tract contains stable population of bacteria that play an important role in nutrition, metabolism, regulation of immune function and protection. We know that the ideal pH in the colon should be between 6.7 and 6.9.  The colon needs to be slightly acidic, which inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli. Our beneficial bacteria are made up of hundreds of different species, the principal two of which are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.  

These bacteria are found in the normal microflora of the intestine and research shows that they play an important role in improving digestion and intestinal health as well as helping to regulate the immune system. Some situations and lifestyle habits can damage gut bacteria such as taking antibiotics and drinking highly chlorinated water.  The effective ways to achieve healthy microflora  are the followings.

·      Traditional fermented foods

Eating fermented foods is the most natural way to improve gut flora and get the beneficial of probiotic bacteria. Fermented foods help to balance acetylcholine.  Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that enables the transmission of nerve impulses. Within the context of digestion, it helps increase the movement of the bowel, and can help reduce constipation. Fermented foods inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and are beneficial for people with diabetes. 

·      Probiotic supplements

Many people find it difficult to consume sufficient amount of fermented foods in this case an effective alternative is to take a probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements help in; easing IBS, improving mood, soothing eczema, boosting immune system, aiding weight loss.

·      Lactic acid yeast wafers

Lactic acid yeast is a modified form of brewer’s yeast that works in your intestines to produce significant amounts of lactic acid. Lactic acid yeast wafers work the same way fermented foods do.

If we take probiotic supplement or/and eat traditional fermented foods will be enough to increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in our gut. These bacteria will then start to ferment more soluble fibre into products like butyric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionic acid, which in order provide energy and improve our ability to absorb minerals, vitamins, and fat.

Acid Alkaline 

Ms H

Foods depending on the effect they have on the body are classified as acid forming or alkalising. Eating too much acid-forming foods leads to acid indigestion that eventually creates chronic acidosis, which acidifies body tissue. This acidification process blocks oxygen within cells and eventually compromises the immune system. This leads to all sorts of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, memory loss and nutrient deficiencies. All of these conditions are due to acid-forming diets that disrupt the acid/alkaline blood ratios of your body cells. The acid alkaline diet is one of the keys to lead a healthy life. The high alkaline diet can alkalise and oxygenate body cells as you eat alkaline foods. By following a specific alkaline diet plan, you will begin to shift your body's pH and oxygenate your body. These alkaline foods will keep your body healthy and functioning correctly, to help prevent and combat diseases.

pH balance

The diagram reflects the ratio of a well- balanced healthy acid/alkaline diet.

 20% acid/ 80% alkaline

Study your daily meal in the last two days

Day 1

Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner

Circle the acidic foods with red pen

Circle the alkaline foods with blue pen

What is the ratio of the acid – forming / alkaline foods?

Health Benefits of Bear Paw Garlic

Allium Ursinum, wild garlic, wood garlic or bear paw garlic flowers in the British Isles from April to June in woods filling the air with its characteristic garlicky aroma. Wild garlic leaves, bulbs and flowers are edible; they can be used as salad, herb, boiled as vegetable in soup or in sauce. The leaves of Allium ursinum are easily mistaken for lily of the valley sometimes also those of Veratum viride, Colchicum autumnale and Arum maculatum, all four are poisonous. Grinding the leaves between the fingers and checking for a garlic-like smell can be helpful.

The wood garlic has antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anticholesterolemic effects, so it has a wide medical platter. The health benefit of bear paw garlic is its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and, hence, heart disease and the risk of stroke. The wild garlic has the greatest effect on lowering blood pressure.

Series of articles on food additives 

@http://glutentheenemy.blogspot.co.uk

Start the Day with Smoothie

Ms H

Smoothie is essential for raw food diet, which contains the vital minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. This drink provides you high level of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, potassium and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

Banana	1
Melon	¼
Apple	2
Strawberries	5
Blueberries	a handful
Fresh lemon juice	1
Water

Homogenise the  ingredients in the smoothie machine.