A healthy gut provides needed nutrients for the entire body. To absorb and properly utilize all needed nutritive building blocks, the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tracts need to maintain appropriate pH levels, a healthy probiotic (friendly bacteria) population, a strong immune response, needed enzymes and digestive cofactors, and appropriate permeability of the digestive tract lining. When any of these areas are out of balance, digestion and overall health are compromised. Continue reading →

When most of us think of bacteria, we think of it as negative. But our digestive systems actually need bacteria to keep pathogens in check, help digestion and absorption of nutrients, and keep our immune system running at peak performance. Nearly 100 trillion microorganisms live in a normal bowel. A poor diet can have a negative effect on the balance of good and bad bacteria, as can antibiotic use. Most of us don’t give a lot of thought to our gastrointestinal health until we get sick. But there are steps you can take to keep your gut flora in balance and maintain a healthy digestive system. Continue reading →