Things that Destroy Good Bacteria in Your Gut

Rebecca Lewis May 17, 2013

Numerous studies point to the importance of cultivating good bacteria in our body, particularly in our gut. Its benefits range from keeping our digestive system healthy to boosting our immune system and improving our mental health. But for some reasons, the amount of these friendly bacteria, also called probiotics, is significantly reduced, leading to the development of diseases.

What are Probiotics?

The word “bacteria” often brings a big buzz to our ears. But contrary to popular belief, not all bacteria are bad for you. There are healthy microbes that play an essential role in your health. Among the most important are bifidobacterium bifidum, lactobacillus acidophilus, and lactobacillus bulgaricus. Bifidobacterium bifidum is specifically important because it produces natural antibiotics that fight pathogens. The second one, lactobacillus acidophilus, is responsible for preventing the growth of a compound that triggers arthritic symptoms and counter the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The third group of beneficial bacteria, the lactobacillus bulgaricus, helps maintain electrolyte balance and stimulate peristaltic action – two important components of a healthy immune system.

All these probiotics can be obtained from a healthy diet that is rich in cultured products like yoghurt, keifer, probiotic flora foods and supplements. Unfortunately, our body excretes these beneficial microbes because they are not anchored to the intestinal wall. The thinning of the mucus lining surrounding the intestinal wall also prevents probiotics from flourishing.

Things that Destroy Good Bacteria in Your Gut

If you want to boost the level of probiotics in your intestines, watch out for the following:

Fluoride – this substance is usually present in tap water. Although it destroys bad bacteria, it also eliminates the good ones. It can be helpful to use a drinking water filter to reduce the amount of fluoride that enters your gut.

Radiation – many people think that radiation is only present in medical treatments like chemotherapy. But actually, it’s present in many other things, some of which we even use on a daily basis. They include the wireless technology, tobacco, security scans, microwaves, power lines, radon, etc.

Pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides – sure you don’t eat them but the food you’re eating might just have these toxic substances. When shopping for fruits and vegetables, choose organic products. If not, thoroughly wash them using warm water before eating.

Coffee – if you’re a coffee lover this is surely a bad news. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up coffee entirely. Just limit your consumption or take probiotic supplements to compensate.

Preservatives or food additives – these chemicals destroy your gut and create a toxic environment that causes the bad bacteria to multiply. Cut processed meats from your diet and give more attention to fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and legumes.

Fizzy diet drinks – researchers at Washington University found that artificial sweeteners mostly found in diet drinks and meals change the environment in the intestine by triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation disrupts metabolism and stimulates the growth of bad bacteria, which all lead to poor immunity.

Carbonated beverages – carbonation is used in manufacturing fizzy drinks and other processed foods to prevent the growth and proliferation of bacteria that may cause infection. But it may also reduce the amount of good bacteria in your gut.

Chlorine – another substance found in tap water is chlorine. Experts discourage bathing in chlorinated water to maintain sufficient levels of good bacteria.

Ascorbic acid – this is commonly found in vitamin supplements, bottled tea drinks, and some juices. When shopping for beverages, avoid those that have very high levels of ascorbic acid.

Birth control pills – these medications, including antibiotics and steroid hormones, may suppress the production of goods bacteria.

Stress – sure you can’t get away from stress completely but you can limit its effects on your health, particularly on your gut. When you’re under stress, your gut is in complete havoc. That’s probably why you tend to experience stomach pain during highly stressful situations.

Probiotics are essential to good health. They are the bacteria that are worth fighting for. Without them, you will have poor digestive system, low immunity, and poor health. So make sure you take care of these microorganisms inside your gut. You can do it by observing a healthy balanced diet with extra focus on certain foods like yoghurt and cultured products. And most importantly – by avoiding those things that destroy them, whenever possible.

Can you recommend other natural sources of probiotics? Share your insights by posting a comment below.