The next time you get an unfavorably high reading from your bathroom scale, be aware that not all of your excess weight come from extra poundage or unwanted fat. Rather, about one pound of your total body mass is made up of billions of live microorganisms thriving inside your digestive tract. ...The next time you get an unfavorably high reading from your bathroom scale, be aware that not all of your excess weight come from extra poundage or unwanted fat. Rather, about one pound of your total body mass is made up of billions of live microorganisms thriving inside your digestive tract. No, you do not need to be terrified or feel nauseous about it, these organisms are actually important for your good health.

These good microorganisms are often referred to as probiotics. The main reason why they are considered as friendly bacteria is the fact that they can help restore the balance in and wellness of your gut. Having a healthy intestinal tract is essential in boosting your immune system and fighting all sorts of diseases.

Experts say that the composition of the human intestine, particularly its lower areas, should be made up of around 80% probiotic bacteria. If you have less than this, there is a chance that bad microorganisms which can harm your body will start to flourish. Salmonella and E. Coli are two of the most harmful bacteria that can invade your digestive tract.

Unfortunately, for most Americans, the presence of bad microorganisms in the gut significantly outnumbers the good ones. Two elements that can greatly contribute to the destruction of good bacteria are present in almost all cities in the United States that make use of water treatment facilities. The presence of fluoride and chlorine in treated water can surely extinguish good bacteria or beneficial flora inside your intestinal tract.

Alcoholic beverages, prescription drugs, and fatty foods can also neutralize probiotic microorganisms, on top of damaging your intestinal walls. So what can be done to reverse the dwindling presence of good bacteria in your tummy? Well, there are actually two common ways to boost the habitation of beneficial flora in your stomach.

Take Probiotic Supplements

It is true that there are a number of food items which can give a boost to the number of probiotic organisms in your gut. Yoghurt and certain cheeses are known to contain live microorganisms that can be good for your digestive health. Garlic, onions, and bananas also have the ability to multiply the probiotic population inside you.

But the problem is that you have no idea what strain of beneficial bacteria is contained in these food items. Besides, without a microscope, there is no way for you to determine if the number of good bacteria in your yoghurt or garlic is large enough to be beneficial.

Also, it is important to note that there are several strains of probiotic bacteria, and knowing the ones that can survive the acidic and often hostile environment inside your tummy is very important. Because of these constraints, you need to take probiotic supplements to be sure that you have the right strain and the right amounts of good bacteria.

Detoxification

The foods that you eat today do not necessarily come out of your system the following day. In fact, a big chunk of what you put inside your mouth end up being entrapped in your intestines. When this happens you have a lot of undigested, rotten and toxic materials in your system which can compromise your overall health and ruin clusters of beneficial bacteria.

To avoid this from happening, you need detoxification, which is basically the process of cleansing away toxic substances in your digestive system. It is effective in bringing your digestive functions back to peak performance. This means, you will have a more hospitable gut for probiotic bacteria.

But the sad part is that any internal cleansing process can prove to be a challenging feat, especially if you are used to eating junk and other processed foodstuff. Not to worry, there are products that can help you cleanse your system without driving you out of your wits; try supplements like Colpurin and good bacteria will have a better chance of thriving in your intestines. Visit http://tinyurl.com/8jkw6ma

Author's Bio: 

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine www.thearticleinsiders.com.