Lock-down and the need for healthier eating
Before the invention of the microscope around four hundred years ago, nobody was aware that living in and on us, are trillions of different bacteria.
Today, the science of microbiology and specifically, the role of the microbiome in our gut, has become a major area of research. A sign of the advances most recently, is demonstrated by the speed a vaccine has been developed to fight the Covid-`19 virus.
There is a description of the microbiome we all carry around inside our bodies that compares it to a bustling major city during commuting hours. The bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites are in their trillions and each bustling around in different directions.
These are compared with people, and with the city buildings representing the human body. One of the many remarkable facts is that these various components generally co-exist in harmony.
One of the obvious outward signs that there is an imbalance is with candida. This is a fungus that most of us carry without ever being aware we have it. But an overgrowth can lead to unpleasant white growth at the back of the mouth, sexual organs, or skin.
The microbiome is unique to every one of us. Our DNA, that we get from the two parents, becomes the foundation of the type and quantity of other components that follow directly after birth.
Many medical professionals are now referring to the microbiome as a supporting organ. It accounts for a couple of kilos of our body weight.
A good balanced microbiota controls the immune system. This is constantly breaking down potentially toxic food to reduce the chance of simple gut ache.
Nobody seems to agree on how many types of bacteria are in the gut. Figures of one thousand and over are often quoted. And new ones are constantly being identified, and their purpose revealed.
The main half dozen involved in the final part of digestion where they help nutrients to be absorbed, can be grown under laboratory conditions and sold as supplements. A commonly used one is called Fivelac and as that name suggests, it contains five types of digestive bacteria that are designed to be released in the small intestines.
It will work like a less than harsh laxative. Unlike most laxatives bought over the counter, it is not intended to be more than a stimulant by boosting bacteria and oxygen.
During this prolonged lock-down, it’s a good idea to look at our diet. A perfect varied diet that provides all the nutrients we need, along with roughage to help clean the whole digestive system, is the first step.
Trying to find ways to help boost the immune system becomes more important the older we get. With age, probiotics become particularly useful.
These can be fermented foods, such as the ideal sauerkraut, kefir, live raw yoghurt, tempeh, to name just a few examples.
But don’t just sit all day eating good food, we all need more exercise to burn off the extra calories we are adding during lock-down.
