I think it’s safe to say that most of your body parts are pretty darn important, but there is one that shines apart from all the others, and how healthy (or not) it is determined whether you are reading this blog today or are pushing up daisies.

Your gut microbiome!

That’s right. 

Here’s why this massive collection of bacteria taking up residence in your intestines is responsible for your health and even your life!

They’re in the trillions!

Although the thought sometimes freaks people out, your intestinal tract is home to TRILLIONS of bacteria.  As a matter of fact, they outnumber your body’s cells by three to one!

Some are good and some are not-so-good. As long as the good ones outnumber the bad in about an 85:15 ratio, you’ll likely have a healthy intestinal environment.

But if the bad ones have the “upper hand” and grow out of control (a condition known as dysbiosis), that’s when you start experiencing gas, bloating and anything-but-normal BMs.

But unfortunately, that’s just a drop in the bucket.

Here are 9 other ways dysbiosis can wreak havoc with your body:

The 9 ways harmful bacteria destroy your health

1 - They deactivate pancreatic enzymes that digest proteins

Result: Poorly digested proteins can putrefy in your gut and spur the growth of even MORE harmful bacteria.

In addition, they can bully their way through your intestinal wall (making it leaky), get into your bloodstream and taunt your immune system, triggering the development of food sensitivities.

2 - They “eat up” the vitamin B12 in your foods

Result: B12 deficiency, which can increase your risk of heart disease. 

B12 deficiency can also lead to pernicious anemia, cause symptoms of mania and psychosis, fatigue, memory impairment, irritability, depression and personality changes.

3 - They produce ammonia that your liver and kidneys must eliminate

Result: Liver and kidney stress.  Long term, repeated stress to these organs can lead to disease or failure. 

4 - They deactivate enzymes that break down sugars

Result: Poorly digested sugars ferment in your gut and cause gas and bloating. 

In addition, sugar is nourishment for harmful gut bacteria, thereby worsening the problem.

5 - They destroy essential fatty acids and turn them into free radicals

Result: A once-essential, health-enhancing, natural anti-inflammatory nutrient is now a monster that causes inflammation, disease and premature aging.

6 - They produce carcinogens from your foods

Result: Your food can now give you cancer.

7 - They produce toxins that eat away at your gut lining

Result: Leaky gut.  When your gut wall is leaky, toxins, digestive remnants and medication residues that your gut was holding to be eliminated with your next bowel movement are instead allowed to seep into your bloodstream and poison you (called autointoxication).  They can also stir up pain and inflammation.

Leaky gut also creates immune imbalances and has been linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, MS, lupus, and psoriasis. 

8 - They produce enzymes that affect your body’s hormones like estrogen

Result: Old, worn-out estrogen which your body wants to eliminate can get reabsorbed instead and create high estrogen levels, which can lead to fibrocystic breast disease and eventually breast cancer.

9 - They enter your bloodstream and travel EVERYWHERE in your body

Result: Infections and inflammation just about anywhere--the entire body is fair game.

…And this isn't even a complete list!

So if you've been lulled into a false sense of security about your gut microbiome thinking, "Well, I must be OK because I don't have gas or constipation," think again.

It’s a balancing act!

If you want to make sure your gut bacteria population is closer to the ideal 85: 15 balance, a great way to start is with a multi-strain, full spectrum probiotic supplement like Super Shield.

Super Shield’s 13 strains of outstanding, robust, beneficial bacteria can help repopulate your supply of intestinal good guys to help ensure their numbers stay strong and support optimal health.

In addition, here are other very helpful measures you can take for a healthy gut:

• Avoid refined sugars and carbs, especially SODA.
• Don’t drink tap water—opt for bottled water or use some form of filtration.
• Eat probiotic foods like fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchee, and lassi.
• Take antibiotics ONLY if absolutely necessary. And be sure to counteract their harmful effects with Super Shield.  While antibiotics do destroy infections, they also obliterate your gut microbiome, so probiotic supplementation is vital.
• Buy organic meat, poultry, and dairy.
• Keep your meals simpler, pairing meat and vegetables OR starch and vegetables (NEVER meat and starch together). This paves the way for easier digestion which in turn encourages a healthy gut.  If you need more guidance on food pairings for better digestion, check out the Great Taste No Pain health system. 

Take care of your gut NOW and help counteract the effects of any harmful bacteria you may be already challenged with.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia