A Guide to Intestinal Health

Look for organic yogurt (made without the use of antibiotics and toxic pesticides) and be sure the label certifies it contains live active cultures like Lactobacillus (L) Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei and L. Reuteri. The challenge is for the bacteria to survive the hostile gastric juice environment of the stomach, on its way to the small intestines to add to the colony of existing bacteria and become food for future bacteria. 

Prebiotics are non-digestible fiber foods that act as a host to feed and promote bacterial colonies – most notably bifidobacteria – mainly in the large intestine. The formation of short chain fatty acids from these fiber foods not only feed the good bacteria, but also the muscosa cells in the colon wall. Prebiotics play a role in the muscosa cells’ ability to absorb the minerals calcium, magnesium and iron, along with the vitamins niacin, folic acid, B-6 and vitamin K. Probiotic foods contain the phytochemicals inulin and oligosaccharids, and are found in garlic, onions, asparagus, artichokes, chicory, bananas, wheat, barley and rye. It is estimated that Americans eat less than three grams daily of these foods, far less than what is needed for optimum intestinal health. 

Symbiotic refers to the combining of both probiotic and prebiotic in the same product. A good example are the latest yogurts that contain live active cultures (probiotic) and add inulin (prebiotic). This makes for a winning combination to add to the number of good bacteria, both in the small intestine (lactobacillus) and large intestine (bifidobacteria). 

Autointoxication is self-poisoning caused by bad bacteria, metabolic wastes and other toxins produced within the large intestine. It originates in an unhealthy colon and often results in constipation. What steps can be taken to maintain optimum intestinal health? A detoxification program is a good start, but those with extremely weak immune systems should use caution. Eat a diet of organic whole grains, fruits and vegetables, with 30 grams daily of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Incorporate a daily routine of both probiotic and prebiotic foods. Drink eight to ten glasses of pure water to assist the elimination process. A lifestyle of three to four hours of exercise weekly will aid in mechanical digestion and reduce transit time of waste elimination. Avoid all processed foods, white flour, simple sugars and alcohol, which are the foods of choice for bad bacteria. 

Avoid eating beef and poultry that are raised on antibiotics. Almost half of all antibiotics used in U.S. each year are given to livestock. Be aware that continued use of aspirin or drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or oral contraceptives deplete the good bacteria. Flatulence and abdominal bloating may occur in the initial stage of introducing foods that are probiotic and prebiotic; this is the result of the breakdown of unfriendly bacteria and the fermentation of the friendly bacteria. If it becomes too unpleasant, introduce these foods more slowly to your daily routine. Taking a digestive enzyme is helpful when increasing fiber to a minimum of 30 grams daily, especially if you have been consuming, like most people, 10 grams or less daily. 

In closing, I’m reminded of a meeting I once had with a couple on the techniques of good nutrition. They had brought their son Jarred, who at the time was four years old. During the meeting he interrupted and asked, “Charlie why is there bad?” I looked into his eyes and said, “Good always takes care of bad; always keep your eyes on good and you won’t have to be concerned about bad.” That could not be more true when it comes to our intestinal health. Develop a lifestyle committed to organic whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid the overuse of antibiotics and keep the immune system in peak performance, maintaining the good bacterial flora that brings life and health and lowering the bad bacterial flora that can lead to illness. 

Charles Remington is a nutritionist and herbalist who is the author of a best-selling nutritional software program. He has been a featured guest on many television talk and news shows, as well as national radio broadcasts, delivering his message that “Food’s not the problem, it’s the solution”. His articles on health and fitness have been featured in national and international publications. Known to his thousands of clients as The Fat Loss Coach, his concepts on healthy weight loss are well embraced by the medical community and supported by a large insurance provider. He has conducted more than 200 seminars in the corporate, municipal and education arenas and manages a nutritional practice in Cheshire, Connecticut. Contact him at charlie@thefatlosscoach.com or visit his website www.thefatlosscoach.com.