Digestive and colon health are big topics in natural wellness.  If we aren’t digesting our fuel source, it is doing us no good regardless of the quality or amount we’ve eaten.   Our digestive tract provides energy to every cell of the body as well as the immune and psychological systems too.  Food is broken down physically and chemically in the small intestine and nutrients absorbed.  The process continues in the large intestine, or colon, mainly with the help of friendly bacteria.  “Friendly”, because it serves a purpose to the body.  There are also “unfriendly” bacteria and fungi, especially Candida albicans or “yeast” as it is usually referred to.  Now yeast does serve a purpose, but not until we are dead and it turns our body back to dust.  Until that time, it is just supposed to be available in very small amounts until called upon.  Unfortunately, when the diet is too full of sugar, breads, pasta, etc. and not enough good bacteria around, the yeast proliferates to a point that it causes many frustrating symptoms like:  foggy thinking, bloating, gas, pain, chronic fatigue, sensitivities, etc.  Antibiotic use also allows yeast to get out of control because it kills off the friendly bacteria that is supposed to keep the yeast under control.

Years ago, before refrigeration, the natural way to preserve foods was to ferment them in salt water.  This fermentation happened when bacteria partially digested the foods causing lactic acid yeast, which kept the colon in good health.  The lactic acid yeast is not Candida Albicans, but beneficial yeast.  Now that we don’t typically eat fermented foods, which are good if you want to try making them, a supplementation of probiotics, or good friendly bacteria, is necessary for colon health.  There are many families and strains of good bacteria.  One only has to view a supplement store to find billions of them in various price ranges.  Some of our bacteria stay around with us for a long time and others are just transient after they’ve done their job.  Some estimate that up to 1/3 of the bulk of our feces are old dead organisms.  While introducing good bacteria to the body is beneficial and necessary in many cases, there is another way.

Studies have also found that individuals will have some strains of bacteria unique to them and similar to other biological family members.  With this in mind, we need more than just forcing certain probiotics across the board to all people.  Improving these individual strains as well as other friendly bacteria is done by simply feeding them!  When they are getting the good nutrition that they alone benefit from, they grow in numbers and can keep the colon in good health and then we are in good health.

Inulin is an excellent food, or prebiotic, for our good gut bacteria.  It is a non-digestible dietary fiber that’s only broken down by the good bacteria through fermentation.  This process continues to stimulate the growth of the bacteria thus creating a healthy gut environment for keeping the unfriendly bacteria and yeast under control.  The end result of the fermentation is a lower pH of the colon which helps supply the colon cells with energy and encourages greater nutrient absorption. Some studies even suggest the lower pH can increase calcium and magnesium absorption which is necessary for good bone health.  Prebiotic Inulin also produces a strong gastrointestinal barrier to help heal leaky gut syndrome which also helps support the lymphoid tissue in the gut for a better immune response. 

Prebiotic Inulin is a soluble fiber powder that can be added to hot or cold foods without changing its health-promoting properties.  Try it with cereal, yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese, or even in a smoothie.  When adding to liquids, stir immediately and drink it.  Now is the time, going into the cold and flu season, to keep your digestive system on tract for a healthier you!