Did you know that there are more bacterial cells than human cells in our bodies? For those who are curious, they outnumber our own cells 10 to 1.
They’re everywhere, really—on the skin, in the mucous membranes, you name it! Fortunately, most of them are harmless.
In fact, some are actually beneficial! Take the ones in the gut, for example—they serve as a protective barrier against infections. They also help utilize nutrients.
Given that, it’s not surprising to know that things can happen when they become out of balance.
Want to know how to get rid of bad bacteria in the gut? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to find out what you can do about it!
How to Get Rid of Bad Bacteria in the Gut
The best way to improve gut health is to make the right food choices. Couple that with a few lifestyle changes and you’ll feel better in no time!
Not sure what to eat? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Fibrous Foods
Make an effort to eat more dietary fiber. Why? It’ll allow good bacteria to thrive, which can help restore balance in your gut.
For example, you might want to incorporate nuts, berries, legumes, and seeds into your meals. Fiber supplements are an option as well for those who’re unable to get enough from their diet.
2. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are great for your gut. They’re packed with natural probiotics that can help keep it healthy.
Some examples include pickles, miso, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut. It might also be a good idea to supplement with a high-quality probiotic. For instance, Bifidobacterium bifidum is known for helping with digestion.
3. Omega-3 Rich Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids help to increase microbial diversity in the gut, which promotes better health. For this reason, you might want to increase your intake of fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, and mackerel.
Other foods that are rich in omega-3s include walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados. There’s also the option of taking a fish oil supplement.
4. Lean Proteins
Lean protein can help boost gut health. Some foods that you might want to consider include beans, lentils, fish, tofu, nuts, and eggs.
Avoid high-fat foods as it can actually decrease the number of good bacteria in the gut. Not only that, but it can increase inflammatory triggers, which can lead to the development of certain conditions.
A Note About Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. In other words, they can easily put your gut out of whack!
For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you take a probiotic afterward. Just be sure to take it a few hours apart—otherwise, it’ll also be killed by the antibiotic!
Maintaining Gut Health
Hopefully, that answers the question of “how to get rid of bad bacteria in the gut”. As you can see, there are several foods that you can eat to help restore balance in your gut!
Want more health tips? Then be sure to check out some of our other blog posts!