Diet has a marked impact on gut microflora diversity, understandable given that resident micro-organisms obtain energy for growth via metabolism of dietary nutrients. (13)
The effect of dietary fiber consumption on the intestinal microflora composition, was reported from global population studies with very similar results. Using recent and long- term dietary questionnaires and stool samples from healthy human subjects, microflora analysis demonstrated that diet low in fat and high in dietary fiber was associated with higher positive bacteria, but diet high in fat was more highly associated with negative bacteria.
There has been growing concern that even short-term dietary changes, particularly to a ‘Westernised’ style diet (high animal fat, high sugar and low in plant-based fiber) can rapidly alter the composition and metabolic activity of resident intestinal microflora, with decreased levels of beneficial bacteria and increased numbers of bile-tolerant, inflammation-associated bacteria (13)
Some of the pre-biotic herbs traditionally used to encourage healthy microflora, reduce negative bacteria and parasites include:
The introduction of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in high dose supplement form or enema may also be useful in the short term, especially where a gut brain connection is involved. (14)
In a recent pilot study of elderly persons, the intestinal load of the positive bacteria lactobacilli was linked to the count of white blood cells, blood glucose and LDL cholesterol, all risk markers of inflammation, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. (15)
Using plain unsweetened acidophilus yogurt in smoothies on a regular basis can be of great assistance.
See my Probiotic smoothie recipes here
