What Are Prebiotics and Why They Are Important

If you have heard of the many advantages of probiotics, then you should know how to ensure that you have them in your gut. Probiotics are helpful microbes that sustain our healthy body and keep it working. It is our first line against bad bacteria.

So that probiotics can be able to do their important functions, we need to nourish them. Fibers that the body cannot digest serve as food to probiotics and other beneficial bacteria in the gut. These are called prebiotics dr gundry. Prebiotics can be derived from many plant-based foods, such as bananas, garlic, chicory roots, dandelion greens, onion, asparagus, leeks, and many more.  Here’s how prebiotic works for our overall well-being.

Activates the Immune System

Prebiotics help increase the population of beneficial microbes in the gut. These microorganisms stimulate the mucosal immune system. Prebiotics can also activate the GALT or gut –associated lymphoid tissues which can help us achieve a state of well-being. In addition, they aid reduce the risks of ailments.

Prevents Colorectal Cancer

Studies show that prebiotics can help in the prevention of colorectal cancer by modifying the composition of the microflora in the colon and rectal areas. Prebiotics also promote production of intestinal short-chain fatty acids or SCFA which have anti-cancer properties.

Relieves Constipation

When there is microbial imbalance in the gut, it may lead to constipation. By including prebiotics in your diet, more beneficial bacteria will be able to produce short-chain fatty acid that can help in increasing blood flow to the intestines, thereby improving intestinal motility.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Prebiotics have cholesterol-lowering effects mainly because of the SFCA. When short-chain fatty acids are metabolized in the liver, blood pressure is decreased. Prebiotics also help in the absorption of fats in the intestines.

Prevents Obesity

When there is disruption of glucose metabolism and fat absorption in the gut, obesity can be the result. The disruption can be caused by pathogenic microbes in the gut. With prebiotics, helpful bacteria can increase in number to fight off the pathogenic bacteria. Cravings for sugary foods can also be prevented when harmful bacteria are reduced.

 

Enhance Absorption of Minerals

Calcium and magnesium are minerals that are essential to our bones. With prebiotics, these minerals are easily absorbed. The short-chain fatty acid from the prebiotics acidifies the gut lumen which helps in increasing solubility of the minerals, making them more absorbable.

Many of us may not be very much aware of prebiotics. But knowing that they affect our overall well-being and how they can reduce our risks of some diseases, prebiotics should be taken seriously as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to make us healthy.…

Top Benefits of Hemp Seeds

hemp seeds

A lot of people consider hemp seeds to be superfoods. These seeds have a rich nutritional profile and a wide range of health benefits. Although the seeds come from a plant that belongs to the cannabis family, they do not have a mind-altering impact. The small seeds are quite rich in fiber, healthful fatty acids, and protein. In addition, they have antioxidant effects and help reduce symptoms of ailments, joints, and improve the health of the skin and heart.

Protect the Brain

Recent studies show that hemp seed extract contains antioxidant properties. The effects are attributed to CBD content. As a result of those potential properties, CBD can help with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood seizure disorders, and Parkinson’s disease.

Boost Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids help improve the condition of the heart and help reduce risks such as heart disease and arrhythmias. In fact, hemp seeds contain a high level of omega-3s and have a beautiful ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Also, the seeds contain a lot of arginines, which is an amino acid that converts to nitric oxide. You should note that nitric oxide is quite essential for vein and artery dilation. It helps keep the blood vessel walls elastic and smooth.

Reduce Inflammation

The fact that hemp seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and have a healthful ratio with omega-6 means that the product can help fight inflammation. Remember that hemp seeds contain a lot of gamma-linolenic acid that contains anti-inflammatory properties.

However, recent studies show that human beings process linolenic acid in a complicated way, and the results vary from one person to another. By reducing inflammation, you can manage symptoms of various chronic diseases that include metabolic syndrome, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease.

Improve Skin Conditions

Acne and atopic dermatitis can be a result of chronic inflammation. Also, anti-inflammatory compounds found in hemp seeds can be of help. Other possible dietary causes that are linked to a deficiency in omega-3s are acne and skin inflammation. Products derived from hemp seeds can help reduce and manage acne symptoms. In fact, a recent study shows that omega-3s help improves the symptoms of acne, although more research is required.…

Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Diet

vegetables

One of the frequently asked questions when it comes to nutrition is how to select the perfect diet. We have different types of diet, and the different types of foods are different for different individuals.

Picking the right menu is fundamental, and you should make sure that you choose the right one that you will stick with it for the longest time possible. Many people select specific diets to help them in managing their weight. This read highlights some of the questions to ask when selecting the perfect food.

Budget

green pearsWhen you are choosing the perfect diet, it is always important to look at the budget. It is important to note that before you choose an ideal food, there is some financial commitment that you will have to make. You need to put into consideration the amount of money that you have and determine how much you need to spend the same.

Once you have established the size of your budget, you can look at different types of diet plans to get one that perfectly fits your budget. Look at things like the cost of the gym, references materials, support services, and food when you are selecting the right diet based on your budget.

Health Issues

delicious plumsAnother question that is fundamental when you are choosing the right diet is if you have any health issues. Some health issues may require you to avoid certain types of food. For example, people with diabetes are encouraged to avoid sugary foods because they help in increasing the insulin in the bloodstream.

If you have diabetes, then there are specific nutritional requirements that you will need. People with high blood pressure should also check on the consumption of the salt that they take in their diet.

Schedule

We have different schedules depending on what we do on our daily basis. We have some people who have tight plans which means that they are not able to carry out some assignments because of their tight schedule. When you are choosing the right diet, you might need to prepare some of the foods before you eat them. If this is the case, then make sure that your schedule allows you to prepare the said foods.

Special Support

Some diet might require special support from the nutritionist. If you have a child for example who is underweight, you might need to see a nutritionist who will recommend specific measures to take to help your child with her weight. If this is the case, then make sure that you get that special support from the professionals.…

Reasons Why You Need to Eat a Balanced Diet

foods rich in different nutrients

When you visit a nutritionist, he will insist that you ought to eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet refers to a meal that has all the nutrients. Some of the nutrients are vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

By eating the major food groups like dairy products, healthy fats and oils, cereals and grains, and proteins will safeguard you from various diseases. Junk foods are considered unhealthy and should be avoided at all costs. We explore some of the reasons why eating a balanced diet is recommended.

Losing Weight is made Easier

cooking meat preparation

Some of the common health problems that we are facing today are; as a result our weight which is as a result of unhealthy eating practices. Foods that are low in calorie are considered as a healthy alternative. Eating such foods will help us in losing weight.

By eating fruits and vegetables, legumes and grains, and foods that are high in fiber, we will help the body in losing the excess adipose. In so doing the body will get the much-needed nutrients that it needs.

Gaining Weight Becomes Easier

We have a different recommended weight for individuals based on their genders and age. When an individual is underweight, the nutritionist will recommend some foods and supplements to the individuals.

The supplements and foods will provide the individuals with the nutrients that they lack so that they get to gain weight as it desired. The nutritionist will also recommend foods that are energy-dense like dried fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Another reason why you should eat a balanced diet is that it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. It has been established that type 2 diabetes is rampant among individuals who have poor eating habits or who do not eat healthily.

Type 2 diabetes is also widespread among people who are obese, and obesity is caused by eating unhealthy foods like junk. Eating healthy will help in keeping your weight in check and therefore reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Good for Your Heart

preparation of food in progress

The heart is no doubt one of the most critical organs in the body of an individual. When the heart stops beating, and an individual will cease to exist. Since it is the heart that pumps blood, it is essential to make sure that it functions well at all times.

Avoiding foods that are high in calories is one way of ensuring that you safeguard the health of your heart. Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids will go in a long way in providing that the health and safety of your heart are guaranteed.

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