The digestive system, specifically the large and small intestine, are a big topic of conversation in mainstream media and also with those interested in alternative forms of healing. The use Probiotics has surged since 2010 and it is now trendy to be gluten-free or Paleo! More and more people are becoming aware of their digestion and if they feel bloated, lethargic or uncomfortable after eating certain foods. People are understanding that we should feel good after we eat a meal that food is providing us nutrients not just a fell belly. The “diet” concept has fallen to the way side and the idea of eating well as a lifestyle is now more popular. You do not hear many people say anymore that they are dieting. This is all fantastic news as dieting is typically short lived and not something that anyone sticks to. Eating healthy as a lifestyle is so important because it is the decisions that we make every day that determine how long we live and well we feel during that time.

As we discussed earlier in this module, we have “good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria floating around in our large intestine. It is important for our overall health that we have less “bad” bacteria and more “good” bacteria. The intestinal microflora is made up of trillions of microorganisms, most of which are bacterial and not harmful to our health. Not only do most gut bacteria not make us sick or harm us, but they are actually beneficial and vital to our health. Factors such as genetics, age, sex and diet continually influence the composition and profile of an individual’s gut flora. That means no two people’s gut bacteria are quite the same.

Common signs of poor gut health include:

• Digestive issues like bloating, gas, skipping bowel movements, constipation and diarrhea
• Acne
• Skin Rashes
• Headaches
• Frequent Colds, viruses, other "common" illnesses
• Low Energy levels and fatigue
• Achy joints & muscular pain