I am probiotic. What about you?

Heads up: I kind of discuss poop. If you have problems reading about poop, well, exit- stage right! 

From the articles I've read throughout the years and information I've accrued, it's pretty common knowledge that it is extremely important to maintain the balance of good bacteria in and on our bodies. We are all (this is gross but true, so get over it) walking bacteria colonies. It's been said that there are 10 times more bacterial cells on/in our bodies than actual human cells. Isn't that amazing? And a little gross? Yeah, get over it. We need those amazing micro-organisms to live.

Most of the time these bacteria help us fight off bad bacteria, and keep up going on our way. But sometimes the balance is off and we get infections, or feel icky...

An important part of what our bacterial inhabitants help us with is digestion.

Now I'm not going to get into the actual breakdowns but they help break down our food as we digest it, and then prevent pathogenic infections by populating areas where that could occur in greater numbers. Having a healthy digestive tract relies heavily on proper flora (good bacteria)! When you're sick a combination of a flora imbalance and dehydration will lead to diarrhea. Or constipation. Or bad poops. Yes, all poop is gross- but a bad (extremely freakishly smelly, greasy loose and watery poop is a sign of intestinal distress. You are unbalanced, and dehydrated and probably ate something rank. If that's not the case there could be a more pressing issue like IBS or Chrons disease. VERY important to talk to a medical professional about this. Though I'll just state in my opinion the remedies for these conditions can be arduous and taxing on your body too. There are many natural and healing ways to remedy and aid in these maladies- like a good pro-biotic and aloe...). 

A good poop is just great. You know when you take a good poop because in that moment nothing can bring you down! There's pep in your step. 

Fun fact: A poop that sinks shows you are getting a LOT of veggies and fruit. A poop that floats shows a lot of excess fats. 

We also need a healthy balance in our intestines because our immune system primarily resides in our intestines. Because of that it's important to maintain and nurture the good bacteria in our bodies by supplementing with a probiotic, or eating fermented foods.

I am not a huge fan of dairy being a major staple in a diet as it creates an acidic and damp environment in the human body- however there are exceptions to this. I think that eating a high quality yogurt (plain, Greek or Skyr yogurts or a kefir is great!) is a fine way to get probiotics that help populate your body with good flora. If you're a dairy teetotaler then almond and coconut yogurts are great alternatives. Then there are fermented foods like kombucha (which, over time will help bolster your immunity like whoa!) trending in the health food stratosphere despite blips of controversy regarding alcohol content, Miso (it's easier for your body to digest then straight up soy and has a solid dose of potassium too!)paste, and one of my most favorite- KIMCHI! It's the national dish of Korea, and I can eat it every day. It does make my currently breast-feeding baby gassy so I have to hold off on it, but damn I miss it. There are many other fermented foods that are easy to integrate into your diet...But if yogurt is too difficult for you then I don't know what to tell you.

And of course there are probiotic supplements. Now some will say "50 trillion strains!" or something ridiculous like that. Part of me says to be mindful that there really is no way to know how may strains you are getting. Often if you opt for a supplement pro-biotic opt for one that has a pre-biotic as well. It will help protect the integrity of the supplemental bacteria and ensure you get them in your gut where they belong.

Now if the circumstance arises and you find yourself at a doctors office, and for whatever reason you are given an Rx for an antibiotic, (if you're me you roll your eyes and ask why, and 30 other questions, specifically if you can be given the lowest dosage possible...) make sure to inform them that between doses you intend on taking a probiotic (this is when a supplemental pro-biotic is bad ass!) to maintain the integrity of your intestinal flora. Any doctor that protests needs to check themselves before they wreck themselves. The anti-biotic isn't going to differentiate between the bad bacteria causing a health problem, and the good bacteria fighting them off. This is especially important for the ladies. If you want to keep your parts in good standing make sure you keep up with probiotics.

In my opinion antibiotics are an absolute last resort. There is such a rising rate of antibiotic resistant strains of illnesses because of overuse. Contracting a strain of antibiotic resistant anything will put you through the ringer! I will opt for alternatives before going to the pharmacy any day.

Alternatives to antibiotics are oil of oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove and many more. They can be blended with coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil and applied topically to help heal skin infections or taken internally.

Colloidal silver is an incredible immune boosting, bad bacteria butt kicking alternative to antibiotics. It's been used since 400 B.C. when Hippocrates first realized that it had anti-microbial properties! Awesome right? If integrated into a healing regiment you'll notice an absolute difference.

GARLIC!! I can not say enough about this magical food. It's antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal. I try to add it to every juice I make, and cook with it as much as I can. In my humble opinion there is no such thing as too much garlic (fun fact, if you chew raw garlic, make sure you've got fresh parsley on hand- it will help neutralize the odor it might leave behind).

Manuka Honey is a variety of honey from New Zealand. A monofloral (bees only pollinate one variety of flower, in this case blossoms from the Manuka tree...) varietal that has been known for its incredible healing properties, along with all honey- but has actually been recognized by the FDA to treat wounds! That's kind of awesome. I suggest using it preemptively when you feel that tickle in your throat right before a cold sets in. It's mega potent and a perfect way to help stave of illness.

There are many more amazing alternatives to antibiotics out there, I hope that you will look and see what suits your lifestyle and specific health needs.

(I have to say this next part)

***As I am not a medical professional please consult one before deviating from their recommendations for your health and well being. 

(But also listen to your body and instinct. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and doctors are not in charge of you. They are not God. YOU choose what's best for you)

With the perfect combination of probiotics, and alternatives to antibiotics you'll hopefully find yourself in great health!