What causes an imbalance of your good and bad bacteria

What causes an imbalance of your good and bad bacteria (flora) and makes you need probiotics?

Several factors such as:

Antibiotic usage destroys all the bacteria in your gut, the good & bad. So if you’ve just finished antibiotics or took them years ago, your gut bacteria balance may still be compromised. Factory-farmed meats and conventional dairy products you may be eating also include antibiotics.

Medications such as heartburn pills, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or the common over-the-counter and prescription pills taken for heartburn, can alter your gut flora and harm your good bacteria. NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) including painkillers drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can all negatively impact your gut’s good bacteria.

Fluoridated and chlorinated water can potentially destroy both the good and bad bacteria in your gut.

Sugar and fructose creates an imbalance & feeds the bad bacteria. Studies link too much sugar to cognitive impairment, dementia, depression and even weight issues.

Processed, refined foods including pasteurized milk, can harm the good bacteria in your gut. The typical Western diet high in carbs and processed foods creates an imbalance of your gut flora.

Genetically modified foods, pesticides, glyphosate and other chemicals destroy your good gut bacteria.

Stress affects your gut by interrupting enzymes and therefore absorption of nutrients, and reduces oxygen levels and blood flow.

Pollution can alter your gut bacteria and your intestinal barrier.

Tags: health checklist, probiotic