90% of the human organism is composed of cells that are non-human. Not one type, but over 10,000 different species of microbes and counting. Much smaller than human cells, but size doesn’t dictate their importance in promoting quality health.

The types of food we ingest cause the seeding of certain types of bacteria that work synergistically with our own body. If we are consuming processed foods, the types of organisms that flourish allow the build up of calories. This results in weight gain. On the other hand, unprocessed foods alters bacteria in the intestinal tract causing weight loss.

Researchers are beginning to understand that good foods produce bacteria that rev up energy production. They not only burn up more calories but increase levels of a satiety hormone called leptin.

Gastric bypass studies result in significant weight loss. Scientists never fully understood why patients would lose up to 75% of their excess weight. Research found that 20% of that loss was due to changes in intestinal flora (bacteria). When surgery bypassed a portion of the stomach, bacteria in that area of the intestinal tract changed dramatically. New flora that was produced by the GI renovation significantly lowered weight in these patients.

In The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ’11, 94, 58-65, results found different types of bacteria in obese versus slim patients. When the normal weight people were fed excess calories in their diets it changed the bacterial flora. This indicated that calories may be more readily stored due to the type of bacteria produced from overeating.

Beneficial Bacteria To Induce Positive Moods

Healthy bacteria from yogurt will positively alter brain chemistry. This food must be consumed daily for beneficial effects. Serotonin produced by the organisms gets into your head decreasing anxiety. This positive mood altering effect would show full potential after 3-4 months of daily ingestion. Over this time, the patient may feel calmer relaxed and happier.

Wine’s Protective Effects Work To Boost Beneficial Bacteria

Red wine with antioxidants like resveratrol stimulate the production of beneficial bacteria. Studies showed that 9 oz daily of dry red wine works together with beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy heart. Benefits decrease with sweeter wines.

Start with yogurt twice daily, only two ounces per serving. Make sure it has 6-7 different species of active bacterial cultures and is organic.

Renovating Your Mind likes either Stonyfield or Nancy’s, but there are other brands available. Choose either no or low-fat plain variety. Add nuts, seeds, dried fruits and sweetener too if necessary. My preference is toasted wheat germ, banana, flaxseed and walnuts with the morning dose. Sweeten up the afternoon version of this microbial melting pot with honey, mixed nuts and sunflower seeds.

The world is your oyster for healthy choices you can mix with yogurt.

Yogurt helping to make a healthier you, works best with abundant fruits and vegetables daily.

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Categories: Food, Health, Nutrition, Weight Loss

Tags: bacteria, bacterial flora, beneficial bacteria, leptin, Nancy's, satiety, Stonyfield, yoghurt, yogurt