BELLY bacterial balance is crucial for health, says Probiotics Australia’s Reena Ghose.
“Bacteria is constantly fighting to establish dominance in your gut,” Ms Ghose said.
“When less desirable types of bacteria multiply out of control, colonies of good bacteria decrease.
“This can lead to problems including intestinal irritation, cramps, spasm, excessive flatulence and chronic diarrhoea,” she said.
Diminishing strains of friendly bacteria also leaves the way open for fungus and yeast living in the gut to propagate.
Ms Ghose said maintaining an appropriate balance of good and bad bacteria can be disrupted by excessive use of antibiotics, a diet high in junk food, stress and environmental hazards such as household chemicals.
Ms Ghose said lactic acid bacteria was the main form of good bacteria.
“Lactic acid bacteria manufactures B group vitamins, assists in digestion and absorption of nutrients and aids detoxification,” she said.
“Eating foods such as yoghurt, fermented soybeans, buttermilk and sauerkraut can improve the levels of this bacteria,” she said.