Nourish - Recharge Your Gut for Spring: The Benefits of Taking Friendly Bacteria
Honestly, I can’t stress enough how vital it is to consume friendly bacteria (also known as live cultures) throughout the year. That being said, each season brings its own unique set of health challenges, and it’s fascinating to learn how these good bacteria can help us during these times. That’s why I’m excited to share this blog post with you!
What are Friendly Bacteria?
Friendly bacteria refer to live microorganisms that are beneficial to our health, particularly our gut health. These bacteria can be consumed through foods and supplements, and they help to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in our gut.
Taking friendly bacteria during the springtime may have a number of benefits, including:
- supporting our immune systems
- improving our digestion
- helping to alleviate seasonal allergies
Recharge Your Gut for Spring: The Benefits of Taking Friendly Bacteria
Supporting our Immune Systems
One of the primary benefits of taking friendly bacteria supplements and foods during the springtime is that they help to support our immune systems.
Here’s a little mind nugget for you. Did you know that the human gut is home to approximately 70-80% of our immune system?
Indeed, it’s true! The gut is a complex and important part of the immune system. That’s why maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is so important.
While bacteria and viruses are the primary causes of illness, changes in weather and seasonal transitions can also have a big impact on our health. During the spring, we are more susceptible to seasonal allergies which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Furthermore, in Ireland, the spring season typically sees an increase in rainfall, which can create damp conditions that promote the growth of mold and other allergens.
Additionally, changes in humidity and temperature can affect our immune systems, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses, like colds and flu.
As a result, the changing weather and increased exposure to allergens may throw a spanner in the works for some people’s health during the spring season.
Enter the humble friendly bacteria. Taking friendly bacteria supplements and eating foods rich in them may help to strengthen our immune systems and protect against infections.
Try OptiBac Live Cultures For Daily Immunity
Improving Digestion
Friendly bacteria are perhaps best known for their ability to improve digestive health.
As we transition from winter to spring, our diets may change, and we are likely to be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Friendly bacteria help to break down the fiber in these foods, often making them easier to digest. This can also help to alleviate any digestive discomfort, such as bloating or constipation.
Try OptiBac Live Cultures Bifidobacteria & Fibre
Helping to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies
As previously touched on, spring is a time when many people suffer from seasonal allergies, such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
Once again, Friendly bacteria are here to help 😊 These lovely little live cultures help to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies by reducing inflammation and regulating the immune system. Some studies have even found that certain strains of friendly bacteria can reduce the incidence and severity of allergy symptoms.
If you’d like to learn more about seasonal allergies, have a read over my last couple of blog posts on the subject here:
- Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally
- Tips for Managing Allergies in the Spring, Naturally Part 2
Supporting Skin Health
Another random nugget of wisdom for you is that our skin is often affected by seasonal changes. Ok, I’m sure you knew that one. Just checking ; )
The warmer weather and increased humidity of spring can lead to a variety of skin concerns for many people, including acne, eczema, and rosacea. Just the simple transition from winter to spring can leave our skin feeling dry and irritated.
However, taking friendly bacteria may just help to improve skin health. It does so by reducing inflammation which is a common cause of skin issues and supporting the skin’s natural barrier function.
In conclusion
Taking friendly bacteria during the spring may help to provide a wide range of health benefits, from supporting your immune system to improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
How to Add Friendly Bacteria into the Diet
If you’re interested in incorporating friendly bacteria into your diet, there are a variety of foods and supplements that can provide these beneficial bacteria.
Food Sources
Food-wise, I highly recommend adding some fermented foods to your diet. These include:
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
- kombucha
- miso
- kefir
- yoghurt
- coconut kefir
- water kefir
- fermented vegetables (we have a great range in-store!)
Or you could try making your own. See my blog here on:
Supplement Sources
Supplement-wise, we have a huge range to offer you.
Optibac are a firm favourite and offer a wide variety of strains to choose from for different ailments. The Everyday range is a popular one.
Friendly bacteria are also available in supplement form and are an excellent way to ensure you’re getting a specific strain/strains and strength of bacteria or yeast.
Some of our favourite brands include Optibac, Udo’s Choice, Nordic Naturals and many more!
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen.
Emily Nöth
Any questions? Drop into your local Nourish store to chat with our expert team and explore our full range of foods, supplements and skincare. You can also find our full product range in our online store.
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*Please note that while we are knowledgeable about our products and nutrition, this blog should never be a substitute for medical advice and attention.
Please remember that you should always obtain the all-clear from your doctor before starting any new supplement plan or diet if you’re on any medication.
