There's no way to look inside your guts without surgery, but you can at least get acquainted with some of these eye-opening facts and figures about your insides:
How many species of bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract?
More than 400 (the majority are bifidus in the colon, and acidophilus strains in the stomach and small intestine)
What is the approximate total weight of these bacteria in an average healthy adult?
3-5 pounds
What is the surface area of the human digestive system?
About 2,700 sq. ft. (the size of a tennis court - due to folds in the intestinal walls).
What is the surface area that, in most adults, is actually clean enough to absorb nutrients efficiently?
Due to compacted, undigested food on the intestinal wall, only an area about the size of a ping-pong table is actually clean enough to absorb nutrients efficiently.
If the intestinal wall is compacted, as is the case for 80% of the population, is it true that you will need to consume more of each isolated nutrient than others with fully functioning digestive systems?
Yes. For example, the RDI (recommended daily intake) for zinc is 15 mg, whereas someone with a healthy intestinal wall may only need 5 mg per day. Why take more than you need, when a fully functioning digestive system could handle less?
How much yogurt would be required to equal the amount of active acidophilus in one serving (2 capsules) of New Earth's Acidophilus?
20-40 quarts
Benefits of Acidophilus and Other Friendly Bacteria
o Help keep intestinal walls clean
o Produce natural antibiotics
o Create a favorable environment for "good bacteria" growth
o Produce natural B vitamins
o Improve absorption of food nutrients such as protein, and help retain minerals
o Assist in the production of enzymes that break down milk sugars
o Boost the immune system
o Aid in maintaining regular elimination
No Need to Stuff Yourself with Yogurt!
Want all the benefits of acidophilus and other friendly bacteria? No need to stuff yourself with yogurt (20-40 quarts to be exact!). Just add supplements of acidophilus, bifidus, and a full spectrum probiotic:
Order these high quality products online
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Photo credit: Belly Waves
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Are You Getting Enough Green?
Surveys show that 80% of North Americans fail to get optimal amounts of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets, as recommended by the USDA and the National Cancer Institute. Consuming "green foods" (nutrient-dense, minimally processed, whole foods) is an important way to achieve a healthy diet. But what makes green foods so great? Chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, is essential in the photosynthesis reactions that convert radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy for life processes. Inside the cells of green plants, chlorophyll combines with carbon dioxide and sunlight to form simple sugars. Without chlorophyll, plants would be unable to perform essential metabolic functions such as respiration and growth.
Chlorophyll has a similar effect in humans. There is considerable research and anecdotal evidence that chlorophyll is effective in rebuilding the blood, through metabolic processes that are not yet completely understood.
Chlorophyll has also been shown to stimulate liver function and excretion of bile, strengthen immunity, and detoxify chemical pollutants. Numerous recent studies have also indicated that chlorophyll has anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties.
Chlorophyll is found in highest concentrations in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and in cereal grasses like wheat grass and barley grass, but the highest concentration is found in blue-green algae. Given all the potential benefits of adding chlorophyll, why not consider adding more "green" to your diet?
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, is essential in the photosynthesis reactions that convert radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy for life processes. Inside the cells of green plants, chlorophyll combines with carbon dioxide and sunlight to form simple sugars. Without chlorophyll, plants would be unable to perform essential metabolic functions such as respiration and growth.
Chlorophyll has a similar effect in humans. There is considerable research and anecdotal evidence that chlorophyll is effective in rebuilding the blood, through metabolic processes that are not yet completely understood.
Chlorophyll has also been shown to stimulate liver function and excretion of bile, strengthen immunity, and detoxify chemical pollutants. Numerous recent studies have also indicated that chlorophyll has anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties.
Chlorophyll is found in highest concentrations in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and in cereal grasses like wheat grass and barley grass, but the highest concentration is found in blue-green algae. Given all the potential benefits of adding chlorophyll, why not consider adding more "green" to your diet?
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Power of Acidophlius
Acidophilus is often called "nature's antibiotic" because it plays such a vital role in our immune systems. Acidophilus is a form of friendly bacteria that lives in our small intestine and is necessary for proper digestion and a healthy immune system. Stress antacids, antibiotics, processed foods, pesticides, chlorine in drinking water, and high-fat, high-protein diets are all factors that destroy the acidophilus in our system.
When we don't have enough acidophilus we get sick - everything from the common cold to indigestion, skin problems and allergies. To stay healthy, avoid the insulting habits mentioned above and replenish the acidophilus in your system every day.
For the most potent and effect strain of acidophilus (the Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 strain), order online:
At Prosperity Abounds
QUICK TIP:
When you feel yourself start to get sick, take 10-20 acidophilus at once with pure water, then 2-4 every 2 hours. The quantity of acidophilus gives your immune system incredibly strong support!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.
When we don't have enough acidophilus we get sick - everything from the common cold to indigestion, skin problems and allergies. To stay healthy, avoid the insulting habits mentioned above and replenish the acidophilus in your system every day.
For the most potent and effect strain of acidophilus (the Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 strain), order online:
At Prosperity Abounds
QUICK TIP:
When you feel yourself start to get sick, take 10-20 acidophilus at once with pure water, then 2-4 every 2 hours. The quantity of acidophilus gives your immune system incredibly strong support!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.
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