Join Pat Robertson and CBN News Health correspondent Lorie Johnson for a CBN Health special, "Build a Better Gut" Discover the latest scientific research surrounding gut health-and the astounding ways it effects your overall health and wellbeing.
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- Scientists say the key to good health
lies hidden in our gut microbiome.
We all have trillions of bacterialiving in our intestines,
hundreds of different species
all performing different functions.
Scientists call it our gut flora.
- Neurologist David Perlmutteris one of many physicians
warning against disruptingthis fragile ecosystem.
- We all carry good andbad bugs, if you will.
It's the imbalance that seemsto be the biggest trigger
for our illnesses.
- [Lorie] Dr. Vincent Pedre agrees.
Adding a healthy gutprotects us from everything
from the common cold to cancer.
- So, the connection between the gut
and the immune system is quite significant
because 80% of ourimmune system is located
all along the boundary of the gut.
- [Lorie] Unfortunately, whenit comes to good gut bacteria,
many of us are sorely lacking.
- We're seeing a epidemic of disruption
of the microbiome in thegut bacteria worldwide.
The reason for that isbecause of such widespread use
and prescribing of antibiotics.
- [Lorie] After all,antibiotics kill bacteria,
bad and good.
- You've got to understandthat taking an antibiotic
will change the complexityof your gut bacteria
and the diversity of the gut bacteria
for the rest of your life.
Just one course of antibiotics.
- [Lorie] Processed foodcan also be a culprit.
- There's way too much sugar in our diet.
Sugar breeds bad organisms.
When I say sugar, I'm also talking
about artificial sweetenersbecause they've been shown
that artificial sweetenerscause a dysbiosis
and promote the growth ofnot very favorable bacteria,
bacteria that can causeinflammation and disease.
- We've got to welcomefat back to the table,
but only the good fats,not the modified fats.
So, be very liberal with your use
of extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil,
grass-fed meat, if you can find it,
wild fish, nuts and seeds.
- So, while our lifestylechoices can really do a number
on our intestinal flora, the good news
is we can make our gut healthy again
and keep it that way withprobiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics equal good bacteria.
You can find these microscopic organisms
in supplements as well as in cultured
and fermented foodslike kimchi, sauerkraut,
yogurt, kefir, and kombucha.
Your good bacteria live off prebiotics.
Just like good soil, theycreate a nurturing environment
so your bacteria can thrive.
You can get prebiotics in supplement form
as well as in foods like asparagus, onion,
leeks, garlic, and dandelion greens.
- When people start increasingtheir prebiotic fiber,
the changes in their health is,
the changes are remarkable.
Weight loss, immediate.
Improvement of mood by addingprebiotic fiber to your diet.
- [Lorie] Not only mood.
Perlmutter says evenserious brain disorders
like ADHD, autism, evenAlzheimer's can improve
by increasing good bacteria
because they makeneurotransmitters and vitamins
while reducing inflammation.
- I lost my dad, just lastyear, to Alzheimer's disease
so, I really get it.
And I want to stand up and be heard
that it's great that wetry to develop a cure
for this disease, but we know right now,
as we have this discussion,that it is preventable.
When we eat a diet that nurtures the gut,
it will nurture the brain.
- [Lorie] So, if you wantto boost your health,
doctors say improve your gut flora.
That means avoiding processed foods
even antibacterial cleansersand antibiotics when advisable.
Then, add good bacteria with probiotics
and boost them with prebiotics,
available in supplements,certain foods, or both.
Lorie Johnson, CBN News.