Friday, September 12, 2008

Probiotics against listeriosis

Natural prevention for listeriosis bacteria & other pathogenic bacteria

With the headline news recently announcing that a deadly bacteria listeriosis had made its way into processed meat products from Maple Leaf Foods, and into our hospitals, nursing homes & schools, many people are wondering how to avoid possible contamination and prevent any illness for themselves. While this is a tragic event, there is good news on the prevention side!

Our guts are lined with billions of bacteria - good and bad. The good bacteria provide immune system support, and even make certain vitamins for us (such as B12). In the natural health industry, we refer to these good bacteria as probiotics. Basically our entire intestinal tract is a struggle for power between these good & bad bacteria.

Many people lack good bacteria in their guts, either because of their diet high in refined foods, lack of raw food, or overuse of antibiotics. I always recommend that ANYONE who has taken antibiotics for an infection should immediately go to their health food store and buy a concentrated probiotic supplement to re-implant some good bacteria in their intestinal tract.

These probiotic bacteria are the “fighters” for our bodies when we unknowingly ingest any type of bad bacteria. If you, or someone you know, think you may have contracted listeriosis by eating the processed meats involved in the recall, do yourself a favor and start taking a probiotic supplement immediately. In the meantime, add some plain (organic) yogurt to your diet to help feed the good bacteria that is already in the gut.

On that note, eating whole, natural food has far less chance of becoming contaminated with deadly bacteria because of the lack of processing involved. These processed meats involved in the recall are made in extremely large plants involving lots of machinery and personnel. They are often laden with preservatives, and have little to no nutritional value once they are package and sent off to the stores. High in sodium, they pose potential health risks for those at risk of high blood pressure.

Many argue that they are convenient. I would add that if it is convenience you are looking for, try going to your deli counter and asking that the butcher recommend something that is either locally raised or produced. As a consumer, you have every right to ask for an ingredient listing in order to avoid certain things such as chemical preservatives and artificial flavors.

Nutrition News - Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog on holistic nutrition, the natural health industry and general information related to becoming healthy & well. Having written articles for Health n' Vitality magazine, and spent 3 years educating health food retailers on natural supplements, it's time to go back to my "grassroots" and start talking more about whole foods to regain health. 

This blog is designed to provide easy information related to various symptoms and how to help using natural medicine and whole foods. Please feel free to email with any questions or for further clarification on any particular post. 

Please note that the information in this blog is not designed to diagnose or treat disease, but rather to help re-establish balance in the body. Please consult a Naturopathic doctor or physician if you are experiencing any severe health problems.