Symptoms

Signs of a disturbed gut microflora:

• abdominal disorders (constipation, diarrhoea);
• abdominal pain, gas, cramps;
• appetite problems (nausea, weight gain);
• more frequent sickness.

Dietary supplements for restoring intestinal microflora

Restoring gut microflora depends largely on lifestyle and dietary habits. However, if any deficiencies are found, they can be addressed in the short term with the dietary supplements listed below.

• When choosing supplements for weight loss, make sure they contain glucomannan, inulin, the seed hulls of the oleaginous plantain, vitamin C, mint leaf and fennel seed oils.
• Prebiotics. These are bacterial foods, containing substances that feed the bacteria in the body.
• Probiotics or bifidobacteria. This is the gut microflora - after drug therapy or an unbalanced daily diet, the natural microflora can be disrupted, and priobiotics help to restore it - they are extra good bacteria.
• Lactobacilli. They are found in various fermented and acidified dairy products. These bacteria improve the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and compete with pathogenic bacteria, thus normalising the intestinal tract.

A diet beneficial for gut health

Medicines to improve digestion are not the only solution, there are also various alternative solutions available, such as food supplements. It is more important to be mindful of what we eat on a daily basis, so that the gut microflora is restored naturally.

A fully functioning digestive system is one of the foundations of our well-being. If there are problems with the passage of the stomach, bloating causes discomfort and can lead to various conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

• It is important to eat fibre-rich foods. Fibre is important for improving the absorption of other nutrients into the bloodstream and for good stomach function - it helps digestive juices, benefits gut microflora, improves metabolism and reduces low-density lipids or 'bad cholesterol' in the body.
• Variety on the menu. The daily diet should be multi-coloured, literally and figuratively. Natural, unprocessed products should be chosen as much as possible.
• Limit gluten. Cereals contain gluten, which is difficult to digest, so it is better to reduce the amount of gluten in your diet if you need to clean up your gut flora. Do not overdo it with milk from the supermarket shelves. It is better to choose organic milk or yoghurt, as milk proteins are not easily broken down by the adult body.
• Prebiotics. Carrots, asparagus, sweet potatoes and other foods that contain fibre, which feeds the bacteria in the gut, should be included regularly in the diet.
• The menu includes pickled cucumbers and sauerkraut, which are excellent sources of healthy probiotic bacteria and are readily available in Latvia.

If the digestive problems are persistent, you should consult your GP, who will refer you to a gastroenterologist for further tests. If weight problems are an issue, a dietician should be consulted who will draw up a proper diet plan and provide advice.