”More and more, science is finding that teeny tiny creatures living in your gut are there for a definite purpose. Known as your microbiome, about 100 trillion of these cells populate your body, particularly your intestines and other parts of your digestive system.”

”In fact, 90 percent of the genetic material in your body is not yours, but rather that of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that compose your microflora.”

”…the majority are good, and they work together as helpmates to aid your digestive system and keep you well. Beneficial bacteria, better known as probiotics, along with a host of other microorganisms, are so crucial to your health that researchers have compared them to ”a newly recognized organ.” For example, we now know that your microflora influence your: genetic expression, immune system, brain development, mental health, and memory, weight, and risk of numerous chronic and acute diseases, from diabetes to cancer.”

So what can do you to build a healthy gut? Eat fermented food (with probiotics) such as cabbage, carrots, kale, collards, etc. and take a daily probiotic first thing in the morning – wait 15 minutes before eating breakfast. This is especially important if you’re suffering from IBS, been there and done that. Ugh!

If you’re interested in more information, read this article by Dr. Mercola.

(All quotes fabove rom this article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/02/digestive-system-gut-flora.aspx).