Q&A: What is the best way to maintain healthy levels of good and bad bacteria in your body?

I was recently asked this question at a health show.

There are two parts to this question.

One aspect is keeping limited the bad bacteria in the body. Some ways to do that include limiting its food source, especially sugar; keeping the immune system strong; and not putting in more bacteria and yeast through poor quality food.

The second aspect is to boost up the good bacteria and limit their demise. Fermented foods like miso, tempeh, kombucha tea, sauerkraut, and yogurt are food sources of this good bacteria. There are many different strains of good bacteria (probiotics), including acidophilus, bifidus, and a multitude of others. A variety of strains is important. Probiotic supplements are the best way to make sure to you get enough of this good bacteria. Antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria that they are intended to kill.

When Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated, we did not know about good and bad bacteria in the body. However, TCM can address improving the digestive system, immune system, and the nervous system, all related to treating and preventing yeast infections and balance the body’s natural flora.