Fact Sheets

“Herbs and Spices Used for Glucose Control”

This helpful fact sheet was made possible by an educational grant from Gaia Herbs Professional Solutions

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A healthy digestive tract is home to more than 1000 species of bacteria. These species of bacteria vary widely, but live together as a community, sharing our body space. We call this collection of bacteria and microorganisims our microbiota. Balance within our microbiota is essential to our health. Beneficial bacteria help us digest food, synthesize vitamins, and support immunity. They also play a role in the production of neurotransmitters, produce antiinflammatory compounds, and help our bodies filter and absorb nutrients from the food we eat. However, our microbiota can be affected by several factors including infection, immune response, toxins, and changes in lifestyle such as daily stress and the food and fluids we consume or don’t consume. Just as weeds can crowd out flowers in a garden, unwanted bacteria can overcrowd beneficial bacteria under these conditions. To maintain optimal colonization in the digestive tract, it can be helpful to consume probiotic-rich foods or take supplements* if necessary.

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