Tips for healthy intestinal flora

As temperatures drop and the weather turns wet and stormy, the risk of catching a cold increases, as does the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses. Healthy intestinal flora is therefore essential. What can we do about it? We'll tell you here.

via Anna-Lisa

02/22/2019, 12:17

Eine gesunde Darmflora ist vor allem in der kalten Jahreszeit wichtig — A healthy intestinal flora is particularly important in the cold season.

Lovers have butterflies in their stomachs. Unfortunately, the stomach and intestines also go crazy during stress and anxiety. This has to do with the gut-brain axis: There are 100 to 200 million nerve cells in the digestive tract, which primarily control digestion but also communicate with our brain.

Gastrointestinal infections are particularly common in winter

And when we get caught out, nothing works at first: 13 million Germans suffer from acute diarrhea at least once a year. Gastrointestinal infections are particularly common during the cold season. One reason for this is that many diarrhea pathogens like lower temperatures, such as noroviruses. In addition, we often spend time indoors with other people.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Food intolerances, infections, inflammation or bacterial overgrowth can also upset the bowel. However, if there are no organic complaints and symptoms such as intestinal cramps, bloating, constipation or diarrhea persist for more than three months, irritable bowel syndrome may be present.

A strong and healthy intestinal flora is the best protection

The best thing, of course, is to protect ourselves directly. A healthy intestinal flora is particularly important. But how can we build up and stabilize it? Medicinal yeast (for example in Perenterol forte, available over the counter from pharmacies) can help. The reason: it curbs inflammatory processes in the gut and ensures that more immunoglobulins are present. These strengthen the immune system. What else helps with acute diarrhea apart from medicinal yeast? As the body is now losing a lot of fluid, it is important to drink enough. It is also advisable to replenish lost salts (electrolytes) in the body, if necessary with a ready-made solution from the pharmacy. At the same time, a hot water bottle reduces abdominal cramps. As the pathogens are transmitted from person to person, for example via door handles, hygiene is the be-all and end-all. Especially thorough hand washing. In concrete terms, this means that the fingertips should also be thoroughly cleaned with soap every time.

Build up a protective film

Women are around two to three times more likely to suffer from bowel problems such as irritable bowel syndrome than men. It is important to strengthen the intestinal barrier. A polysaccharide (xyloglucan) in combination with pea proteins and grape seed extract forms a protective film over the damaged intestinal mucosa (e.g. in Gelsectan, over-the-counter, pharmacy) - particularly helpful for acute diarrhea. Worth a try: Intestinal hypnosis, which is designed to calm the sensitive organ (audio book: "Darmhypnose", Trias Verlag, 17.99 euros)