The Periodic Table of TOPS: Ba is for Bacteria

In nature, Barium is symbolized by Ba. One of its compounds is used to provide X-ray images of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. Yes, your gut.

For my refracted purpose in the Periodic Table of TOPS, Ba will symbolize Bacteria. Specifically, the Bacteria (Ba) found in our gut, also called the gut microbiome.

As a retired microbiologist, I have over 40 years of experience in clinical microbiology and know that not all Bacteria (Ba) are bad. Some are extremely useful.

Over many years, there has been an ongoing debate on the use of over-the-counter probiotics. Probiotics are Bacteria (Ba) that are taken in pill form to attempt a change the gut microbiome

I have always been fascinated by Bacteria (Ba), hence my first career choice. I even did a presentation at a regional laboratory conference called, “Biotics – Pro and Con: What Is Kicking Your Gut?”

Certainly, a 473-word blog post is not the place to get into the nuts and bolts of this topic. However, anecdotally I realized in my readings that most of the key Bacteria (Ba) that probiotics attempt to introduce to the gut microbiome can be found in certain Foods (F). I discovered that these Foods (F) were also part of the Exchange System. I will reference one of my slides from the presentation to prove my point. You may have even already heard similar themes as a TOPS member.

• Eat whole, unprocessed, unrefined foods. Maintain gut health by cutting out sugar and refined carbs and adding more gut-supporting fiber.

• Make 75 percent of your plate vegetables and plant-based foods. Gut Bacteria (Ba) really love high-fiber plant foods.

• Eat good fats, like omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil. This will help with decreasing inflammation, giving healthy gut Bacteria (Ba) a chance to flourish.

• Add more coconut. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have anti-inflammatory and weight loss benefits.

• Remove inflammatory fats, such as omega-6-rich fats like vegetable oils.

• Add fiber-rich foods. Nuts, seeds and glucomannan from the konjac plant are good source of prebiotics.

• Add fermented foods, like sauerkraut and kimchi, which contain good amounts of probiotics.

I have not done a scientific study on this, but as an Individual (I), I can honestly state that my pre-TOPS gastrointestinal problems disappeared once I started eating a Healthy (H) regimen of various foods following the Exchange System.

I eat Healthy (H) to feel Healthy (H), trying to stay away from my Kryptonite (K).

Probiotics and weight loss drugs are, and will continue to be, controversial. I encourage members to follow their health provider’s guidance. Not everything you read may be applicable to your LiFe PaTh. You can reference TOPS Talks and TOPS News for information on these types of subjects to assist you in asking the right questions.

Being Sensible (Sb) is truly the key.