Oral Bacteria’s Impact on Digestive Health A GUT FEELING When deciding what to eat, most people consider factors like diet, flavor, and convenience. But an often-overlooked part of that decision is what the trillions of bacteria in our guts would benefit from most. Research shows that oral and gut health are influenced directly by the food we eat, as well as our dental hygiene! “Gut health and mouth health are related,” says author and dentist Dr. Michelle Jorgensen. “You can look at your teeth to gain a lot of knowledge and information about what is going on in your gut. If you have gum disease or a problem with bacteria in your mouth, it’s usually a sign that things are going on with your gut biome as well.” Tooth decay and gum disease increase the risk of harmful oral bacteria, and studies have shown that oral bacteria can translocate to the gut, altering the local microbiota. A particularly nasty oral pathogen called porphyromonas gingivalis is known to damage teeth and supporting tissue and disrupt gut bacteria, causing inflammation throughout the body.
flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist regularly can prevent the build-up of harmful oral bacteria.
Research shows that a diverse diet leads to increased diversity in gut bacteria and that the latter is associated with decreased obesity rates, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases. Studies also show that eating a variety of fiber-rich plants and nutrient-dense foods yields great benefits, whereas consuming too much alcohol, caffeine, or fatty red meats can have the opposite effect. Instead of a beer with dinner, how about an antioxidant green tea? Rather than a thick cut of beef, why not a serving of lean salmon? So, for your next meal, try eating something that both you and your gut enjoy!
Luckily, we can take proactive steps to contribute to our gut health, such as improving dental hygiene. Brushing our teeth twice daily,
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs steak
(flank, sirloin, or skirt steak)
• 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
ADVENTURE CAMPING FATHER GEMINI HIKING JUNETEENTH
PARK PICNIC PRIDE
3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
SANDALS SUNBURN SWIMMING
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