10 ways you're hurting your gut bacteria

Our modern Western society has adopted unhealthy activities and lifestyles that affect our microbes in a variety of ways. Most are difficult –– if not impossible–– to avoid, but it's critical to spread awareness if we want to protect our micro biome. 

1. Sweets. Processed sugars can feed potentially unhealthy bacteria
2. Wine and beer. Alcohol consumption can alter your microbial balance.1
3. Poor sleep. This can lead to subtle changes in your microbial makeup.2
4. Antibiotics. These kill both good and bad bacteria.
5. Not enough fiber. It serves as food for helpful microbes. 
6. Living in the city. Pollution can affect the number of good bacteria.3
7. Water containing chlorine. Chlorine can kill both good and bad bacteria.
8. Foods with artificial coloring. These are antibacterial and antifungal.
9. Antibacterial soaps. Any antibacterial products can destroy healthy microbes.
10. NSAID pain relievers. They disrupt digestive flora and intestinal mucus.4