A lot of people probably don't spend much time thinking about their gut flora. However, I have spent hours thinking about the bacteria in my GI tract, because both of my parents have ulcerative colitis and neither of them have their colons anymore. In 2012, I was diagnosed with crohn's disease.

I've done a lot of research, because I really didn't want to pass this disease onto my future children. Doctors claim that they do not know what causes IBD...but more and more studies are coming out and pointing to the lack of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

A year ago in January, I began integrating probiotics into my diet through many different outlets- probiotic supplements, fermenting my own food, raw milk and water kefir.

I think it allowed me to take back control of my health. For the first time in my ENTIRE life- I began experiencing normal digestion. I also lost 50 pounds:

There are studies coming out now that indicate probiotics may help with mental health: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/11/18/244526773/gut-bacteria-might-guide-the-workings-of-our-minds

And weight loss: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/probiotics-lose-weight/story?id=19607875

Now NPR just did a segment this morning that probiotics can help and PREVENT colicky babies:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/01/20/263487578/can-probiotics-help-soothe-colicky-babies

And guess where your future children will be getting their gut flora?
From their mother (mostly) and father.

So I guess this whole big post is here to say:
Please consider adding in a good probiotic to your prenatal/preconception regiment.

And I'd be more than happy to talk to you more about healthy gut flora if you are interested.