BOULDER COUNTY
CONNECTING. ELEVATING. INSPIRING.
MARY ELLEN WOOD
Photo by Miranda Adame, Miranda Adame Productions
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ARCHITECT/BUILDER
Rodwin Architecture
Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556 1245 Pearl St. Ste. 202, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com
CARPET CLEANING
Nesheim’s
Edward Fosado (303) 666-8888 1212 Commerce Ct Lafayette, CO 80026 www.nesheimswater restoration.com
CLEANING SERVICES
Perkins Detail Cleaning Service
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CUSTOM BUILDER
Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothers homes.com
CUSTOM HOME
DESIGN & BUILD
Cooper Building Group (720) 595-9684 2359 DOGWOOD CIRCLE Louisville, CO 80027 www.cooperbuilding group.com
DISASTER RESTORATION/ FIRE-FLOOD-MOLD
Nesheim’s
Edward Fosado (303) 666-8888 1212 Commerce Ct Lafayette, CO 80026 www.nesheimswater restoration.com
FLOORING
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FLOORING SERVICES
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HANDYMAN/WOOD CRAFTSMAN
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HOME BUILDER
Koelbel & Company (303) 758-3500 koelbelco.com
HOME INSPECTION
Inspections Over Coffee
Bryan Zenner (720) 845-5282 InspectionsOverCoffee.com
HOME WARRANTY
Home Warranty Inc. (260) 433-4027 homewarrantyinc.com
MUSIC SCHOOL
Boulder Symphony Music Academy (720) 328-8286 www.bouldersymphony musicacademy.org
PHOTOGRAPHER |
REAL ESTATE MEDIA
Miranda Adame
Photographer (303) 523-4469 www.mirandaadame productions.com/
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
All County Property Management (720) 428-2100 www.AllCountyBoulder.com
TITLE INSURANCE
First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442
4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301 FirstAmColorado.com
WATCHES - RARE/ COLLECTIBLE
Sinclair Time Pieces (813) 748-9062 www.sinclairtimepieces.com
BOULDER COUNTY
John Mendez Publisher John.Mendez@ realproducersmag.com 303-596-1685
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@ realproducersmag.com
Miranda Adame Photographer Miranda Adame Productions mirandaadameproductions@gmail.com
Brian Stanley Photographer bwsstanley@hotmail.com
Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer drsantellifelicia@gmail.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@realproducersmag.com.
Christine Bowen Writer christinegbowen@gmail.com
MARY ELLEN WOOD
Mary Ellen Wood, a seasoned REALTOR® with Compass in Boulder, Colorado, has a journey that spans from the East Coast to the mountains of the West. Originally hailing from Springfield, Massachusetts, Mary Ellen’s path to real estate was anything but conventional. With a background in engineering and a successful career in high tech, Mary Ellen’s transition to real estate was a natural evolution driven by her love for design, renovation, and the allure of the housing market.
Mary Ellen recounts the journey that brought her to Colorado. “I studied engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and earned my master’s degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. I spent 12 years in the high-tech industry, initially with GE Aerospace. Later, I moved to the DC area, working as a software engineer before transitioning to technical sales. In 1997, while in Northern Virginia, the company I worked for acquired a Colorado startup. Intrigued, I attended a training class in Boulder and was instantly captivated by its beauty. I decided to interview
for a job opening there, never expecting to stay more than four years. However, over 27 years later, I’m still here and love it.”
Following her experience working for a custom home builder in Telluride, Mary Ellen returned to Boulder, where she purchased and renovated a condo on Pearl Street. Around that time, she met her future husband, who was launching a mechanical contractor business, and they moved to Breckenridge where she helped him get that business off the ground. She
A REALTOR® WITH A PASSION FOR REAL ESTATE AND ADVENTURE
By Christine Bowen
Photos by Miranda Adame, Miranda Adame Productions and Mary Ellen’s personal collection
OVER 27 YEARS LATER, I’M STILL HERE AND LOVE IT.
also provided office management and bookkeeping services to other local contractors. In 2009, as a newly single mother, she felt it was the perfect time to move back to the Boulder area and obtain her real estate license.
She started her career at the small firm Homestead Real Estate, where she spent four years. In 2013, she transitioned to RE/MAX of Boulder and its sister firm RE/MAX Elevate in Louisville, where she remained for several years before ultimately finding her home at Compass in 2021.
One aspect of Mary Ellen’s story that stands out is her deep connection to the country’s eastern and western parts. While most of Mary Ellen’s time and business endeavors are centered around Colorado, she frequently visits
New England to spend time with her family and manage her Airbnbs. She holds licenses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, reflecting her connection to both regions. Additionally, with properties in Colorado and coastal destinations such as Cape Cod and Rhode Island, she maintains a presence in diverse real estate markets. She states, “I transitioned to Compass because I felt the brand better aligned with my aesthetic and approach. It’s cleaner, more high-end, and exudes luxury, which appealed to me. I love that it is a technology-driven company with tools that streamline my everyday tasks. Furthermore, it’s important to note that Compass provides the continuity I need across all three of my licenses.” Mary Ellen leverages Compass’s platform to provide exceptional service to her clients,
whether buying a home in Boulder or investing in a beachfront property in New England.
Raised in a household where her father practiced as an electrician and her mother was a teacher, Mary Ellen was immersed in hands-on home projects long before the term “DIY” gained popularity. She says, “I grew up watching This Old House with my dad and doing everything from scraping paint to installing bathroom vanities.” These formative experiences ignited her passion for design and renovations. Mary Ellen channels this passion into her four Airbnb rental properties and personally updates and manages each with her fiancé, David. She handles all aspects of their upkeep, from marketing to design to furnishing and beyond. This aspect of her business sets her apart, given her firsthand experience in this field.
Beyond her work in real estate, Mary Ellen’s life is a blend of family, fitness, and adventure. With a fiancé who owns a spear-fishing charter business, Mary Ellen spends a lot of time on the ocean. She also readily admits that she is addicted to her Peloton! As a mother to two almost grown children, Lily and
Oscar, Mary Ellen navigates the challenges of parenting alongside her bustling real estate career. Lily, a freshman at CU Boulder, is a business major and an independent young woman with a spirit to explore. Oscar, a junior in high school, is deeply passionate about snowboarding, spending every winter weekend on the slopes for club competitions.
As Mary Ellen looks to the future, her vision extends beyond traditional real estate transactions. With a focus on property management, renovation, and Airbnb hosting, Mary Ellen’s portfolio reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating unique living spaces. Whether she’s helping clients find their dream home or transforming properties into profitable investments, Mary Ellen’s expertise and dedication set her apart in the competitive world of real estate. It’s worth mentioning that with a dedicated team in Boulder—comprising Kiki Kidder and Nicolette Thomas—her wide-reaching network guarantees that her clients receive seamless assistance regardless of her location.
Mary Ellen continues to redefine what it means to be a modern Realtor in today’s dynamic market. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and her adventurous spirit, Mary Ellen Wood is truly a Realtor on the move.
MARY ELLEN WOOD Compass m: 303.717.3003
e: maryellen.wood@compass.com
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BOULDER COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS REVEAL EVENT
HOSTED BY KOELBEL COMMUNITIES
MONTMERE AT AUTREY SHORES
We’d like to thank our host for the last Boulder County Real Producers Reveal Event –KOELBEL Communities!
On May 9, Boulder County Real Producers and KOELBEL Communities hosted a Reveal Event. This is where we invite the Realtor community to come together and celebrate those recently featured in the magazine. We provide framed copies of those featured and the opportunity for everyone to network with Real Producer Partners. These types of events are where we’re able to build a sense of “Boulder County Realtor” community, especially during a time when most Realtors work from home and rarely go into an office. It is a nice chance to regroup with colleagues and industry partners.
Guests enjoyed fantastic food prepared onsite, beer, wine, and unique cocktails, and who doesn’t appreciate valet parking! The host location –Montmere at Autrey Shores is located at 2311 Lakeshore Lane in Superior. These homes all have rooftops with incredible views in all directions, some with elevators, great layouts and location, location, and location to both Boulder and Denver... not to mention to Northwest Parkway with direct access to DIA within 30 minutes.
Looking forward to our next Reveal Event in September, day and location TBD…!!
SOLTAS
THE REALTOR BRIDGING COMMUNITY AND REAL ESTATE
By Christine Bowen
Paige Soltas isn’t just your average agent. Beyond her professional expertise lies a multifaceted persona deeply rooted in community engagement, outdoor adventures, and a knack for DIY home renovations. While her journey into real estate might seem serendipitous, her passion for connecting people and cultivating relationships shines through in every aspect of her life.
Originally hailing from Chicago, Paige majored in marketing at the University of Northern Illinois. With a passion for design, she continued her education at The Illinois Institute of Art.
Tiring of the busy city life, she made a life-altering decision to relocate to Boulder, Colorado, over a decade ago. The allure of nature, snowboarding,
Photos by Brian Stanley
Story
hiking, and a slower-paced lifestyle drew her and her then-boyfriend, now-husband, to the picturesque landscapes of Colorado.
In 2022, after five years into her real estate career, Paige made the pivotal move to milehimodern, known for its innovation and growth-centric approach. With a keen eye for marketing and a passion for helping others, she carved out her niche in the industry, specializing in residential properties, land, mountain communities, and unique listings. Utilizing her expertise in marketing, she maximizes her capabilities when working with listings, a task she thoroughly enjoys. Her commitment to education-forward transactions and personalized white glove service has endeared her to clients seeking guidance and expertise.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Paige’s life revolves around her deep-seated love for community and the great outdoors. Paige says, “I founded a community running club called Front Range Runners, where we organize monthly runs open to everyone, regardless of their pace or fitness level. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can come together without the pressure of competition.” Paige, who trains year-round has participated in her hometown Chicago Marathon and a half dozen half marathons.
Paige is a huge animal lover and is deeply involved with the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies where she volunteers her time and
a portion of each sale to support their financial efforts. Her love for animals is further evidenced as she also volunteers with the Wild Animal Sanctuary as a founder. Paige and her husband, Ricky, have two dogs who are an integral part of their lives. Paige says, “We have a Golden Retriever named Millie, and she’s simply perfect. We also have a Great Pyrenees Border Collie mix. He is about to be 10 and is my soul dog. He is hilarious, mischievous, and kind of a troublemaker but super smart, very funny.”
Paige, who describes herself as a mountain girl, loves living in Boulder Heights. Despite being just a short 15-minute drive from town, this locale embodies the essence of mountain living. It’s within this picturesque community that Paige enjoys organizing an annual holiday gathering, complete with live music, food, and a warm sense of neighborly connection showcasing
her desire to bring people together.
Recently Paige co-hosted a large-scale event aimed at gathering numerous small businesses together called the Boulder Spring Market. The event functioned as a shopping extravaganza, fostering connections among attendees. Participants discovered potential collaborations and beneficial services for their clients, enhancing networking opportunities. This proactive approach aligns with her authentic self, allowing her to forge meaningful connections within the community.
Paige’s personal life intertwines seamlessly with her professional ethos. Together with her husband, Ricky, they have transformed their mid-century modern home into a labor of love, blending his expertise as a craftsman with her keen design sensibilities. Drawing from these experiences has proven invaluable in assisting potential
buyers considering a fixer upper. Paige’s knack for seeing beyond the present state and envisioning future possibilities provides clients with invaluable guidance. By leveraging this foresight, clients can potentially increase their equity through strategic renovations and personal touches.
With so many places to experience within the state of Colorado, Paige and Ricky don’t have to travel far to enjoy time off. They have a camper van they use to explore endless possibilities. Their favorite destination for snowboarding is Steamboat Springs, while their top choice for camping is Aspen/Snowmass. Paige says, “Each year, during the last week of September, Ricky and I visit Aspen to celebrate his birthday. Aspen holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where we got married last year.” Their wedding took place atop Aspen Mountain, away from any resort setting, in a cozy cabin they had rented. Despite the casual ambiance, the event was extraordinary and included their two beloved dogs. The stunning vista of the entire Aspen Valley made the occasion truly unforgettable.
Paige Soltas is a refreshing blend of authenticity, passion, and community spirit. Beyond her life as a REALTOR®, lies a woman driven by her unwavering commitment to connecting people, fostering relationships and leaving a lasting impact on both her clients and her community.
PAIGE SOLTAS MILEHIMODERN
C: 815 412 4543
E; PAIGE.SOLTAS@ MILEHIMODERN.COM
www.cooperbuildinggroup.com
BEST IN SHOW
MAY
Hearth and Stone
Luxury Home Tour
featured property
Listed by Marie Callaway
May Luxury Home Tour
Voted BEST IN SHOW www.hearthandstone.com
Truly a must see; fully renovated inside & out home in desirable Huntington Trails. Easy access to I-25, E-470 & Northwest Parkway. An abundance of restaurants & shops are just minutes away. The HOA greenbelt encompasses both the back & eastern side of this beautiful home. Stunning Mountain Views with incredible sunsets from every point of the large backyard & new back deck that is partially covered with an automated pergola & complete with a perfectly located hot tub. A new outdoor kitchen with
XL Memphis smoker, separate gas grill, & outdoor fridge all built-in. The Outdoor Sports Court is even more fun. Prepare to be impressed by the interior spaces as well. Those Mountain Views continue from the newly installed windows. Buyers will appreciate the new custom
woodwork & solid wood doors throughout along with custom cabinetry & railings. New lighting, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures & automated blinds add to the meticulous design. An entertainer’s dream kitchen starts with a 10‘8“ single slab
Quartzite island surrounded by all new appliances, including separate Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer units, Wolf ovens & cooktop, Miele steam oven & dishwasher with a dual-zone wine fridge. The working pantry has plenty of storage, additional counter space & a 2nd fridge. The Main level Living room has a linear fireplace with 2-story stone wall while the Lower level Recreation room has a beautiful three-sided fireplace. There is a Lower
level 2nd suite with a large ensuite & walk-in closet. All upper bedrooms also have ensuites. The Primary bedroom has plenty of privacy located on the opposite end of the home from the 2ndary bedrooms. The Primary Bath has Robern medicine cabinets with interior power & nightlights, Marble walls & counters, a digitally controlled dual shower with body sprays & auto fill tub. The Primary closet has custom organization. Nothing is left untouched in this $1M renovation defining this as a Luxury home in every aspect.
Marie Callaway Broker/Owner
PROFILE OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
2023 2023
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®
HIGHLIGHTS
CHARACTERISTICS OF HOME BUYERS
First-time buyers made up 32 percent, up from last year’s 26 percent. While an increase, it is well under the 38 percent average seen since 1981.
The typical first-time buyer was 35 years old this year, declining slightly from the high of 36 last year, while the typical repeat buyer age declined slightly to 58 years from an all-time high of 59 years.
Fifty-nine percent of recent buyers were married couples, 19 percent were single females, 10 percent were single males and nine percent were unmarried couples. This is the lowest share of married couples since 2010.
Seventy percent of recent buyers did not have a child under the age of 18 in their home. This is the highest share recorded. In 1985, 42 percent of households did not have a child under the age of 18.
Fourteen percent of home buyers purchased a multi-generational home, to take care of aging parents, for cost savings, and because of children or relatives over the age of 18 moving back home were the most common reasons.
Eighty- one percent of buyers were White/Caucasian, seven percent were Hispanic/Latino, seven percent were Black/African American, six percent were Asian/Pacific Islander, and six percent identified as some other race.
Eighty-eight percent of recent home buyers identified as heterosexual, three percent as gay or lesbian, two percent as bisexual, one percent preferred to self-describe, and six percent preferred not to answer.
Sixteen percent of recent home buyers were veterans and two percent were active-duty service members.
At 26 percent, the primary reason for purchasing a home was the desire to own a home of their own. For first-time buyers, this number jumps to 60 percent.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HOME PURCHASED
Thirteen percent of buyers purchased a new home, and 87 percent of buyers purchased a previously owned home.
Most recent buyers who purchased a new home were looking to avoid renovations and problems with plumbing or electricity at 45 percent. Buyers
who purchased previously owned homes were most often considering better prices at 38 percent.
Detached single-family homes continued to be the most common home type for recent buyers at 79 percent, followed by townhouses and row houses at 8 percent.
Senior-related housing increased this year to 19 percent from seven percent last year (for buyers over the age of 60), with 17 percent of buyers typically purchasing condos and twelve percent purchasing a townhouse or row house.
The median distance between the home that recent buyers purchased and the home they moved from was 20 miles. This is a decline from 50 miles last year but is a reversion back towards the previously held norm of 15 miles.
For buyers, 60 percent cited the quality of the neighborhood as the most important factor determining the location. Convenience to friends and family and overall home affordability were cited at 45 percent and 39 percent, respectively.
Buyers typically purchased their homes for 100 percent of the asking price, with 25 percent purchasing for more than the asking price.
The typical home that was recently purchased was 1,860 square feet, had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and was built in 1985.
Overall, buyers expected to live in their homes for a median of 15 years, while 22 percent said that they were never moving.
THE HOME SEARCH PROCESS
For 41 percent of recent buyers, the first step that they took in the home-buying process was to look online at properties for sale, while 20 percent of buyers first contacted a real estate agent.
Ninety percent of recent buyers found their real estate agent to be a very
or somewhat useful information source.
Buyers typically searched for 10 weeks and looked at a median of seven homes and viewed four homes only online. The number of weeks searching is unchanged from the 2022 report.
Finding the right home was the most difficult task for the buyers at 59 percent.
All home buyers used the internet this year to search for a home. The most valuable content on the websites were the photos, detailed information about the properties for sale, floor plans, and the real estate agent contact information.
Ninety- two percent of recent buyers were at least somewhat satisfied with their recent home buying process.
HOME BUYING AND REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Eighty-nine percent of buyers recently purchased their
home through a real estate agent or broker, and six percent purchased directly through the previous owner.
Having an agent to help them find the right home was what buyers wanted the most when choosing an agent at 50 percent.
Forty-three percent of buyers used an agent that was referred to them by a friend, neighbor, or a relative, Thirteen percent used an agent that they had worked with in the past to buy or sell a home, seven percent found their agent when inquiring about a specific property found online, and seven percent found their agent through a website without a specific reference.
Seventy-one percent of buyers interviewed only one real estate agent during their home search.
Ninety percent of buyers would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others.
FROM CORPORATE TO COMMUNITY: THE REAL ESTATE JOURNEY OF NICOLETTE THOMAS
By Christine Bowen
by Rae Scott and Nicolette’s personal collection
Meet Nicolette Thomas, a REALTOR® at Compass, who has found her calling in real estate after navigating the corporate world. Prior to her real estate career, Nicolette discovered her passion for marketing and honed her skills while gaining valuable experience at renowned companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Atkins. However, after becoming a mother, she chose to leave corporate America to prioritize time with her son. This shift led her to pursue a career in real estate, seeking the flexibility and support she needed for her growing family.
Her husband, Ben, had been telling her since early in their relationship, “You need to get into real estate; you’d be amazing at it.” Initially, she resisted, but after staying home with her son, she began to wonder if it was possible. She started interviewing real estate agents she knew, some with kids and some without, to see if it was feasible to have a real estate career with a young family. Inspired by someone who had successfully done it, she decided to give it a shot.
After nearly a decade, she is absolutely certain she has discovered her true calling. She started her real estate career with Berkshire Hathaway, and says, “They provided excellent training for new agents and a supportive, family-focused environment.” Initially part of a team with leaders who also had young children, she eventually left to join another team. That team transitioned to Compass, where her business flourished. When her team lead moved to a different state, she faced a decision: continue as an independent agent at Compass or collaborate with others. She opted to join forces with two other seasoned agents, adding an extra layer of support and camaraderie, enabling them to concentrate on growing their respective businesses individually. A fulfilling aspect of team building at Compass involves mentoring and training emerging agents. Nicolette expresses, “I find great joy in offering valuable support to fellow women in the field.”
Recently an exciting and unique opportunity presented itself to Nicolette. Teaming up with another agent specializing in commercial land development, she is now managing a listing for a 320-acre property. What sets this piece of land apart is its rare feature: lake access to a private reservoir, ideal for boating and water sports—a true gem in Colorado! Moreover, it is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from the upcoming Rodeo Dunes mega golf course resort, a mere 45-minute drive from Denver International Airport, and a little over an hour from Boulder. Nicolette is particularly enthusiastic about this property due to her personal passion for being on the water.
Ben and Nicolette have two boys: Trey, aged nine, and Axel, aged five. Completing their family is Bo, an all-white Boxer who is 8 years old. Trey has a passion for basketball, benefitting from his tall stature, and his favorite water activity is knee boarding. Meanwhile, their five-year-old, described affectionately by Nicolette as a “sour patch kid” is a bundle of energy, alternating between mischief and sweetness. In Nicolette’s downtime, she says, “I’m totally hooked on Peloton. It is my go-to for workouts—I’ve got both their tread and bike. Working out with Peloton is my ‘me time.’ I can zone out, put on my headphones, listen to new music, and challenge myself physically and
Photos
mentally. It is my happy place, where I clear stress and celebrate good days. When I’m not on the water, that’s my jam.” Interestingly, Nicolette stands out from the norm as a Colorado Native, as she is not an avid snow skier. She only tried snowboarding on the bunny hills once -- and that remains the extent of her skiing experience!
Their travels mainly consist of camping trips and an annual excursion to Wyoming with a large group of friends and family, a cherished tradition. Additionally, they are planning their first trip as a family of four to Mexico to wrap up the summer.
One significant community initiative Nicolette spearheaded was the creation of the Northern Colorado Parks and Playgrounds Facebook group. This idea stemmed from her realization as a stay-at-home mom that she lacked the resources to find suitable parks and playgrounds for her son.
She began visiting local parks, documenting their features, and sharing them on Facebook. The group quickly gained traction, amassing over 1,000 followers within the first few months and now boasts nearly 5,000 members.
What started as a resource for families seeking kid-friendly recreation areas evolved into a platform catering to families with special needs children, providing information on parks and playgrounds with accessible features. Nicolette’s efforts also extended to supporting the Lubird’s Light Foundation, a local organization dedicated to creating inclusive playgrounds for children of all abilities. She pledges a percentage of her commission from real estate closings with group members to support this cause, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to her community. “I organize two major events: one to kick off the summer and another to wrap it up. These gatherings have served as wonderful opportunities to celebrate our local parks and foster connections within the community.”
In conclusion, Nicolette emphasizes, “I never want to be seen as just another typical real estate agent. I strive to make the process enjoyable, even during challenging times. My priority is always finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Amidst the chaos of real estate transactions, I aim to keep clients informed and reassured, not overwhelmed. Ultimately, I want clients to view me as fun to work with and dedicated, focused, and hardworking. I’ve found my true calling in real estate and am confident I can make a significant difference in serving and assisting others.”
NICOLETTE THOMAS COMPASS
m: 720.394.0099
e: homesales@nicolettethomas.com
w: NicoletteThomas.com
HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM
health and longevity
By Dr. Felicia Santelli
On August 16, 1977, the perfect storm of unhealthy habits finally got the better of Elvis Presley. After years of living under enormous stress, eating poorly while on the road, and taking an excess of pain meds to deal with arthritis and insomnia... The King unexpectedly died.
The immune system is the battleground where good bacteria is at war with bad bacteria. Yet, most of us lack the knowledge that would help the good guys win. So, a brief tutorial is in order. The digestive system is responsible for your overall well-being. It breaks down the food you eat into essential nutrients that help repair cells, stimulate growth, and give your body energy. The digestive system also protects your body from harmful invaders that could disrupt healthy living.
Technically, the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, digestive tract, alimentary canal), the gut, is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus. The GI tract contains all the major organs of the digestive system: mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus.
the gut microflora and the immune system plays an important role in keeping the body healthy by eliminating invading pathogens and protecting the tissues and organs.
When you hear the terms “bad gut bacteria” or “unbalanced gut flora”, it refers to small intestine bacterial overgrowth or an imbalance of gut flora in the large intestine.
of keeping your digestion running smoothly. They help break down food, absorb nutrients, remove the waste from your body, and boost your immune system.
The autopsy said, “cardiac arrhythmia”, but it also revealed something shocking. He had an extreme case of constipation. Elvis’s personal doctor said he believed his chronic constipation contributed to Elvis’s many health problems. And it can happen to anyone, not just the rich and famous who live over the top.
This is to emphasize the importance of a healthy colon and its function.
‘Gut microbiota’ refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and make up your gut microbiome. Your large intestine is home to most of these microorganisms.
A healthy gut is linked to a strong immune system, good nutrition, and even a positive state of mind. The gastrointestinal tract (gut) is the body’s first line of defense against disease-causing pathogens. It’s also where we digest and absorb nutrients, house our gut microbes (also known as gut bacteria), and regulate immune balance. This balance between
When there is an imbalance, the nutrients your body needs don’t get prop erly absorbed, while toxins escape into the blood stream. The immune system immediately perceives these toxins and hikes up the response to attack, releasing histamines. This results in unwanted symptoms like bloating, cramps, stomachache, indigestion, irritable bowels, and food sensitivities.
Certain bacteria can strengthen the immune system whereas others can promote inflammation that can cause disease. There is ongoing research that confirms those with poor health have a different mix of bacteria in their intestines compared to healthier people.
A strong immune system is the body’s top defense system against disease. However, medications, poor dietary choices, toxins, and stress can compromise the immune system and the body’s defense mechanisms. Our lifestyle contributes to the acceleration of the process of illness and disease.
The most important microbes in our bodies are those in the digestive system. They improve food digestion and absorption, and balance deficiencies. Food digestion depends on the actions of good bacteria, which break down sugars, proteins, and fats so the body can absorb them.
There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are in your intestines. These healthy gut bacteria act like quarterbacks in our intestinal tracts: They call the shots and control the tempo
“If lifestyle is contributing to the acceleration of this process (early-onset colorectal cancer), then in turn, lifestyle is the means to reverse that trend,” said Dr. Nathan Goodyear, Medical Director of Brio Medical. He explains; “We were not born to eat processed foods; most people’s gut health issues stem from not eating real food. We must return to a traditional and healthy way of life, eating real, natural, chemical-free, and additive-free food.”
Consuming processed foods is like putting diesel in a gasoline car – an analogy Dr. Goodyear strongly agrees
with. On the other hand, while research increasingly supports the benefits of probiotics, he stressed that natural foods, including vegetables and fermented foods, also serve probiotics and prebiotics.
Our immunity is in the gut. Everything you eat, put on your skin, or breathe goes into your colon.
Probiotics—Prebiotics
Probiotics are referred to as healthy flora or ‘good bacteria’, and they have been effective in supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, promoting healthy digestion, and maintaining beautiful skin. Probiotics are bacteria that line our digestive tract and support our body’s ability to absorb nutrients and fight infection. The human body contains about the same number of gut bacteria molecules as it does cells for the rest of the body. It’s no wonder the gut is important to good health!
You have probably heard about the benefits of probiotics – but what about prebiotics?
Probiotics have health-promoting benefits by reducing the risk of disease, aiding detoxification, inflammation, and stimulating the immune system. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that are naturally created by the process of fermentation in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, and others.
Probiotics have been used in different forms going back hundreds of years to improve digestion and provide overall well-being. Modern science has recently unraveled the mystery behind how specific strains of these microbes work to help support healthy weight, constipation, digestive health, menopause, anxiety and mood, energy, immune and inflammatory response, and even memory.
Prebiotics are foods like bananas, onions and garlic, artichokes, apples, chicory root, oats, beans, and many others.
Prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the probiotics. This helps the gut bacteria produce nutrients for your colon that leads to a healthy digestive system.
Probiotics are in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes.
process feeds good bacteria and helps to increase the number of good bacteria in our digestive system that are associated with better health.
Prebiotic fiber goes through the small intestine undigested and is fermented when it reaches the colon. Fermented foods have antibacterial, antioxidant, and healing properties. This fermentation
Prebiotics and probiotics have somewhat of a “symbiotic relationship,” where neither can survive without the other. As the nutrient that feeds your probiotics, prebiotics help your good bacteria do their jobs more efficiently. Prebiotics are like fertilizer sprinkled on the lawn, which encourages the growth of lush grass and crowds out the weeds. In a sense, probiotic bacteria are more like scattering seed on the lawn and hoping that they will germinate and flourish. Chronic low-grade inflammation is one of the leading causes of disease, premature aging, and illness. A healthy diet is essential to reducing inflammation. Fermented foods fight inflammation because they control infections. Fermented foods can lead to an increase in antibodies and a stronger immune system.
Therefore, we can say, prebiotics are the “food” that feed probiotics allowing
them to grow and repopulate in your gut. For this reason, you can think of prebiotics as “gut fertilizer.” Remember, 80 percent of your immune system is in your gut, which is why taking care of your gut microflora is an essential element to good health. A robust immune system, supported by your flourishing inner ecosystem, is your number one defense against disease.
Many factors in our modern lifestyle can shift the microbe balance in our digestive system. There is a constant battle between the good and bad bacteria. The ideal balance of good bacteria in the gut forms the foundation for excellent health. Most of our problems begin with everyday bathroom habits. Many of us don’t have a daily bowel movement, so probably have experienced constipation at some time. We need a certain number of GOOD bacteria to help digest food and promote daily elimination. Remember: Daily bowel movements are a positive signal of a healthy immune system.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide any medical advice to any particular person. Each person’s condition is different, and the proper treatment depends on your own particular body and its needs. Consult a doctor or alternative medical practitioner if you feel you have a medical problem that needs addressing.
References: https://www.prebiotin.com/prebiotin-academy/scientific-research/immunity/ http://healthylife.com.au/health-library/health-conditions/immunity/your-guide-to-gut-health-and-immunity/ https://www.livescience.com/38028-how-the-human-body-s-immune-system-works-infographic.html https://www.theharmonycompany.com/digestion-the-immune-system/
