Healthy Hollywood: Cameron Diaz’s Gut Instinct

No question, Cameron Diaz is one the most naturally stunning woman on the planet. She’s not overly made-up, dresses chic yet casual and seems like she could be every girl’s best friend and every guy’s gal next door fantasy.

At 42, she’s a self-confessed wellness junkie. The actress is diligent about exercise and her nutrition. She even wrote a book on health, entitled “The Body Book.”

One of her go-to tricks is getting a healthy dose of probiotics.

“When I take my probiotics regularly, I feel good, and I feel like I’m helping my body help itself,” Cameron writes in the book.

Probiotics is a big buzzword in the health & wellness industry. Probiotics provide an army of good bacteria that help fight off the bad bacteria in our gut. This, in turn, can lead to a better immune system, less digestive issues and even weight loss.

“They can also aid in digestion, provide nutrients and improve metabolism – they decrease gut inflammation, produce vitamins and help their absorption, and maintain the lining of the intestine,” explains celebrity health expert Dr. Roshini Raj, who is also a paid spokesperson for the probiotic beverage line, GoodBelly.

So, where can you find probiotics? They can be found in unpasteurized fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi or some yogurts.

“Just like the cells of our skin shed constantly, so do the cells of the intestinal lining, which is where the probiotics do their business,” adds Todd Beckham, co-founder of GoodBelly.

Folks interested in adding probiotics into their diet can also look into supplements and drinks enhanced with probiotics.

Another perk: probiotics do a body good on the inside and out.

“In terms of skin health, probiotics secrete anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory substances that help with conditions like acne, eczema and rosacea. By calming inflammation, probiotics are also effective in targeting wrinkles and preventing premature aging. They improve and strengthen the skin’s natural protective mechanisms and maintain equilibrium of good bacteria on the skin’s surface. They may also help to hydrate aging skin, improve its elasticity and reduce sun damage,” notes Dr. Raj. 

— Terri MacLeod