Have You Heard of Prebiotics – And No It Hasn’t Been Spelt Incorrectly!
Prebiotics are friendly microorganisms inhabiting our digestive tract that aid digestion.
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbs that serve as food for Probiotics.
Need further clarification?
Ok so probiotics are, in general, friendly bacteria that live in our intestinal tract and are delivered by the foods that we eat. There are various types of probiotics, and each one acts a little differently in our gut. They are not that hard to find and come via any food that is cultured or fermented.
Foods with probiotics include:
- Yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk
- Aged cheese such as cheddar, gouda and Parmesan
- Sauerkraut, kimchi and other pickled versions of veggies
- Sourdough bread
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kombucha
- Beer and wine
More and more health benefits of probiotics are being discovered daily. What we already know is that they keep us regular, can assist in the treatment of diarrhea, reduce lactose intolerance, improve the immune system, lower the chances of colon cancer, and also lower our blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Unlike probitoics, prebiotics are not alive. In fact almost all prebiotics are some form of fiber. Our body does not digest fiber, but the bacteria in our gut, including the probiotics, does. Therefore, if you regularly feed these helpful bacteria it allows them to do what they should be doing to keep us healthy. So what I am trying to say is by consuming prebiotics it will make the probiotics work better.
Foods with prebiotics include:
- Raw chicory root – the top source, with almost 60% fiber
- Raw Jerusalem artichoke
- Raw garlic, leeks, and onions
- Whole wheat
- Fruits and vegetables
- Legumes
The very best way to consume probiotics and prebiotics is through whole foods and not supplements, also be aware that if your doctor prescribes antibiotics to treat an illness you are, not only killing off the germs that made you ill, but also the probiotics. So you will need to stock back up as soon as the course has finished.