What Are Prebiotics and Probiotics?

And Why They're Integral to Gut Health

Prebiotics and probiotics are essential to maintaining a healthy gut, and Research shows that the benefits of healthy digestion extend far beyond your tummy. A healthy microbiome not only supports the systematic functioning of the body, but strengthens your immunity against a host of diseases, including dementia, cardiovascular, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), as well as cancer.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible, high-fiber, food ingredients and act as a food source for the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut.

Foods containing prebiotics:

• cooked and cooled al dente pasta and potatoes

• slightly unripe bananas

• Jerusalem artichokes

• apples

• lentils

• barley

• onions

• garlic

• asparagus

• soybeans

• oats

• ground flaxseeds

• chicory root

• seaweed

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial and live in your body. By ingesting probiotic food sources, you increase their associated health benefits. Probiotics help fight off less healthy species (bacteria and yeast), and boost your immunity against infections.

Foods Containing probiotics:

• kimchi (made from fermented cabbage)

• kombucha (fermented black tea)

• yogurt (made with live and active cultures)

• kefir (made with live and active cultures)

• tempeh (made from fermented soybeans)

• cultured labneh (made with live and active cultures)

• cultured cottage cheese (made with live and active cultures)

• sauerkraut (made from fermented cabbage)

• miso (made from fermented soybeans)

Note: Both lists are courtesy of MDVIP. When purchasing prebiotics and probiotics, try and source minimally processed food items, with natural ingredients to insure the best results.