[iconbox title=”Question” icon=”Cog_4.png”]What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics and why should you care?[/iconbox]
[iconbox title=”Answer” icon=”Link.png”]Prebiotics are carbohydrates that can’t be digested by the body. They are actually food for probiotics.[/iconbox]
Probiotics are “good’ bacteria that helps keep your digestive system healthy. They control the growth of harmful bacteria.
Primary benefit of both prebiotics and probiotics are to help the body maintain a healthy digestive system by creating a population of healthy bacteria. This healthy bacterium forms a protective shield in the digestive tract preventing harmful bacteria and viruses from infecting your body.
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Prebiotics
Prebiotics are nutrients which support the growth of probiotics. They release fatty acids and alter the pH of the colon enhancing absorption of minerals, including calcium, iron and magnesium.
Health Benefits: Prebiotics may help treat diarrhea, bloating, constipation, reduce inflammation and may support immune system function.
Best Food Sources: Vegetables such as; kale, asparagus, garlic, artichokes, leeks and onions are naturally rich with a compound called inulin a type of prebiotic. Other good sources of prebiotics are; barley, flax and oats grains, beans, peas and lentil legumes and strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
[box type=”tick”]Tip: Eat 1 ½ cups of beans per week with a 2,000 calorie diet for fiber, potassium, prebiotic and cholesterol-free source of protein. [/box]
Probiotics
Probiotics help restore balance in the body by maintaining the immune system, protection from harmful bacteria and aid in digestion of food and nutrients.
Health Benefits: Probiotics may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s and colitis and help the body fight off infection, viruses and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Best Food Sources: Yogurt is the number one source for probiotics. Make sure the yogurt contains “active cultures”. Other good sources are fermented foods that produce probiotics; miso soup, soft cheese like Gouda, tempeh and kefir.
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List of resources, all worth checking out.
Gut Microbes for Healthy Immune System by Dr Mercola on Mercola.com
Top Foods for Probiotics from WebMD.com
Dr. Oz’s Complete Body Restart Guide: Restart Your Intestines from DrOz.com
The Benefits of Yogurt from WebMD.com
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I’m a Midwest gal who began on a journey to live a healthier life way back when I was in college. Now just like all of you, the twists and turns of my life have led me to where I am today. Passionate about healthy living, community and social media, I invite you to Live Young with me!
