What are Prebiotics & Probiotics?

You may know what gut health is, but do you know about prebiotics and probiotics? Our gut flora requires a certain level of good bacteria to combat the bad bacteria that we may have. Prebiotics and probiotics are able to bring balance to your gut. If you aren’t sure if you need prebiotics or probiotics in your diet let me ask you a few questions. Do you get gassy frequently? Do you get bloated after eating? Do you have pain when digesting food? Do you struggle to eat certain foods because of the gas and pain that results from it? Keep reading because prebiotics and probiotics might be what you need to not have stomach pain or discomfort anymore.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a combination of living bacteria and yeasts that are already naturally in your body. This type of bacteria is good bacteria and it helps fight off the bad bacteria that may be hurting your immune system or other systems in your body. Probiotics work to keep your body in balance. They can help digest food, create vitamins, breakdown and absorb nutrients, and support the lining of your gut to stay balanced. Your body naturally works to keep itself in balance so you can function at your very best, but sometimes it needs a little help. Probiotics can be a daily supplement that increases the amount of good bacteria in your body and majorly help your gut health. The most common types of good bacteria found in probiotics are called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The most common type of yeast found in probiotics is called Saccharomyces Boulardii. I know that’s a mouthful, but if you’re shopping for probiotic supplements and see these ingredients, that is normal.

What Food Contains Probiotics?

There are so many different types of foods that contain probiotics, but here is a list of foods that are rich in probiotics:
Yogurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Tempeh
Miso
Kombucha
Pickles
Cottage cheese
Natto
Apple cider vinegar

The Best Probiotic Supplements

Trying to get the right amount of probiotics in your body in a day can feel like a chore. You can eat foods that contain high amounts of probiotics or you could buy supplements that you take daily. This is an easy way to feel great throughout the day and you can carry them with you wherever you go!

The Best Probiotic Overall

The Best Probiotic for IBS

The Best Probiotic Gummy

Prebiotics

Prebiotics go hand in hand with probiotics. They are a specific type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria that probiotics provide. They help stimulate growth among the preexisting good bacteria in your gut. The best thing you can do for your gut is to consume, in food or supplements, probiotics and prebiotics together. Many of the supplements I listed above contain both, which allows you to get the maximum benefits.

Take back control of your gut health and overall health by implementing prebiotics and probiotics into your diet. You may notice a gradual difference in how you feel or you may notice an immediate difference depending on how much good bacteria you start with. This can be the first big step to fixing your stomach problems.