5 Ways to Boost Your Probiotics and Prebiotics Intake

 Probiotics and prebiotics are two types of dietary fibres that support your digestive system; they help break down foods so they can be fully digested, and they also stimulate the production of bacteria in your gut. These bacteria produce vitamins, enzymes and other nutrients as an end result. Both probiotic and prebiotic foods feed the good bacteria in your gut, which is why more people than ever have started taking an interest in these healthy additives. In this article, we’ll explain what probiotics are, how to get them from foods, supplements and other sources, as well as the benefits of both types.

What are Probiotics?

Bacteria are organisms that live in the trillions in your gut. They play an important role in digestion, immune response and health. One main function of probiotics is to encourage the growth of “good” bacteria in your gut to improve your digestion and immune response. There are many probiotic foods that you can consume to support your gut health. These include yoghurt, pickled vegetables, miso, natto and kimchi. You can also consume probiotic-fortified beverages like Yakult, Activia and many others. Probiotics are also available as dietary supplements. These can be taken as a pill or added to a beverage.

Benefits of Probiotics

• Eases digestive issues - Probiotics are helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. They can also help people with lactose intolerance and other food allergies. 

• Boosts immune system - Probiotics have been shown to boost your immune system, which can help prevent respiratory problems like bronchitis and even reduce allergies. 

• Good for your tummy - Probiotics can help improve symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

What are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that are fermented by bacteria in your gut to produce short-chain fatty acids, which serve as fuel for the probiotics in your digestive system. The bacteria that produce these nutrients are called gut bacteria, which are key to a healthy digestive system. Prebiotics are found in foods like bananas, artichokes, leeks and garlic. There are many benefits of prebiotic foods. They can increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, improve digestion and immune response, promote healthy blood sugar levels and even improve your mood!

Benefits of Prebiotics

• Supports healthy gut bacteria - Unlike probiotics, prebiotics don’t contain any health benefits by themselves, but they do play an important role in supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. 

• Prevents obesity and diabetes - Obesity is a major health concern, and prebiotics can help prevent and manage weight gain by keeping your blood sugar levels stable. 

• Better mental health - Prebiotics can help prevent mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Studies have linked a deficiency in certain B vitamins and fibre in people with these conditions, but probiotics can help prevent this.

Foods Containing Probiotics and Prebiotics

• Yoghurt - Cultured dairy products like yoghurt are great sources of probiotics. They have a very good mix of live cultures and can help improve your gut health, prevent infections, support weight loss and build a healthy immune system.

• Dried fruit - Dried fruit is a great source of prebiotics, as it’s high in vitamin C, a prebiotic nutrient. Vitamin C has also been shown to help increase the number of good bacteria in probiotics.

• Beans - Legumes are a great source of both probiotics and prebiotics. These foods are great sources of fibre and protein and help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

• Tempeh - This fermented soy food is high in beneficial bacteria and has been shown to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Miso - This fermented soy sauce is high in probiotics and prebiotics and is especially beneficial for weight loss.

Should You Take Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements?

There are many benefits of consuming probiotics and prebiotics within a balanced diet, but probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be helpful for people who can’t find a source for their probiotics. Prebiotic supplements should be taken with probiotic foods because you want to establish a healthy gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria can be beneficial for your health. Probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be taken in supplement form or added to a daily diet of probiotic foods. Probiotics can be found in many forms, but supplements are the best ways to get them into your body. Probiotics can be added to many foods and beverages, making it very easy to consume. Probiotics can be taken in supplement form, which is great for people who don’t have time to consume them in their daily diet.

Conclusion

Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that support your gut health. They come from foods, bacteria in your gut and prebiotic and probiotic supplements. The best sources of probiotics are yoghurt, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, and certain beverages like Yakult. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that are fermented by bacteria in your gut to produce short-chain fatty acids, which serve as fuel for the probiotics in your digestive system. Prebiotics can be found in many different foods, including bananas, artichokes and legumes. You can also consume prebiotic supplements. These are a great way to get probiotics into your system, and they can be taken in supplement form or added to a daily diet of probiotic foods