Most of us have associated probiotics and prebiotics with benefits to our digestion, but we don’t really know much more than that. Just imagine, the ability for your intestines to utilize and absorb the macronutrients you get. Macronutrients absorption depends on these key microorganisms. Considering our diet and your general nutrition depend on macronutrient absorption, this is kind of important. So, here is the short version:
• Probiotics are friendly microorganisms inhabiting our digestive tract that aid digestion and along with other bodily benefits.
• Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbs that serve as food for Probiotics.
It really is that simple. But, in order to have a positive effect on this little world happening in your intestinal tract you will need to know a bit more.
Probiotics are, for the most part, bacteria that reside in our intestinal tract. Other types of probiotics are yeast. Probiotics get into our intestines from supplementation and the foods we eat. They are an addition to the macronutrients found in food. Any food that is cultured or fermented has probiotics and include:
• yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk
• aged cheese such as cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan
• sauerkraut, kimchi and other pickled versions of veggies
• sourdough bread
• miso (fermented barley or soy or rice)
• tempeh – fermented soy
• kombucha – a fermented tea
• beer and wine (Although on the MND, this isn’t for you!)
The health benefits of probiotics are potentially wide and varied, but scientists are only starting to understand the complex symbiosis between the gut, the bacteria, and the rest of our body. Some potential health benefits, aside from keeping us regular, include treatment of diarrhea, reduction of lactose intolerance, improved immune system, lower chances of colon cancer, reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol, improved skin health and most importantly a key element in burning unwanted belly fat.
Prebiotics, unlike probitoics, are not alive. Most prebiotics are some form of fiber. Our body does not digest fiber, but the bacteria in our gut, including the probiotics, digest the fiber. Feeding these helpful bacteria keeps them doing what they are supposed to do in order to help our health.
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
As with the MacroNutrient Diet, whole foods are always the best way to achieve your goals, but with busy lives, it is nice to know there is an alternative. Personally, at least once or twice a year, approximately six months apart, I use a very particular cleanse. Within this cleanse are the prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and anti-parasite protection I need. If you are interested in an all-in-one solution at a great pice, click on the link to the right of the picture below to get started.
Ultimate Digestive Health – 4 Part Complete Internal Cleansing System From Ultimate Lifespan. Includes Cleansing Tea, Fiber, Anti Parasite, and Probiotics
From Ultimate Lifespan