There are a lot of different terms thrown around when it comes to gut health, and it can be tough to keep them all straight. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are all important for a healthy gut, but they each have different roles to play. Probiotics are live bacteria that help to maintain a healthy balance of microbes in the gut. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics. Postbiotics are the byproducts of probiotic bacteria that help to nourish and protect the gut lining. All three of these are important for a healthy gut, so make sure you're getting all three in your diet!
Prebiotics
The food you eat plays an important role in the balance of good and bad gut bacteria.
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. Think of prebiotics as fertilizers that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
We want to make sure we are feeding our probiotics high quality nutrients that promote the good bacteria to grow & populate our gut.
A diet high in sugar & fat will negatively influences the gut bacteria causing the good bacteria to die off while feeding the pathogenic bacteria and allowing them to multiple & thrive. This will inevitably lead to digestive problems, inflammation, & disease. We are born with probiotics in our gut. It is up to us to care for them with a proper diet and avoidance of toxins that would cause them to die off.
Prebiotics are found in foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, and asparagus. If you consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains & legumes you probably are already getting the prebiotics your body needs. Unfortunately the majority of us lack prebiotics in our diet and would benefit from taking it in a supplement form. Here are a few products we recommend…
Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Organic Prebiotic Fiber in Citrus flavor & Unflavored
Now Foods Apple Fiber Powder
Now Foods Fiber 3
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your overall health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. A healthy gut has a balance of good and bad bacteria. When the balance is upset, you might get sick. Probiotics can help you get back to a healthy balance. They can also help with digestive problems such as:
- constipation
- Crohn's Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
- lactose intolerance
Probiotics are found in yogurt and other fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi & sauerkraut. You can get them in higher strengths in supplement form. Take a look HERE
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are not as well known, but they are starting to gain attention for their potential health benefits.
Postbiotics help to keep your gut healthy by promoting the growth of good bacteria.
Other benefits of postbiotics include better digestion and enhanced immunity. Postbiotics can also help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy weight. Additionally, postbiotics may improve skin health and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. While more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits, postbiotics show promise as a safe and effective way to improve overall health.
Garden of Life’s New Triple Action Formula Probiotics are a great way to incorporate all 3, pre-, pro- & post-biotics, into your diet.
