You’ve likely heard of probiotics and how they can benefit your health in a big way. But have you heard of prebiotics?
And if so, do you know the difference? Let’s break down some information so you can make sure you know exactly how to support your gut health every day.
Probiotics and prebiotics are both important because they help support your gut microbiome, the community of trillions of bacteria that live within your body, helping it function at peak health and wellness.
Simply put, when your gut is happy and healthy, you feel amazing. You glow. Your metabolism runs efficiently, your energy is abundant, and you feel happy, clear and balanced. Bloating is gone, except for the occasional moment. Your immune system is strong, helping to keep you healthy day-to-day. And your weight is no longer a point of worry.
How to know when your gut isn’t doing so well? You may experience any of the following: weight gain, infections, low energy (tired + wired), anxious, depressed, puffy, bloated, etc. The list goes on and on. Not exactly ideal. Here is where prebiotics and probiotics come in.
60-80% of our immune system is located in our gut. You know, that system that helps our bodies fight off all disease? Yep that one. So, it’s prettty important.
Science shows that poor gut health has been linked to:
- hormonal imbalances
- autoimmune conditions
- diabetes
- chronic fatigue
- fibromyalgia
- anxiety
- depression
- eczema
- rosacea,
- inflammation, and more.
The main difference: Probiotics replenish the good bacteria, and prebiotics feed the good bacteria.
Here’s the thing: you need them both. If you consume probiotics in the form of a supplement or food, you are essentially adding in some friendly bacteria back into your microbiome. But just like everything else, these little guys need to be fed, or they will die. We want to keep them around, so we have a high ratio of good to bad bacteria.
You can’t out supplement a bad diet. We need all of those good bugs around (probiotics) to keep us healthy. We can add more of those good bugs in through fermented foods and supplements, but we’ve got to keep them around with all of those nutritious veggies. If you take a probiotic supplement, and continue eating a diet of processed carbohydrates and sugar, you are basically throwing your money (and health) away. The probiotics won’t stick because they aren’t being fed properly.
Probiotics can be found in capsules, powders, and foods that contain live friendly bacteria. Some of the best probiotic-rich foods are:
- kombucha
- sauerkraut
- miso
- tempeh
- kimchi
- yogurt
- kefir
- pickled vegetables
If you’re interested in getting in your probiotics through a supplement instead (which a lot of people simply find easier), I recommend this one.
Prebiotics feed your friendly bacteria and help them proliferate on their own. Foods that contain lots of natural prebiotics include:
- jicama (a personal fave)
- asparagus
- carrots
- garlic
- Jerusalem artichoke
- leeks
- okra
- onion
- radishes
Practice putting this new information into play. Enjoy fermented foods along with those delicious prebiotic-rich veggies. Your weight, mood, and mental clarity will thank you.
And if you want to help reset your gut microbiome in as little as 3 days, try my FREE 3 Day Gut Reset today.
