Pre or pro biotics?

27 September 2019|Diet, Self help

We often hear a lot about probiotics and one can find a myriad of pills and supplements on supermarket shelves, but what of prebiotics?

Prebiotics are foods with non-digestible fibre such as bananas, onion, garlic, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains such as oats. They essentially remain intact and reach our large intestines where they feed the probiotics - live micro-organisms also obtained from the food we eat such as yogurt, pickles, and fermented cheese such as cheddar and cottage cheese, or the supplements we take.

Studies have shown that together, they provide numerous health benefits including:

• Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease

• Healthier cholesterol levels

• Better overall gut health

• Improved digestion

• Lower stress response

• Better hormonal balance

• Improved mental health

• Higher immune function

• Lower risk for obesity and weight gain

• Lower inflammation and autoimmune reactions

Common signs of poor gut health include excessive flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, and brain fog.

With recent studies highlighting the important symbiotic relationship between our gut health and both physical and mental wellbeing, small changes in diet may well contribute to large benefits in overall health.

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