Did you know there are tens of billions of bacteria in your gut?  That is 10x more than the number of cells in your entire body!  Not all bacteria in your gut are good, some are bad, which is good.  You may have heard about probiotics in passing or on commercials, but what about prebiotics?  That’s right, PRE-biotics.  That’s not a misspelling of PRO-biotics.  Prebiotics are just as important, if not than more important, to know about and incorporate in your diet as probiotics are.

It’s important to stay regular with your bowel movements *I know icky talk*, but think about it, if you’re not having regular movements, are you having the same amount of fun on a rollercoaster as your friend seems to be having?  No way!  It’s tough most of the time to leave the house because you’re so uncomfortable and sometimes the pain gets pretty intense.  If ignored, this back-up can lead to health issues like leaky gut or IBS.  Now, that’s an issue I wouldn’t wish on my neighbors dog who threatens to eat my leg when I check my mail every afternoon.  So, let’s compare and contrast!

Probiotics are “good” bacteria commonly consumed through yogurt or dairy, but along with everything else, you can also get it from supplements, like Erin Andrews suggests in her commercials.  Supplements are much better to receive if you have dairy issues.
You can also receive probiotics naturally through sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods.  When you lose good bacteria from taking antibiotics, probiotics can replace them.  Along with helping with regularity and IBS, probiotics have reportedly been known to also help with anxiety, depression, eczema, and OCD.

Prebiotics are available the same way, through diet or supplementing.  Since it is plant-based, and also non digestible, you can only find prebiotics in the fiber of vegetables such as asparagus, garlic, yams, artichokes, and others.  The prebiotics help nourish the good bacteria that already exists in the GI tract.  The way in doing so, is the prebiotic fertilizes probiotics when they are introduced.  Prebiotics promote a lot of similar health benefits as probiotics like better regularity and energy, less leaky gut, weight loss, improved bone density, and much more.

So, it’s like a game of Clash of Clans.  OK, so I’ve never played, personally, but my husband used to and this is the best analogy I’ve got.  The probiotic jumps in the gut and fights the bad bacteria, but can’t seem to get ahead because it’s outnumbered.  So, here comes the prebiotic to multiply the probiotic and create a healthy balance.

Quick Review:

• Prebiotics fertilize good bacteria whereas probiotics fight to overcome bad bacteria.
• Probiotics need to be fed, like all living things, and prebiotics act as food for probiotics.
• Prebiotics are substances that induce the growth or activity of microorganisms that contribute to the well-being of their host.  Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed.
• Prebiotics are commonly found in high fiber vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and garlic whereas probiotics are found in dairy and fermented foods.

Understandable?  So, be sure to check labels and incorporate prebiotics and probiotics in to your diet for healthy digestion.  ‘bet it’ll be tough consuming those things and not think about the combat going on inside of you.  😉

Leave comments and let me know if you have any questions!

xox -C