Before moving on to Part 4 of Your Gut Health, please refer to my recent posts for a refresher…
Your Gut Health, Part 1: How the Bacteria in your Gut could be Used to Treat Mental Illness
Your Gut Health, Part 2: Healing & Optimizing Digestion
Your Gut Health, Part 3: Optimizing your Gut Flora
Talk about PREbiotics is on the rise but not many of us really understand what they are. Well, prebiotics beneficially nourish the probiotics that are already in your gut. They are specialized plant fibers that help your good bacteria grow and flourish.
Prebiotics include: (in order of prebiotic fiber content by weight)
Raw, Chicory Root 64.6%, Raw, Jerusalem Artichoke 31.5%, Raw, Dandelion Greens 24.3%, Raw, Garlic 17.5%, Raw, Leek 11.7%, Raw, Onion 8.6%, Raw Asparagus 5%, Raw Wheat bran 5%
Another good article about prebiotics: http://www.umassmed.edu/nutrition/ibd/ask-Nutritionist/prebiotics-what-where-and-how-to-get-them/
Many of us are familiar with PRObiotics (also called live cultures) and their importance. For those of you who could use a refresher, probiotics introduce good bacteria into the gut. They are essential for a functional digestive system, functional brain chemistry and good health in general. Probiotics can be taken in capsule form or consumed in any or all of the foods mentioned in this article.
Note: probiotics in capsule form should have various genus’, species and strains of bacteria (Lactobacillus (genus) reuteri (species) ATCC55730 (strain) ) and at least 5-8 billion microorganisms.
A good article on how to choose a probiotic: http://dailyburn.com/life/health/choose-best-probiotic/
Synbiotics are a combination of prebiotics and probiotics. They are found in fermented foods such as pickles and pickled foods, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt and kefir. Eating a variety of these foods gives you a great variety of probiotics species and strains.
Studies have shown that prebiotics and good gut bacteria, together, play a significant role in mental health, digestive health and overall health. Many individuals who consume prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on a daily basis have fewer issues with anxiety, depression, stress, digestive disorders and have a stronger immune system.
*See part 5 – next week – to learn more about the genus, species and strains of probiotics helpful for optimal health.
*Feel free to contact me for any guidance or recommendations when choosing a probiotic or prebiotic.
Healing your gut and digestive problems takes some time, effort, and consistency. It is well worth the effort.
YOU are well worth your time and effort.
Stay focused.
Your results will be a great reward.
I am available if you need additional help. Just send me an email, text or call.
