Probiotics and prebiotics are common topics in nutrition. They sound very much alike and maybe confusing to some people, yet the two of them play very different roles in your health. Most of us probably have come across with the term “gut health” and know that maintaining it in good condition is desirable and beneficial to our overall well-being. What are they actually and why are they important to us?
What are Probiotics and Prebiotics?
Probiotics : The word “probiotics” is originally derived from a Greek word meaning “for life”. Probiotics refer to live microorganisms in your gut – the “good bacteria”.
Prebiotic : Prebiotics are the “food” for probiotics to keep our microbiome growing. They are found in the non-digestible part of foods, commonly known as dietary fiber.
What are the roles of Probiotics and Prebiotics in the gut?
We need the right balance of good and bad bacteria to stay healthy. Probiotics help with the digestion of food, production of vitamins or fighting off disease-causing cells. Good bacteria live everywhere throughout your entire body but the most common place to find them is in your guts.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are foods that humans cannot digest, but the good bacteria can. They pass through your digestive system and become nutrients to the bacteria, stimulating their growth and ensures they are functioning at their best.
Prebiotics work hand in hand with probiotics to promote a healthy intestinal microflora.
How Gut Health affects you?
When we talk about gut health, we’re actually referring to the trillions of bacteria in the microbiome. Your gut is the foundation of your health. The good bacteria not only help you digest foods, but they also contribute to your overall well-being, both physically and mentally. A great many numbers of studies in the past two decades have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, brains, hearts and many more. Here are some ways your gut bacteria can impact your health:
- Digestive health
- Immune System
- Mood and mental health
- Nerves and hormones
- Obesity, weight gain and diabetes
- Brain health (cognition, learning, and memory).
- Heart health
- Skin Conditions
- Cancer, endocrine disorders and other diseases
What factors affect the health of our gut?
Diet and many lifestyle factors can harm your gut bacteria, some of the most common can include:
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Lack of habitual exercise or physical activities
- Sleep deprivation
- Medication or drug use
What are the signs of an unhealthy gut?
Many facets of modern life such as high stress levels, too little sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics can all damage our gut microbiome. When you have an unhealthy gut, it can take a toll on your entire body. Check below if you have these warning signs of an unhealthy gut:
- Upset stomach
- Food craving
- Unintentional weight changes
- Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue
- Skin irritation
- Autoimmune conditions
- Food intolerances
How to maintain Gut Health?
Gut health impacts the body far beyond the gut itself. As mentioned earlier, a balance among bacteria in your gut is essential. There are two ways to maintain this balance
1. adding living microbes straight to your system (probiotic).
2. helping the microbes already there to grow by providing them the foods they need (prebiotic)
Can I get Probiotics and Prebiotics from food?
The food you eat plays an important role in the balance of good and bad gut bacteria. Popular foods with probiotics are fermented foods, which contain live cultures, or live beneficial bacteria strains, either naturally occur or are added during production. Fibre is the unsung hero of a healthy diet and digestive system, and many prebiotics are types of fibre.
Probiotics :
- Yogurt
- Soft cheese made of unpasteurized milk (Cottage Cheese)
- Fermented foods
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Sourdough bread
Prebiotic :
- Asparagus
- Berries, Green Vegetables
- Bananas
- Legumes
- Oat
- Onions
Should I take Probiotics and Prebiotics supplements?
Everyone’s gut microbiome is unique. Supplements needed are different for every individual. Even if we eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, sometimes adding an extra boost of probiotics and prebiotics could be key to help our gut function. Bear in mind that just because a supplement is expensive doesn’t mean it will work better. Rather than trusting that a high price tag means quality, we have a new launch for you.
Introducing the Coconut Prebiotic Fibre
We’re excited to introduce our latest product :
PURE COCONUT PREBIOTIC!
Coconut Prebiotic Fibre is a Prebiotic. It is a pre-hydrolyzed coconut-flour and an excellent source of dietary fibre. Unlike other sources of fibre in the market, it causes no bloating, diarrhea and flatulences or any other side effects. 4-6 capsules of Coconut Prebiotic everyday help to re-balance your system and promote your gut health!
Convenient, Versatile and Easy to Use
- No Side Effect
- Gluten Free
- Soy Free
- Dairy Free
- Soy Free
- GMO Free
- Vegan and Low Glycemic
- Organic
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your healthy gut take time, dedication and consistency. The microbiome didn’t get unhealthy overnight, so you aren’t going to fix it overnight either. You can’t supplement your way out of a poor diet. Food has to be foundational. Eatology can come to your rescue! Our goal is to provide you with delicious food and other necessary tools you need to overcome any obstacles on your journey to a healthier you.
About Us
As a meal planner, we provide premium, tailor-made meal programs and deliver delicious, healthy food to the door. Our professionally-prepared meals are designed by renowned chefs, tested by dietitians, and freshly cooked everyday. Eatology creates gourmet recipes comprised of wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients with great flavors- just to help you to reach your goal, whether it is losing weight, boosting energy levels or staying healthy. Thanks to our focus on quality, service and value for our clients, we are ranked best in the healthy food delivery service in Hong Kong.
If you’re on the search for delicious, healthy food, give us a try. We’d be happy to take you through a wonderful meal plan experience.
