Gut health is important to your overall wellbeing, especially as you age. What you eat affects all the processes in your body, including your cardiovascular and mental health. The key to keeping a healthy digestive system is to take care of your internal micro-biome, which includes the micro-organisms in your gut. These bacteria are essential in aiding in digestion, fighting off bad bacteria, and have been recently shown to affect your mental wellbeing.
What are pre- and probiotics?
Probiotic food has been gaining popularity recently due to their health benefits. These types of foods promote growth of the healthy bacteria in your gut by introducing good bacteria and yeast in your diet. The most common probiotic bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, both of which contribute to a healthier gut.
Prebiotics are just as important too. Prebiotics include foods that serve to fuel the micro-organisms in your gut, such as fiber and certain acids. They help the good bacteria in your gut stay healthy and allow them to do their job in keeping your digestive system on track.
Examples of Pre- and Probiotic Foods
There are a lot of pre- and probiotic supplements that are sold over the counter that are said to boost your immune system and promote digestive health. There are also bars and quick snacks that are said to promote probiotic health. These supplements and specialty items can be costly, however. Luckily, you can purchase a lot of foods that serve as prebiotics which also contain probiotics, without breaking the bank.
Popular probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and kombucha. As digestive health awareness is trending, a lot of these fermented foods are becoming more readily available in your local grocery store. You can also try making your own probiotic foods, such as kimchi. Just be sure to use a trustworthy source, follow the recipe and preservation instructions as they are written, to ensure your food is safe to eat.
Prebiotics are also common in your everyday supermarket. Choose foods that are high in fiber and fatty acids to feed your gut bacteria. Good prebiotics are beans, garlic, onions, leeks, whole grains, and bananas. These foods can be eaten as they are or cooked into your favorite dishes as an easy way to supplement your diet with prebiotics.
By supplementing your diet with these foods, you can expect to see major health benefits and improvements in your digestion. There are other befits; these can range from treating eczema, aiding in depression, and promoting heart health. As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise regimen to ensure that you’re taking the correct steps for you and your loved one’s health.
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