Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
Both pretty big topics in nutrition these days, prebiotics and probiotics are two very different elements in a person’s diet that play different roles.
The two terms can often be confusing, especially when looking to supplement your diet with additional nutrients that promote healthier digestion and absorption. That is why we are here to break it down for you!
Imagine your gut as a microcosm of the ocean, or even better: a fish bowl.
Probiotics are the fish and underwater wildlife swimming freely, while prebiotics act as food for them, ensuring that the fish are thriving and staying alive.
In actuality, the healthy bacteria found in certain foods as well as inside your gut, also known as your gut microbiome, are dubbed as Probiotics.
On the other hand, Prebiotics are a food substance that cannot be digested by humans. Instead it feeds the bacteria in your gut, ultimately improving digestion and strengthening the immune system. This is because in our small intestine, we lack the enzymes that are capable of breaking down these nutrients into smaller components where they can be absorbed into our bloodstream. This lack of breakdown brings them into contact with your gut microbiome, where they play a role in stimulating its growth and activity.
The gut bacteria itself, plays a major role in your body, as we have mentioned before on Glow Mag. It dictates absolutely everything from hormone balance to energy levels to mood to skin clarity and disease risk. Your gut really is your body’s second brain, as it has a mind of its own. Did you know that it also occupies its own nervous system which carries information to the brain? The brain then interprets these signals as emotions, signifying that gut feelings are a real thing and are not just an expression!
Consider this blog post a cheat sheet to pre- and probiotics that will help you achieve optimal gut health!
You’ll find prebiotics in many fruits and vegetables that contain fiber like apples, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, berries, dandelion greens (known as hindbeh in Lebanon), flaxseed, garlic, dark leafy greens and oats. Plant fiber is a highly sought-after element that is capable of flooding your but with prebiotics, so our one rule when you’re about to eat is to count the plants on your plate.
Probiotics on the other hand are found in mostly fermented foods. Think yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi and even sourdough bread!
Tending to your gut microbiome could improve your life immensely, which is why we at The Glow Paradise wholeheartedly believe in putting love & intention into every bite.