Probiotics have become main stream although many of us don’t really understand what they are or what they do. Our GI tract naturally contains over 400 different species of bacteria. These microorganisms or “good bacteria” are beneficial to our health and help fight off and neutralize “bad” bacteria in the digestive tract. Several factors upset the balance of good/bad bacteria in the GI tract: antibiotics, stress, poor diet, etc.
Probiotics are similar to the “good” bacteria naturally occurring in our gut and are found in foods like yogurt (and supplements). So by consuming enough in your diet or taking a supplement of probiotics, you are boosting the count of good bacteria in your gut therefore increasing intestinal health. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that are essentially “food” for probiotics (in our gut) that help encourage their growth. Prebiotics are naturally found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, and honey. You can also purchase dietary supplements of prebiotics. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial by helping to alleviate diarrhea, constipation, IBS, enhance immune function, ulcers, and some research has even shown it may help protect against colon cancer. Preliminary research shows that probiotics have been known to help in not only eliminating some digestive conditions but appears to help in the overall health of the digestive tract.
Probiotics can be a valuable addition to your diet but if you are considering taking them, be sure to check with your doctor and tell him/her if you are taking any other medications as well.
XO Joy
Great chart I found that helps give a visual on the benefits of pre/probiotics
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