You may have heard of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help with digestion, immunity, and overall health. But did you know there is another type of nutrient called prebiotics that can boost your gut health while supporting your probiotics?
Prebiotics are specialized plant fibres that are needed by the bacteria located in your digestive tract, consisting of fibre or complex carbohydrates that you can’t digest.
Prebiotics are found in plant foods like garlic, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, onions, and root vegetables. They act as food for your gut bacteria. Prebiotics can improve digestion, ease constipation, increase mineral absorption, regulate cholesterol, and strengthen the immune system.
Prebiotics have many potential benefits for your health, especially if you suffer from digestive disorders or metabolic diseases.
Here are some of the ways that prebiotics can help you:
• Improve digestion: Prebiotics are known to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, gas, pain, and diarrhea.
• Enhance mineral absorption: Prebiotics can increase the absorption of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc from your diet. This may improve bone health and delays osteoporosis.
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure: Prebiotics can lower your cholesterol levels by regulating overall fat metabolism and increasing the excretion of bile acids. They improve blood flow through lowering inflammation and supporting optimal dilation. Prebiotics are one of the best defences against metabolic syndrome, a common condition that can lead to diabetes and heart disease.
• Improve brain function: The communication between your gut and brain are enhanced by prebiotics via the vagus nerve. Prebiotics are known to regulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are involved in mood regulation, memory, learning, and cognition.
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure: Prebiotics may lower your cholesterol levels by regulating overall fat metabolism and increasing the excretion of bile acids. They might improve blood flow through lowering inflammation and supporting optimal dilation. Prebiotics are one of the best defences against metabolic syndrome, a common condition that can lead to diabetes and heart disease.
If you want to increase your prebiotic intake, first discuss it with your medical advisor. Start by adding more prebiotic-rich foods in your diet.
