Improving gut health is one of the most important tasks on our path to longevity. We know for so many benefits of our microbiome, the friendly microbes in our gut.
They will keep our immune system strong.
Calm inflammation.
Improve digestion.
Improve mood and memory.
Balance weight.
Improve elimination and aid detoxification.
Even turn on some genes.
And so much more…
All the above will help us to create a healthy, strong, energized body and joyful mind.
Let’s talk about improving gut health.
The Symbiotic Relationship of Probiotics and Prebiotics:
If you want to improve your gut health or maintain the good gut health you already have, there are two things you must do. Consume probiotic foods and prebiotics foods and they are best consumed together, creating what is now being called “symbiotic” foods. This is easier than it may sound and can be fun.
Probiotic foods contain beneficial organisms that help our gut perform its duties and have amazing health benefits for us. Prebiotics are types of fiber like inulin, resistant starch, GOS and FOS that help feed our good bacteria.
We have two types of bacteria strains in our gut: residential and transient. Residential bacteria strains are the bacteria that live in our gut naturally and we must have them re-populate to stay healthy. Transient strains of bacteria pass through us (usually within 3 days) but while they are there, they help the gut do its work and keep us healthy.
Probiotic foods contain transient bacteria. We need prebiotics to help us feed and increase our residential bacteria.
Getting some prebiotic and probiotic foods on a regular basis is the key and that is quite easy to do. Some examples of probiotic foods are sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, kefir, miso, natto, pure apple cider vinegar (with mother), true balsamic vinegar.
Prebiotic foods are Jerusalem Artichokes, chicory, garlic, onions, beans, lentil, citrus fruits, pears, apples, bananas, berries, almonds broccoli which contain soluble fibers like inulin and FOS. Resistant starch found in legumes, potatoes, wheat, corn, rye, barley, rice, spelt, kamut, and other grains and GOS is found in dairy products. The list of foods that are prebiotic is going to expand as research continues to discover more foods containing elements that are probiotic. It could turn out that all whole foods have some prebiotic benefit but we do not know that yet.
Prebiotics are not just food for good bacteria. They also enhance the absorption of calcium and magnesium and are involved in appetite regulation as well as lipid metabolism. As research continues, it is even more fascinating how these simple substances in food, and together with our good bacteria, are involved in a complex relationship to help us be healthy.
Consuming prebiotics with probiotics can be as simple as mixing banana slices into your yogurt or serving sauerkraut with a meal that contains garlic and onions.
RECIPE
ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS, ONION AND GARLIC
Great source of prebiotic and tastes great.
1 package Brussels sprouts (quartered)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Himalayan pink salt, pepper, ginger, and curry according to your liking.
Sauté everything for about 20 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender. And enjoy!!
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To your radiant health, with love
