Probiotics and Prebiotics: Gut Health Basics
By Erica Coulter
Gut health is a hot topic right now in the nutrition world, and rightfully so! A healthy gut can make a huge difference in whether our body AND brain is functioning optimally or not. When it comes to gut health, probiotics and prebiotics play a big role in making sure everything stays balanced.
Our gut microbiome is composed of TRILLIONS of bacteria. Sounds pretty gross, but it’s actually to our benefit. When we have a balance of good and bad bacteria in our body, we can achieve a high level of overall health. When we have an imbalance, things can get a little haywire in the gut causing issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, and more. Things such as
diet, stress, and environmental toxins can disrupt the natural flow of the gut microbiome. That’s where probiotics and prebiotics come into play!
Probiotics
The good bacteria in the gut are called probiotics. These are live bacteria and yeasts that actively keep our guts in check. They help to maintain the balance of the good and bad bacteria within our body, aid in digestion, and help to support the immune system. Probiotics can also replace good bacteria when it gets lost (i.e. when you get sick). Here are a few examples of probiotic-rich foods to start including into your diet if you aren’t already:
● Sauerkraut
● Kimchi
● Pickled foods
● Kombucha
● Yogurt/Kefir
*When reading labels on probiotic foods, make sure it says the food is still live or active to ensure you are getting the benefits*
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are indigestible fiber that feed our gut bacteria. They promote good bacteria (probiotics) in the gut. In order to make sure you get enough of these in your diet, take a look at your daily food intake. Here are a few examples of prebiotic rich foods to start including if you aren’t already:
● Asparagus
● Bananas
● Garlic
● Onions
● Oats
● Potatoes
● Rice
Together, these two digestive tract heros help to build a well-ran system in your body. Probiotics are the good bacteria in the gut and those are promoted through prebiotics. When we have an adequate balance in the belly, our digestive tract and brain function better! If you aren’t already,
make sure to get in those prebiotic/probiotic rich foods throughout your meals each week. Here’s to happy digestion through happy guts!
Looking to dial in your nutrition a bit more and learn how to sustain a healthy approach to eating? Check out our 4B nutrition coaching program offerings here:
https://4bfit.com/nutrition/.
Source: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/probiotics-and-prebiotics/
Erica graduated from Ball State University with B.S. in Exercise Science. She grew up playing multiple sports with softball being her favorite. When she got to college, she was looking for a way to stay competitive and that’s when she found CrossFit. She has been involved with CrossFit for 5 years now. As a coach, she is passionate about pushing athletes to be the best version of themselves. She loves to get people excited about fitness and watch them achieve goals they never thought possible.