The Importance of Prebiotics for Your Gut, Hormone and Vaginal Health
You've probably heard of probiotics before, whether from your doctor, commercials or even healthy living blogs. Probiotics are naturally found in food like yogurt, sauerkaut, pickles and kimchi and are also commonly taken in supplement form to help support the digestive system and other parts of the body.
But have you heard of prebiotics?
Just like probiotics, prebiotics are an important part of your gut, hormone and vaginal health. Yet, these nutrients are often overlooked and not talked about.
But what exactly are prebiotics? How do they work and how do they benefit your wellbeing?
In this blog article we'll discuss eveything you need to know about prebiotics.
You should also know that we have a powerful Prebiotic Support supplement in the apothecary.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of specialized plant fiber that feed the microbes in your gut and stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. They are found in fruits and vegetables that contain complex carbohydrates, like fiber and starch.
These carbs can't be digested by your body, so they bypass the digestive system and travel to your colon, where your gut's microorganisms metabolize and ferment the prebiotics.
When prebiotics are broken down, it creates different short-chain fatty acids. These short-chain fatty acids improve your metabolism and overall health by helping provide energy to the cells lining your colon (called coloncytes), producing necessary mucus, and aiding in reducing inflammation and promoting immunity.
Think of prebiotics as the fertilizer to help good bacteria (probiotics) grow.
According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics, in order for a compound to be classified as a prebiotic, it should:
- Resist stomach acid and digestive enzymes, plus should not be absorbed in the GI tract.
- Be able to be fermented by intestinal microbes
- Stimulate the growth or activity of intestinal bacteria and microbes to improve health
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
Both prebiotics and probiotics support healthy bacteria and organisms in your gut to aid in digestion, but they help in different ways.
Probiotics are live organisms - typically certain strains of bacteria and yeast- that are found in certain foods and actually add to the number of microbes already living in your gut.
Prebiotics are not living organisms; they are naturally occuring food components. Prebiotics serve as a source of food for the probiotics to grow.
Probiotics actually need prebiotics in order to work effectively to improve and maintain your gut health.
What are the benefits of prebiotics?
The benefits of prebiotcs are wide-ranging and affect more than just your digestion. A healthy or unhealhty gut impacts several of your body's systems and your overall health.
Prebiotics are known to:
- Improve digestion and metabolism
- Help regulate bowel movements
- Improve nutrient, vitamin and mineral absorption
- Help balance and maintain hormone levels
- Regulate blood sugar and insulin resistance
- Stimulate the production of hormones that aid in appetite suppresion
- Lower inflammation in the body
- Strengthen the immune system
- Help maintain vaginal ph
- Reduce risk of allergy
- Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Regulate mood sand reduce stress hormone levels
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Reduce risk of colon cancer
What are some good prebiotic foods?
Prebiotics are types of fiber naturally found in vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
Food that are good sources of prebiotics include:
- Legumes, beans, and peas
- Oats
- Bananas
- Berris
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Dandelion greens
- Garlic
- Onions
- Chicory root
- Grains
- Barley
- Apples
- Konjac root
- Cocoa
- Burdock root
- Flaxseeds
- Jicama
- Wheat and grains
- Seaweed
With so many options of prebiotic rich foods, you can find the sources that best work for you.
Here at Inspire Organics Holistic Apothecary & Wellness we've formulated a powerful natural Prebiotic Support capsule supplement made with chicory root, garlic and other prebiotic foods to support your overall health.
If prebiotic foods aren't a regular part of your diet, you will need to take a dietary prebiotic supplement.
Also, if you're taking prescription drugs, use antibiotics or on birth control you likely need to supplement with a good prebiotic supplement.
With a variety of benefits, prebiotics play an important role in keeping you well.
Your gut, and your whole body, will thank you for it.
Love and Health,
Shavonne