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Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms considered to be the “good bacteria”. These microorganisms are normally present in the intestines and have many essential functions such as to aid digestion and nutrient absorption, fight disease-causing bacteria, and contribute to immune function. An estimated one hundred trillion microorganisms including more than five hundred different species inhabit every healthy bowel, and do not generally make us sick. In fact, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can contribute to several health conditions, particularly gastrointestinal issues as well as infections and immune dysfunction.

Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics because they contain live bacteria within them. Some examples of probiotic foods are listed below.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are fibers that feed and maintain the good intestinal bacteria. Prebiotic fiber moves through the GI tract untouched, until it reaches the colon where it is fermented. The fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which feed and increase the colonies of the beneficial bacteria already present in the gut.

Prebiotics are found in a number of plant foods. Below, is a list of foods that are great sources of prebiotics.