Healthy gut is getting more and more attention, and for good reason. Healthy gut and a properly functioning digestive system is essential to our overall health. But what are prebiotics or probiotics and what role do they play in good gut health? You can read more about them in this blog.

Healthy intestines and good digestion

Our gut health plays a very important role in our overall health. This is why the gut is often referred to as the second brain. The digestive tract contains as much as 80% of our entire immune system. So keeping our digestive system healthy is a high priority! And for that, it is necessary to balance the good and bad bacteria in the intestines. Ingesting the right pre- and probiotics is important for this. But what are they really?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are important for digestion. They help fight infections and support the body in absorbing nutrients. So we can put those to good use!

Throughout our digestive system we find about 1,000 different bacteria; each person carries as much as 1.5 pounds (!) of bacteria! Probiotics are found in our food. Getting enough probiotic foods daily can improve digestion, support the immune system, improve skin health and provide more energy. 

What are prebiotics?

In addition to probiotics, we also have prebiotics, which serve as food for our microbiome - all the bacteria in our intestines. They are broken down by bacteria in the colon, this is called fermentation. So prebiotics actually serve as food for our bacteria. Most prebiotics are found in fiber which makes them contribute to healthy bowel movements.

One of the biggest differences with probiotics? Prebiotics do not contain live bacteria and probiotics do! In addition, prebiotics support probiotics, so to speak, because they strengthen the good bacteria already present.

Am I deficient in pre-probiotics?

It is important to know that all processes in our body affect each other. Are you deficient in pre- and probiotics? Then it is important to look at the cause, where does it come from? You can have an intestinal test done or have an orthomolecular therapist look at it with you.

You can quickly become deficient in pre- and probiotics if you ingest too much sugar, grains, chemicals, medications and antibiotics.

Foods rich a probiotics and probiotics

By now you know that gut bacteria are super important for your health! That's why getting enough pre- and probiotic foods is also important. Eating lots of organic fruits and vegetables is important for gut health, but we've highlighted some specific foods for you.

Foods rich in probiotics

• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Kimichi
• Kombucha

Foods rich in prebiotic fiber:

Eating fruits and vegetables liberally is especially important. At least 400 grams of vegetables is the starting point. In addition, the following foods contain a lot of prebiotic fiber:

• Nuts
• Legumes
• Bananas
• Onions
• Asparagus
• Leek

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