We have all heard about probiotics…that good bacteria that’s found in yogurt, right? So, then what are prebiotics, how are they related to probiotics, and do we need to have both?
This article on probiotics and prebiotics explains the relationship in a simple way. Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria that are found in certain foods or supplements, and prebiotics are food for this bacteria that come from types of carbs, mostly fibre, that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat these prebiotics.
When you hear the term ‘gut flora’ or ‘gut microbiota’, this collectively refers to the gut bacteria. It is believed that having the right balance of prebiotics and probiotics in your gut can help improve your overall health.
Studies show, that the good bacteria in your digest tract help to protect you from harmful bacteria and fungi, send signals to your immune system and help to regulate inflammation.
We have the opportunity to help promote the growth of good bacteria in our gut simply by ingesting the right kinds of foods. Probiotics are found in foods like kimchi, kombucha, kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics can be found in insects, thanks to the edible exoskeleton that is high in oligosaccharide fibre, as well as other foods like raw asparagus, raw onions, raw Jerusalem artichokes, legumes and peas.
Starting your day off with a recipe like this Cricket Powder Breakfast Bowl can help your gut have a healthy balance of probiotics and prebiotics.especially if you add some yogurt or kefir into the blender as well.
For more information on prebiotic fibre, check out this great video.