Prebiotics, what are they?

Prebiotics are present in fiber-rich foods, which the body cannot digest. Often found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, prebiotics serve as food for your beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics). In order to build and maintain a healthy colony of bacteria in your microbiome, you need both prebiotics and probiotics.

Although prebiotics are not as well researched as probiotics, many believe that prebiotics may support a healthy gut, offering better digestive health, fewer antibiotic-related health problems, and other benefits associated with a healthy microbiome. "Some research suggests that they may benefit the body by improving calcium absorption, changing how quickly the body can process carbohydrates, supporting probiotic growth of gut bacteria, and potentially enhancing digestion and metabolism."

A diet consisting of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains makes it possible for people to consume enough prebiotics and probiotics through foods. Asparagus, garlic, onions, green bananas, dandelion greens, oats, barley, and chicory root, are just a few examples.

So the next time you find yourself consuming a prebiotic-rich food, know that you are not just feeding yourself, but also the trillions of gut buddies living in your microbiome! Be sure to seek out organic or regenerative farmed fruits, veggies, and grains, and use Gutbiome6  Support to help set the stage for all that microbial activity!