fbpx

Prebiotics: Keeping Your Intestinal Flora Healthy

Prebiotics: Keeping Your Intestinal Flora HealthyThe human body is made up of trillions of cells, but did you know that we also serve as host to hundreds of trillions of beneficial microorganisms? They reside mainly in our intestines and on our skin. One of their essential functions is to ensure the proper development of our immune system. In addition, they play a large role in protecting us from disease-causing microorganisms. But, like all living creatures, these beneficial bacteria eventually die off. With the prevalence of modern antibiotic therapy, food processing, and pollution, our intestinal flora can be greatly reduced to the point that it seriously affects our health. To renew populations of beneficial bacteria, we can consume these bacteria alive in fermented foods like yogurt or kefir, or we can ingest them in encapsulated supplement form. Collectively, these populations of helpful bacteria are referred to as probiotics. Today, it is not uncommon for health practitioners to prescribe probiotics to treat certain illnesses or to promote general well-being. Large numbers of intestinal flora keep us healthy, but what can we do to keep them healthy?

Prebiotics

Our internal ecosystems depend on large numbers of “good” bacteria to outnumber potentially harmful ones that may invade our bodies and make us sick. But to ensure the health of those beneficial populations, it is important to understand the basics of prebiotics – the food that probiotics eat.

Prebiotics are typically carbohydrates that are nutritionally classed as soluble fiber. This soluble fiber is not digestible in the human system but is fully digestible to bacteria. To put it another way, prebiotics are food for our intestinal flora.

Sources of Prebiotics

Of course, researchers have isolated the prebiotics from food and they are readily available as supplements, but there are many food sources of prebiotics. Bananas, onions, leeks, garlic, artichokes, and asparagus are among the best food to eat to obtain adequate supplies of quality prebiotics. What’s more, prebiotics are heat resistant. That means that you don’t have to eat your garlic raw to gain the benefits.

In order to maintain optimum health, people need large populations of beneficial flora or probiotics. Just like all living organisms, the health of these essential microorganisms depends on the quality of food they are given. Scientists are now discovering the critical role that prebiotics play in maintaining a healthy internal ecosystem.

 

Related Articles By Cathe:

Probiotics and Prebiotics: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Can Endurance Exercise Change Your Gut Microbiome?

Does All Yogurt Contain Probiotics and Active Cultures?

The Problem with Probiotic Supplements: Are They What They Seem to Be?

Can Probiotics Help with Exercise Recovery?

Are Probiotic Supplements Overhyped?

4 Science-Backed Reasons to Add More Fermented Vegetables to Your Diet

Hi, I'm Cathe

I want to help you get in the best shape of your life and stay healthy with my workout videos, DVDs and Free Weekly Newsletter. Here are several ways you can watch and work out to my exercise videos and purchase my fitness products:

Get Your Free Weekly Cathe Friedrich Newsletter

Get free weekly tips on Fitness, Health, Weight Loss and Nutrition delivered directly to your email inbox. Plus get Special Cathe Product Offers and learn about What’s New at Cathe Dot Com.

Enter your email address below to start receiving my free weekly updates. Don’t worry…I guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will not be shared and you can easily unsubscribe whenever you like. Our Privacy Policy