The power of prebiotics
By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT
Happy gut! Happy life! The bounty of bacteria found in the gut referred to as microbiota is your first-class ticket to dreamy digestion. They help break down and digest food, supporting optimal health. The foods you feed these hard-working bugs is helpful or hurtful.
Probiotics and prebiotics are different. Probiotics are live microorganisms that take up residence in the digestive tract. They can be purchased in supplement form or found in a wide range of fermented foods from kombucha to Korean superfood kimchi, yogurt to tempeh and soy alternative tamari. Probiotics take up residence, but prebiotics guarantee survival, serving as the food source to probiotics. After arrival in the large intestine, they are fermented by bacteria, releasing short-chain fatty acids and go to work.
The bevy of benefit is endless. Prebiotics ultimately lead to a fabulous flora. They positively impact mind and body. Prebiotics support immunity, stabilize moods, help bones absorb calcium, and speed up transit time to name a few.
Prebiotics add pizazz to menu planning. Foods contain fermentable soluble fiber. Eating resistant starches is one option. Oats, barley, rice, beans, green bananas, and cold boiled potatoes top the list.
Inulin is another answer. This prebiotic fiber is found in an array of awesome veggies. Asparagus, leeks, onions, garlic, and Jerusalem artichokes are an awesome alternative to the typical tossed for barbecues.
Summer garden goodness provides the power of pectin in apples, apricots, raspberries, peaches, and green beans.
Health leads to longevity. Eating a wide variety of fresh and fabulous garden-fresh goodness feeds flora fabulously. Happy holistic living helps microbial groups found in the stomach, small and large intestine thrive. They are crucial for human health and living your best life.
Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com
Photo credit: © CreativeFire via Canva.com
