You've likely heard the words probiotics and prebiotics being bandied about, but do you really know what they are? Read on and learn about the health benefits of these microorganisms.
The basic definition of pro- and prebiotics is compounds already in foods or added to foods that yield health benefits for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Probiotics are live microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria in foods or supplements, which are used to ferment foods. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients in food that help to feed healthy bacteria in the GI tract.
Probiotics are living organisms, often referred to as "good bacteria," that have been shown to help with diarrhea, boost the immune response, ease symptoms of lactose intolerance, and decrease the prevalence of allergies. Eating foods that contain probiotics, especially the Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli strains, helps to keep the intestines' good and bad bacteria in balance.
Probiotics are found naturally in some foods, or they can be added during processing. Foods that contain these organisms are yogurts, miso, and tempeh, as well as other cultured dairy products such as buttermilk. Products with probiotics should always be kept refrigerated.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, help support the growth of good bacteria in the intestine and increase the absorption of calcium. And they can actually improve the action of probiotics by supplying them with nutrients. Foods that naturally contain prebiotics are whole grains, onions, bananas, garlic, honey, leeks, and artichokes. Foods may also be fortified with prebiotics.
Pro- and prebiotics can help enhance the function of your GI tract and provide other specific benefits to your body. Look at your diet and see if it includes foods that contain these beneficial nutrients.