It is an established fact that the GUT holds the reins to a healthy body! So it is indisputable that what we feed the Gut determines our Health status. The next big thing in futuristic nutrition therapy is to work for a healthier Gut as the foundation for a disease-free state! Hence Prebiotics and Probiotics become important prerequisites to achieve the same.
Prebiotics and Probiotics—Know the difference!
Although Prebiotics and Probiotics are important characters of the same screenplay in the Gut, they are yet slightly different.
Probiotics – contain live strains of beneficial bacteria that directly add to the population of healthy microbes in your gut. Foods rich in probiotics are yogurt, kefir, kombucha tea, kimchi, sauerkraut, soy milk, tempeh to name a few.
Prebiotics – are substances that induce the growth of healthy bacteria and act as food for the gut microflora. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates present in high fibre foods like onion, garlic, leeks, dandelion greens, wheat bran, oats, barley, apples, banana, asparagus, cocoa, seaweeds, flaxseeds to name a few.
It is a proven fact that the presence of a beneficial bacterial population in the Gut is the cornerstone of important functions like synthesis and absorption of important nutrients, the release of happy hormones like serotonin, and the removal of toxins.
Factors that adversely affect Gut microflora:
- A diet high in processed, refined foods, low in fruits and veggies.
- Antibiotic drugs.
- Smoking.
- Lack of sleep and physical activity.
- Stress.
The role of Prebiotics, Probiotics and a diverse diet rich in veggies and fruits coupled with a healthy lifestyle is the single most solution to safeguard the treasure of health and vitality namely “THE GUT”.
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