“Pres” and “Pros” of GI Bacteria

Probiotics may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing “good” bacteria in your body already do.  Probiotics can be found in yogurt and in supplements.  Other probiotic food sources include sauerkraut, miso soup, kimchi, fermented soft cheeses (like Gouda) and even sourdough bread.

Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates (insoluble fiber) that act as food for probiotics.  Prebiotics naturally occur in common food like leeks, asparagus, artichokes, onions and garlic.  Other sources of prebiotics include bananas, honey, oatmeal, red wine and legumes.

When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a “synbiotic” – a term used when a product contains both probiotics and prebiotics. Fermented dairy products (think yogurt and kefir) are considered synbiotic because they contain live bacteria and the fuel they need to thrive.  Nutrient rich and perfectly convenient for busy lifestyles!

Your body clearly benefits from both of these microorganisms.  There’s also encouraging evidence that probiotics may help with digestion and digestive disorders and may aid in immune building.  Evidence also suggests that probiotics may aid in treating irritable bowel syndrome, yeast and urinary tract infections and eczema in children.