What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
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EmailWhat you need to know about prebiotics and probiotics.
Probiotics are living bacteria, which can be found in dairy products. Prebiotics are specialized fiber that is derived from plants which help nourish the good bacteria that already exist in the colon. Prebiotics act as a fertilizer while, probiotics introduces new bacteria to the colon. When improving the ratio of good to bad bacteria. This will aid in improving the quality and function of the gut.
Eating the skin of fruits and vegetables provides natural forms of prebiotics. One serving of a fruit or vegetable with the skin on provides 1-2 grams of fiber. By incorporating these two items into our diet daily it helps to build a stronger immune system, improves digestion, increases energy from the production of vitamin B12, reduces cold and flu viruses, aids in healing from a leaky gut and inflammatory bowel disease and weight loss.
Many people don’t consume the required amount of fiber (25 grams /day for women aged 18-50 years old and 30-38 grams for men) on a daily basis. Soaking fruits and vegetables with chlorine helps reduce the spread of soil pathogens during distribution, but it still reduces the amount of probiotics found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Another practice that is used is the addition of antibiotics as an additive. This practice can kill off some of the good bacteria in our guts during the digestive process.
Top Prebiotic Foods
- Onions
- Leeks
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Flax and Chia Seeds
- Tomatoes
- Bananas
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Yams
Top Probiotic Foods
- Miso Soup
- Tempeh
- Brine-cured olives
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Yogurt
- Raw Cheese
- Kefir
- Kampuchea
- Sauerkraut
