Trust Your Gut: Prebiotics Or Probiotics?

IBacteria may be the last thing we want to think about in this COVID-era, but let’s not forget, not all bacteria is bad! Prebiotics and probiotics help our gut microbiota flourish. Our gut microbiota is the city of microorganisms whose home is located in our large intestine, and having a healthy one is important because it contributes to our immunity, metabolism, and can even treat uncomfortable GI symptoms! What makes these two creatures different is how they help our gut microbiota stay healthy. Prebiotics are the food source for our gut microbiota to eat. Probiotics are live cultures that when ingested, can live and integrate into that helpful gut microbiota. Check out this post from the Cleveland Clinic for a longer description!

Good sources of prebiotics: bananas, potatoes, onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, and other fiber-rich products such as whole grains

Good sources of probiotics: fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, kefir, and aged cheeses, and fermented non-dairy products such as miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, and kimchi