PROBIOTICS-PREBIOTICS AND FERMENTED PRODUCTS
HELLO PROBIOTICS-PREBIOTICS AND FERMENTED PRODUCTS-taken from Clean Food-Clear thinking...Karina Francois ND
What they are? and Whats the fuss all about.. Its probiotics and prebiotics that are beneficial to digestive health because of the positive effect they have on the bacteria that lives in our digestive systems. Probiotics are the live micro-organisms and prebiotics are the non-digestible foods, mainly carbohydrates, which stimulate the growth of probiotics. So they are needed simultaneously. Our digestive tract is home to numerous bacteria, also known as gut flora. A healthy digestive system has a good balance of both good and bad gut flora. If the balance of these two is upset harmful bacteria can flourish leading to symptoms of diarrhoea, vaginal yeast infections and many other health problems. The reason why the probiotic balance of your digestive system can be disturbed include: • Taking antibiotics. • Stress • Eating a poor diet high in refined sugars. • Insufficient dietary fibre. • Exposure to environmental toxins. • Anxiety • Food sensitivities Taking and incorporating both into your diet can help to : • Improve digestion. • Prevent constipation and diarrhoea. • Boost immunity.- given that the first point of contact between the environment and our body is our digestive tract then maintaining the right gut flora can assist to improve immunity. • Assists with Asthma and Eczema symptoms • Reduces the risk of certain cancers. • Helps to Stablise blood sugar levels and blood fat levels. Probiotics are available in the form of foods and dietary supplements such as tablets , capsules and powders. Other sources include probiotic yoghurts, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices as well as pickled products Honestly speaking, If you are eating a healthy mixed diet with lots of vegetables, your digestive system is likely to function well without the need to take specific probiotic supplements. Incorporating some home made pickled products or sour kraut into your diet is , always , I feel a better way.
