The Surprising Benefits of Combining Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics have been popular buzzwords in the world of health and wellness for years, and with good reason. These friendly bacteria and their food are essential to maintaining a healthy gut, supporting our overall immune system, and keeping our bodies functioning as they should. What’s more, research has shown that the benefits of combining probiotics and prebiotics are even greater than the benefits of each individually.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that live in our gut and are considered to be “good bacteria” that help keep our digestive system functioning properly. They can be found naturally in foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or can be taken as a supplement. Probiotics work by helping to keep our gut lining healthy, supporting the production of healthy enzymes and vitamins, and fighting off harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation and damage to our gut and overall health.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that humans can’t digest, but that probiotics thrive on. They act as a food source for the good bacteria in our gut, helping to promote their growth and reproduction. Prebiotics can be found in foods like onions, garlic, and bananas, or can also be taken as a supplement. Adding prebiotics to your diet helps to promote the growth and health of probiotics, leading to a healthier gut and a stronger overall immune system.
The benefits of combining probiotics and prebiotics
While probiotics and prebiotics have been shown individually to have a number of health benefits, research shows that combining the two may be even more effective. Some of the surprising benefits of combining probiotics and prebiotics include:
Improved digestion
Both probiotics and prebiotics help to improve digestion, but when combined, they work synergistically to improve the health and function of our gut. Probiotics help to break down and digest food, while prebiotics help to promote the growth of good bacteria that support healthy digestion.
Reduced inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body has been linked to a variety of health problems, from autoimmune diseases to cancer. Research has shown that the combination of probiotics and prebiotics can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to improved overall health and reduced risk of chronic disease.
Boosted immunity
Probiotics and prebiotics both play important roles in supporting a healthy immune system, and when combined, they have been shown to be even more effective at bolstering our natural defenses. By helping to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, the combination of probiotics and prebiotics can help to keep us healthy and reduce the risk of infection.
How to add more probiotics and prebiotics to your diet
If you’re interested in reaping the many benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, there are a few easy ways to add more of these beneficial bacteria and fiber to your diet:
- Eat fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
- Take a daily probiotic supplement
- Add prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, and bananas to your meals
- Take a prebiotic supplement
By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can support the health of your gut and immune system with the help of probiotics and prebiotics.
