Feed Them and Let Them Flourish

You have probably heard about the benefits of probiotics, but have you heard of about prebiotics?

These are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed those good bacteria in your gut. They also have been linked to good digestive health with improved immune system boost, added anti-inflammatory effects, and much more. It is important to eat foods with good bacteria (probiotic-rich foods), like miso, coconut water kefir, dairy-free yogurts, raw cacao, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and others choices. However it is also a great idea to eat foods that contain certain fibers that feed those good bacteria (prebiotics). This will help build a strong healthy microbiome (culture of Microbs) , which is a defensive process against toxins found in animal products, the environment, less pure tap-water, viruses and more.

Prebiotics assist in probiotic growth and multiplying, purposefully ingesting them may be a great dietary strategy. Recent research on Pre-Biotics suggest that they can reduce risk of some cancers, increase calcium absorption and bone density as well. They are also increased satiety after meals... so snacking or hunger is muted substantially (which in turn reduces insulin release)

Here are some great Pre-Biotic foods to continue eating or add to your diet because like most other carbs, contain Inulin. Inulin is a mixture of fructose polymers that survives your stomach acid and passes straight into the small intestine. As it passes into the small intestine, it mixes with water, ferments, where it becomes a food source for life-supporting probiotic bacteria of the large intestine. These bacteria are bifidobacterium and lactobacilli (associated with higher nutrient absorption) that also work keep out the strains of unwanted fungus like Candida as well as bacteria like E. coli.

Here are some foods that contain Inulin:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Jerusalem Artichoke (not regular artichokes)
• Bananas (not quite ripe)
• Dandelion greens
• Asparagus
• Leeks
• Chicory Root
• Oats
• Barley
• Flax Seed

Benefits

• Improved digestion

• Lower stress response

• Greater hormonal balance

• Lower risk for cardiovascular disease

• Healthier cholesterol levels

• Higher immune function

• Lower risk for obesity and weight gain

• Lower inflammation and autoimmune reactions
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  Good Health – Evan Pantazi #Kyusho

  Image Credit: probiotaamericas, parishealingarts