Probiotics and Prebiotics

It may sound creepy, but the human body contains trillions of microorganisms that significantly outnumber human cells. These bacterial organisms are found both inside and outside the body with the lion’s share of them taking up residence in the gut. And there are both good and bad bacteria to contend with. When the bad bacteria outnumber the good, health problems can occur.

Probiotics are good bacteria that enhance health, and prebiotics are the food that keeps the probiotics healthy and strong. Probiotics help support health on many levels including enhanced immunity and even brain function and mental health because the gut microbiome is bidirectionally connected to the brain. Research shows that probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can enhance mental health and decrease risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

By enhancing the health of the gut microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics strengthen immunity, are anti-inflammatory, and support the health of many body functions such as cardiovascular, blood sugar, and more. Probiotics and prebiotics have also been shown to reduce risk of several cancers including colon, breast, cervical, and bladder.

There are many foods that contain probiotics including yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, miso, and tempeh. Some prebiotic foods are leeks, onions, garlic, oats, apples, and cabbage.

Probiotics and prebiotics are also available as dietary supplements. It can be difficult getting the appropriate therapeutic dose of probiotics and prebiotics through diet alone so that’s when taking a dietary supplement may make sense. Because choosing an effective probiotic/prebiotic supplement can be challenging, consider working with an integrative or naturopathic physician with expertise in this area.