What are Pre and Probiotics good for?

Most of us already know that a diet that includes a daily intake of pre and probiotic foods is critical for your gut flora (also known as gut microbiota), the bacteria that live in your gut, but what exactly are pre and probiotics and what is their function? 

Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria that can be found in specific types of foods, mostly pickled, like kimchi, or fermented like yogurts, kefir, and kombucha. Prebiotics are carbs (mostly fiber) from foods, like chickpeas, lentils, but also bananas and apples, that the body cannot digest, but that are critical to feed the good bacteria that reside in the gut lining 

A healthy gut flora is important for immunity, mood and managing weight.

What damages the gut bacteria? A diet high in both sugar and fat content allows harmful bacteria to thrive and grow within the stomach lining much faster and makes our body more prone to insulin resistance; pesticides found in fruits and veggies and antibiotics also alter the microbiota. 

A diet which includes both pre and probiotics is critical to keep a healthy intestinal flora: it strengthens the immune system, balances mood and fights depression, manages weight and gut inflammation, which is critical in preventing serious long term diseases. 

What kinds of foods will help with that? The list is long, but the most common prebiotics, the ones you can indulge in everyday, are fiber rich foods like bananas, berries, oats, legumes, but also garlic, leeks and onions. As for probiotics I always keep a jar of kimchi I snack on regularly, and sip on a bit of kombucha daily. Sauerkrauts, pickled vegetables, kimchi, kefir and other fermented, but not pasteurized, foods and drinks are also a very good source of probiotics.

Incorporating any of those foods daily will help you digest better, but also feel more energized and in a better mood. And if you are thinking about supplements make sure they specify which strain of bacteria they are made with and in what concentration, and if they contain fiber from carbs (fruits and vegetables) to feed the healthy bacteria in your gut lining, this way you’ll make sure they make it past the stomach acids. Lastly, how you store them it’s also very important: follow the storage instructions carefully after you buy them. Usually you want to keep them in a dark, cool place.

As we have seen, pre and probiotics are incredibly beneficial, but they are not for everyone. If you have any syndrome which makes your intestine extra delicate, you should refrain from using them. As always it is important to consult your doctor before taking even something as simple as these.

Semaine Pre and Probiotics have only a few carefully selected ingredients that support the microbiome, protect gut lining and reduce bloating.

Try it and let us know what you think!