Hello, Health Enthusiasts!
Today, I’m super excited to delve into the fascinating world of pre and probiotic supplements. Ever since my Naturopath introduced me to these health-enhancing little wonders, I’ve been enjoying a love affair with my guts!
Starting with basics: What are Pre and Probiotics?
Before we dive deep, let’s start with the basics. Both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for that belly of ours to function at its optimal level. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for our health, particularly for our digestive system (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).
Prebiotics on the other hand are specialized plant fibers that act as food for those good bacteria. This stimulates growth among the pre-existing good bacteria (Gibson et al., 2017). That’s right, my friends, not all bacteria are bad guys. Some are actually here to help us!
My Journey with Probiotic Supplements
Let me share my experience. Remember the last time you had a stomach upset and your Grandma suggested yogurt? That was my introduction to natural probiotics. However, I soon realized that to maintain my gut health, I needed a little more help. That’s when I discovered probiotic supplements.
Do We All Need Pre and Probiotics?
Some of you might be wondering, “Yeah, it’s great for you, but do I need pre and probiotics?” The short answer is: probably, yes. In today’s fast-paced life, stress, lack of sleep, and processed food affect our gut health. And that’s where these superheroes come in (Harvard Health, 2020).
Key Takeaways
- Probiotic supplements are rich in ‘good’ bacteria that support our gut health.
- Prebiotics provide nutrition for these beneficial bacteria.
- Regular intake of pre and probiotics can help us maintain a balanced gut flora.
So, folks, it’s time to show some love to your gut and embrace the power of pre and probiotic supplements. Believe me, your belly will thank you!
But remember, everyone is different. It’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare practitioner to know the right ‘biotic’ for you. Stay healthy, stay happy!
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Probiotics and prebiotics: What you should know. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/pre-and-pro-biotics/art-2039007.
- Gibson, G. R., Hutkins, R., Sanders, M. E., Prescott, S. L., Reimer, R. A., Salminen, S. J., Scott, K., Stanton, C., Swanson, K. S., Cani, P. D., Verbeke, K., & Reid, G. (2017). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(8), 491–502. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75.
- Harvard Health. (2020). Should you take probiotics? Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-take-probiotics.