Let’s talk about gut health!
Your gut health is so important to how your whole body feels. Any one that has suffered from bloating, diarrhea or constipation would tell you that when your belly hurts, your whole body doesn’t feel good. Supporting your gut health is one of the best ways to optimize your health.
There are two important things to consider…
1. Probiotics
These are actually the live bacteria in your gut that help break down and utilize the nutrients you are consuming in your diet. There are many different strains of probiotics, two of the most common are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Different strains exhibit different health benefits to your body. Probiotics can help replenish gut bacteria if you suffer from diarrhea, if you’ve taken antibiotics recently that changed your gut flora, or if you have diarrhea-prone IBS.
Where can you find probiotics? They are naturally occurring in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha. You can also find many supplements with different probiotic strains. It’s recommended to speak with a health professional to decide which probiotic supplement would best suit you, if you choose to take one.
2. Prebiotics
These are the food that actually feed the good gut bacteria. Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that come from our food and support the growth and function of the bacteria that are already present in your gut. Prebiotics can help with bowel regularity and ease constipation.
Where you can find prebiotics? They are naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables, especially garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, oats, apples and flax seeds. You can also supplement with 1-2 tsp inulin powder or chicory root.
Evaluate your diet and see if probiotics or prebiotics are something you could incorporate to improve your gut health and feel fantastic.
If you have any questions or need further support in determining what you need for optimal gut health, don’t hesitate to reach out to our nutrition team.
