Why You Need Prebiotics for a Healthy Gut
Adding prebiotic fiber to your diet is essential for a healthy gut. That’s because this fiber feeds the good bacteria inside your body and helps balance out the bad bacteria. Prebiotics also help support your digestion and benefit your body’s immunity, weight, mood and even its ability to absorb minerals, like calcium and iron.
So if you’re experiencing unexplained gas, constipation, diarrhea or other consistent issues, it may be beneficial for you to begin incorporating more prebiotics into your meals. Prebiotics are often able to help certain gut conditions and diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well.
Where Can I Get Prebiotics?
Sometimes people confuse prebiotics with probiotics. While probiotics can also help improve your gut health, they’re living bacteria found in some yogurts, cheeses and other foods. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-living and can be found in a variety of sources, such as:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Artichokes
- Cabbage
- Whole wheat foods
- Chicory root
- Bananas
- And more
You can also take prebiotics as supplements in pill form if necessary. It’s important to make sure that any supplements are appropriate for your specific needs and medical history, so make sure to talk to your primary care physician first before taking them.
The Problem with Prebiotics
If you’re not eating enough vegetables or whole wheat, you may be lacking these vital prebiotics. Without them, bad bacteria can run rampant inside your gut. Unfortunately, most Americans only consume about 15 grams of dietary fiber each day. However, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends women eat 25 grams a day and men eat 38 grams a day.
Consider your own diet. If you have digestive problems, and your diet is low in prebiotics, it could mean it’s time to start eating more dietary fiber.
Keep Your Gut Healthy
Nourishing your body with prebiotics is one of the best things you can do for your gut. Once the prebiotics reach your intestines, they help boost the healthy organisms living there. Knowing the importance of prebiotics can help you make more informed decisions about your diet and keep your body healthy and strong.
If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of prebiotics, schedule an appointment at the Carthage Family Health Center by calling 315-493-4187, or reach out to the Philadelphia Medical Center at 315-642-0026. Your primary care doctor can guide you toward better gut health with dietary suggestions, supplements and more information.