What are probiotics?
Probiotics aka “healthy bacteria” are live microorganisms that provide numerous health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts.
The digestive system contains 2-3 pounds of live bacteria – the majority of this will be beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in a healthy individual.
Probiotics can be obtained through fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, yogurt, kefir and kombucha. One thing to be aware of is that most (if not all) probiotic foods found at the supermarket are pasteurized – this means that they have been heated to the point of killing much of this beneficial bacteria. Look for probiotic foods at the health food store or online that are labelled unpasteurized which will still contain the good bacteria. Even better yet is fermenting your own probiotic foods.
There are also many probiotic supplements available on the market in either powder or capsule form. As with any supplement always make sure and buy from a reliable company.
Our digestive system contains both “friendly” and “bad” bacteria – for optimum health we must maintain a balance between the two. Things that can upset this balance in favour of the bad bacteria include antibiotics, diseases, stress, lack of sleep, poor food choices (low fiber diets) and environmental toxins. Since none of us are immune to all of these factors, having probiotics on a daily basis is ideal.
- Health benefits of probiotics include:
- Improves digestion
- Enhances the body’s ability to absorb calcium
- Decreases chronic inflammation in the body (the root cause of cancer, heart disease and diabetes)
- Helps relieve diarrhea and constipation
- Helps produce vitamin K
- Helps eliminate bad breath
- Reduces lactose intolerance
- Treats irritable bowel syndrome
- Builds up the immune system
- Helps the body better assimilate the nutrients in food
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and function of probiotics in the intestines – they are food for probiotics. Sources of prebiotics include fruits, vegetables and whole grains – bananas are the richest food source.
For optimal health try and incorporate an array of probiotics and prebiotics into your daily routine.
Comment about your favourite probiotic foods in the section below.
To your health!
Jesse
Priscilla says
My husband and I just love fermented raw sauercraut made with cabbage and other vegetables. We’ve noticed how it helps a lot in the digestion. We’ve made it ourselves from scratch but we were trying to find some organic raw sauercraut in the Windsor, ON. area. We just moved in the city recently, any idea where we could find it?
Jesse Chappus says
Welcome to Windsor Priscilla!
Other than making your own sauerkraut you can try Enchie Organic and Japanese Food Market in the Provincial Plaza.
You can also try Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s in Michigan.
It’s easy to come by in health food stores in Toronto.
Good luck!