There are hundreds of different bacteria living in the gut. They help with our immune function, protect us against developing food sensitivities, and maintain the health of the gut lining. Beneficial bacteria are also responsible for the production of some nutrients such as folate and Vitamin K.
Prebiotics essentially help to feed the good bacteria in our gut and keep the lining healthy. Antibiotics, reflux medications, low fibre/high sugar diet, alcohol, stress, and gut infections can all negatively impact our bacterial balance. When the balance is out, then often people experience an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which can make you feel quite unwell - headaches, bloating, constipation, chronic infections, sugar cravings, foggy thinking, skin rashes, behavioural issues in children...to name a few. Complete the Candida questionnaire to discover if Candida overgrowth may be an issue for you.
Yoghurt (unsweetened), miso, sauerkraut, fermented veggies, tempeh, are great PROBIOTIC foods.
Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, leek, asparagus and chicory root are sources of PREBIOTICS, mainly due to the fibre, inulin, that they contain.
In addition, a good quality multi-strain supplement is sometimes indicated, depending on your individual health issues.
So celebrate the bacteria within...