08 Mar Gut Health with Prebiotic & Probiotic

Posted at 20:56h in Health by

It’s National Nutrition month,  and it looks like we all might be on the other side of this health crisis we have been living with the last couple of years.   And although it has been difficult for many,  it has also resulted in a positive shift in discussing health and healthy behaviors. This brings us to the topic of the tiny little powerhouse of healthy bacteria that do so much for our health, our microbiome.

Our microbiome is the community of microorganisms that lives on us and inside of us. Specifically, let’s talk about a key part of our microbiome, which is our gut microflora or gut bacteria. There is an increasing body of research showing associations between our gut bacteria and health.

The benefits of a healthy gut microflora are many, including these:

  • Promoting various functions that relate to maintaining healthy weight.
  • Certain bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are found in many probiotic products and yogurt, can help seal gaps between intestinal cells. Research has shown that these gaps between intestinal cells may increase the likelihood of a variety of intestinal disorders.
  • May benefit heart health and reduce cardiometabolic disease
  • May help balance your blood sugar.
  • A strong immune system: The gut microflora can control how your body responds to infection.

Here are a few ways to support your gut microflora:

  • Keep your stress down.
  • Minimize antibiotic use (of course, use antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor).
  • Eat a well-rounded, nutritious diet.
    • A diet that limits red meat, is high in fiber coming from a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and ample ounces of water per day.
  • My very favorite—take prebiotics and probiotics.

So what are prebiotics and probiotics, and how do they benefit us?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, such as various strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are normal residents of the human digestive tract that we can take in supplement form. They appear to promote well-being through a number of mechanisms, including their beneficial health effects in the intestinal tract and surrounding immune system.

Prebiotics are nondigestible, fermentable carbohydrates. Another term for them you might have heard is soluble fiber. Prebiotics are not digested or absorbed in the stomach or small intestine but instead reach the colon intact, where they are fermented and serve as a food source for your gut microflora.

Sources of probiotics come from supplements and cultured/fermented foods, and prebiotics come from many of your high-fiber foods. But unless you are eating enough of these, you may not be able to get enough just through diet. Though you may  choose a very balanced and healthy diet, the reason you would still need probiotics and prebiotics in supplement form is that they provide a more consistent intake of both than what you probably receive from diet alone. Also, because many lifestyle factors—such as stress, travel, sleep, hydrating, diet, exercise, etc.—can so negatively impact our digestive health,  It is so important that we do the very most we can to support the digestive system.   So check out the Shaklee Prebiotics and Probiotic choices 1.Optiflora Prebiotic and Probiotic Pearl system 2. Probiotic  Pearl Capsules  3.Optiflora DI  All clinically proven for digestive health.

Remember, we can make it a habit to support our health and feel great. Let’s focus on the actionable steps we can control and choose our health each day by taking action.

 

 

The post Prebiotic vs. Probiotic with Sarah Scherer  Sarah Elijah Scherer, RD, LN, MBA, OLY appeared first on Shaklee Corporation.