Probiotics have a growing reputation as generally safe nutritional supplements that can help with a number of disorders, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Prebiotics have more recently received accolades as a way of supporting the probiotic benefits of certain foods and supplements. Prebiotics work with probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that use prebiotic nutrients to survive. Consult with your doctor if you are considering taking probiotic supplements.
Probiotics
Ever since Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikov published his observations about yogurt's effect on longevity in 1907, probiotics have been on the radar of health savvy people seeking to benefit from the effects of friendly bacteria. Yogurt is made by using bacterial cultures to ferment milk. The bacteria remain live in the yogurt, unless it is pasteurized, and continue to live in the human gastrointestinal system when consumed. Probiotic microbes such as Lactobacillus help support gastrointestinal function by colonizing areas in your intestines that could otherwise be populated by harmful pathogens.
Prebiotics
Everyone's gotta eat, even bacteria. Prebiotics are a form of fiber that is not normally digested by humans. Instead they pass undigested into your intestines, where your friendly bacteria chow down on them. This helps the probiotic colonies in your gastrointestinal system to grow and thrive, thus ensuring that they deliver maximum benefits to you, their host.
Sources of Probiotics
Probiotics are most commonly associated with fermented milk products such as yogurt, kefir and cultured buttermilk. More and more food manufacturers are jumping on the probiotic bandwagon by fortifying other types of food with probiotics. Today probiotic cereals and granola bars share shelf space with probiotic fermented vegetable products like sauerkraut and kim chee. To ensure a product has probiotic qualities, read the label. It should say "live and active cultures." Probiotics are also available in supplement form and sold in natural foods stores and drugstores.
Sources of Prebiotics
Prebiotics are natural components of many types of food. High fiber foods are generally good sources of prebiotics. By eating plenty of whole grains and fresh produce, you'll be feeding your gastrointestinal colonies with natural prebiotics. MayoClinic.com lists artichokes, bananas, berries, garlic, greens, leeks and onions as some of the prebiotics available in the produce aisle of your local grocery. Wheat, oatmeal, chicory, honey and flax are also suggested as good sources of prebiotics. Manufacturers fortify some processed foods with added prebiotics. Read the labels to find out whether your grocery selections contain added prebiotics.
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