Adding More Prebiotics and Probiotics to Your Diet

Did you know that the food you eat can have an impact on your mental health? Scientists have found an association between the brain and your digestive tract; they call it the gut-brain axis. The healthy bacteria in your gut may have a therapeutic effect on feelings of depression.

You have probably seen probiotic and prebiotic on food labels and may not be exactly sure what the difference is. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that you can ingest, while prebiotics are compounds that assist in the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Both of these keep the gut healthy and working properly and can be found in numerous foods.

Not only are prebiotics and probiotics good for your mental health, they have a myriad of health benefits. They work synergistically to make sure that your gut is functioning well, and ultimately your whole body.

6 Foods that Contain Probiotics

You are probably eating more foods with probiotics than you are aware of! Fermented foods contain these live microorganisms that keep you healthy. Here are 6 common foods that have probiotics:

1. Yogurt: This common breakfast food is made with milk that has been fermented by healthy bacteria.

2. Sauerkraut: This traditional food topping is shredded cabbage with lactic acid bacteria.

3. Tempeh: A favorite of vegetarians, this fermented soy product is high in protein.

4. Miso: This Japanese seasoning is also made with ferment soybeans, with added salt and fungus.

5. Kombucha: A popular drink for many that is made of fermented bacteria and yeast. You can buy it or make it at home!

6. Pickles: The fermentation process for pickles usually make them sour in taste, and full of probiotics!

7 Foods Filled with Prebiotics

Many foods, like produce, are naturally considered a prebiotic. They provide compounds the healthy bacteria in your gut need to grow and multiply. Prebiotics can be found in:

1. Bananas
2. Whole grains
3. Beans
4. Garlic
5. Onions
6. Leeks
7. Asparagus

3 Reasons to Add More Prebiotics and Probiotics to Your Diet

Your gut health can have a major impact on your overall health, that is why you want to make sure you keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy. Here are 3 reasons why you should add more prebiotics and probiotics to your diet:

1. Mental Health: Recent evidence suggests that the number and type of bacteria in your gut may have an impact on feelings of anxiety and depression. Probiotics taken alone or in conjunction with prebiotics may alleviate symptoms of depression.

2. Bowel Issues: Research suggests that both pre- and probiotics may be effective in treating diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. It is suggested they do this by restoring and promoting gut health.

3. General Health: Over the years, many studies have explored the effects of probiotics on general health and found that they may reduce the need for antibiotics, reduce school absences from colds, and more!

Your turn to action: What foods high in prebiotics and probiotics will you eat? Let me know in the comments below.

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