Science sure is getting farther and farther into interesting research these days, including the connection between your gut and your brain health. It turns out that they’re more connected than we thought before. Our gut health may have a lot to do with how our minds function and moods can switch. So what are the differences between prebiotics and probiotics? How can they keep your gut flora healthy and functioning — what does this have to do with how you are feeling daily? Keep reading to learn more about the connection between both and how disrupting this process can damage your health.
Here’s How Prebiotics Can Improve Brain Function and Balance Gut Feeling
The Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics
While it’s important to take both, the difference between prebiotics and probiotics is much different than you think. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live micro-organisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Prebiotics (typically high-fiber foods) act as food for human microflora. Prebiotics are used to improve the balance of these microorganisms.”.
We also really like the way that SCL Health explains it. They say, “So basically, probiotic foods and supplements add soldiers to your army, and prebiotics gives the soldiers the support they need.” You essentially need both to create a healthy gut environment. Gut health can determine whether or not you have uncomfortable bloating and get all of the protein and power you need from the foods you eat, but also may be linked to your mood and mental health.
According to the APA, “gut bacteria also produce hundreds of neurochemicals that the brain uses to regulate basic physiological and mental processes such as learning, memory, and mood. For example, gut bacteria manufacture about 95 percent of the body’s serotonin supply, which influences mood and GI activity”. The neurochemicals responsible for so many important functions of daily life are created in your belly below. If you don’t have the good ones and only the bad ones, it may be cause for feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, or even upset. The connection between the body is greater than you think – it is a machine that needs constant support and helps to stay in good working order.
Here are some foods that contain probiotics:
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
Here are some foods that contain prebiotics:
- Whole grains
- Bananas
- Greens
- Onions
- Garlic
- Soybeans
- Artichokes
Prebiotics keep your gut healthy
According to Healthline, gut bacteria, “collectively referred to as the gut flora, or gut microbiota, perform many important bodily functions. Eating balanced amounts of probiotics and prebiotics can help ensure that you have the right balance of these bacteria to keep your gut microbiota healthy”. They also “help protect you from harmful bacteria and fungi.” But what happens when you eat unhealthy food and cause your gut microbiome to go out of wack? You can allow the bacteria that live there to become bad gut bacteria.
For example, a high sugar and fat intake allow your gut bacteria to start becoming insulin resistant. If you do this regularly, more and more of them grow, throwing your gut flora out of wack. So what happens when we can’t get the probiotics we need from our food daily and when we don’t get enough fiber in our diet? Our system starts to get off balance. So what kind of supplement can we take that ensures we get all that good bacteria fighting for us and being on our side? We suggest that you take a probiotic and prebiotic blended supplement that can allow you to make the most out of your gut health.
How Can We Change Our Gut Health for the Better?
Our Recommendation: BiOptimizers P30M
This prebiotic and probiotic supplement does wonders for the body and allows you to take full advantage of your food. Their newly patented super-strain allows for maximal protein digestion and assimilation while remaining potent throughout your digestive system. The vegetarian-friendly formula is lactose-free and plant-based but strong enough to keep your gut flora in check. It contains the “good guy bacteria” to fight off the bad bacteria we talked about earlier in this article, and we’re obsessed. Shop the product here.
