The Perfect Pair: Prebiotics and Probiotics

Have you heard of prebiotics and probiotics? Probiotics are live cultures of good bacteria that help contribute to the helpful intestinal bacteria already in us. Prebiotics consist of non-digestible food components (such as fiber) that promote the growth of helpful bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics and probiotics make a great team! Providing probiotics with nutrients helps to promote the growth of these good bacteria in your gut. This relationship between prebiotics and probiotics is why they are a dynamic duo. Together they help encourage good gut health, better our immune defense, and digestion. Here are some ways to include prebiotics and probiotics in your diet:

• Prebiotics: Dietary fiber is a prebiotic, which means most foods that include dietary fiber are prebiotics too. Dietary fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Probiotics: Some foods that include probiotics are kimchi, miso, and tempeh. Dairy products such as yogurt and aged cheese also provides probiotics.

More about prebiotics and probiotics on the CNS fact sheet web page.