The Best Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods for a Healthy Gut

July 31, 2024

Did you know that our gut is actually an extraordinary universe teeming with microbes, and an essential pillar of our overall health and immune system?

A healthy microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, plays a super important role in our overall health. But when harmful bacteria overpopulate and disrupt this intricate balance, it can cause serious repercussions—like digestive issues and chronic inflammation. Your microbiome influences much more than your belly, though; research has found a bidirectional relationship between gut health and mental health, indicating that gastrointestinal distress caused by harmful bacteria can also exacerbate mental health issues. Maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in our gut is essential, not just for optimal digestion but also for our overall well-being. And it starts with what we eat.

Enter the world of prebiotics and probiotics—the dynamic duo of gut health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contribute to our health when consumed in adequate amounts. They help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, improve digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance mood. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the fuel for these beneficial bacteria. They're types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in the gut, helping them proliferate and carry out their beneficial roles.

Check out a list of tasty, nutritious gut-friendly foods to incorporate into your diet for a happier, healthier gut.

Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotic foods are packed with specific types of dietary fiber that the human body is unable to digest—yet are prime nourishment for our gut-friendly bacteria. These fibers, called insoluble and soluble fiber, pass through the small intestine without being digested, reaching the large intestine where they serve as a feast for our beneficial gut microbes. According to experts at Harvard, a diet rich in these high-fiber foods has been shown to boost the diversity and abundance of our gut microbiota, ensuring a healthy gut ecosystem. Here are a few of our favorite, prebiotic-friendly foods:

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Beans and Legumes

Alliums

Fruit + Veggies

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Probiotic Foods

Probiotics are the good kind of bacteria that boost our health when eaten in adequate amounts. Often found in fermented foods, these microorganisms have impressive abilities to naturally enrich our gut. Probiotics are known to promote digestion, boost immunity, and support overall health. Consuming probiotic foods is like inviting friendly guests into your home, who leave it better than they found it. Let's dive into a few of the tastiest, most nutritious probiotic foods:

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