Gut Health: Prebiotics and Probiotics—Your Guide to a Happier Gut

Gut health has become one of the most talked-about wellness topics, and for good reason. We're learning more each day about how profoundly our digestive system impacts our overall well-being.

"Gut health" refers to the delicate balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria living in your digestive tract. While your gut might seem like just one part of your body, it's actually the command center for so many essential functions that keep you feeling your best. What's truly remarkable is how much your gut health influences your entire well-being in ways that might surprise you.

The bacteria in your digestive tract work tirelessly to support digestion, strengthen your immune system, boost your energy levels, fight off infections, and even influence your mood. At the heart of this complex system is your 'microbiome' – a unique community of microbes that call your body home. This incredible ecosystem includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, all shaped by what you eat and the environment around you.

Your gut microbiome doesn't work in isolation – it communicates with various systems throughout your body to help everything function harmoniously. When your microbiome is thriving and balanced, you experience good gut health, which becomes the foundation for enhanced overall health and vitality.

You've probably heard about prebiotics and probiotics, but understanding the difference can feel overwhelming. Let's break it down in simple terms that make sense.

Probiotics are the beneficial live bacteria that act as your gut's best friends. They work around the clock to maintain balance in your microbiome and support healthy digestion. You can welcome these helpful bacteria into your life through nourishing foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and other naturally fermented foods.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are like premium fuel for these good bacteria. They're a special type of fiber that your body can't digest, but your beneficial gut bacteria absolutely thrive on them. When you eat prebiotic-rich foods like bananas, onions, and whole grains, you're essentially providing a feast for your gut's good bacteria.

Think of it this way: prebiotics are the nourishing foundation that keeps your gut's beneficial bacteria happy, healthy, and working effectively to support your overall well-being.

Your body has a wonderful way of communicating with you, and poor gut health often sends clear signals. Here are some common ways your body might be asking for gut health support:

This includes symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn – your gut's way of telling you something needs attention.

When your gut isn't functioning optimally, it can impact your immune system, potentially leading to more frequent colds and infections.

Poor gut health can affect your energy levels, leaving you feeling chronically tired even after a good night's sleep.

An imbalanced gut can influence both weight gain and weight loss by affecting your body's ability to absorb nutrients and regulate blood sugar.

You might notice developing sensitivities to certain foods, experiencing digestive issues, bloating, or other symptoms after eating them.

Issues like acne, eczema, or other skin irritations can sometimes be linked to gut health imbalances.

Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can be connected to gut health through the fascinating gut-brain connection.

An unhealthy gut can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality rest.

Even with excellent oral hygiene, ongoing bad breath can sometimes indicate a gut microbiome imbalance.

An imbalance in gut bacteria can increase cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods.

If several of these symptoms feel familiar, it might be worth exploring gentle ways to support your gut health. Consider making gradual dietary adjustments and incorporating more prebiotics and probiotics into your daily routine.

The beautiful thing about prebiotics is that a well-balanced, plant-rich diet naturally provides plenty of these gut-nourishing fibers without requiring supplements. Prebiotics come in various forms of fiber that your beneficial bacteria love.

• Bananas
• Onions
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds

Including fermented foods in your diet is a delicious and natural way to provide your gut with beneficial probiotics. The wonderful news is that there are so many flavorful options available, whether you purchase them or make them at home.

• Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Pickles
• Miso
• Tempeh

Simply put, your gut health thrives when your body receives adequate essential prebiotics and probiotics. When there's an imbalance, it may contribute to various health concerns. Supporting your gut health isn't just self-care – it's an investment in your overall health and wellness.

To nurture your body's needs, consider gradually incorporating foods from both lists above into your daily meals. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms or feeling uncertain about your gut health journey, we encourage you to consult with your primary care doctor. They can recommend appropriate supplements or additional support to help you achieve optimal gut health and overall well-being.

Just as nutrition and supplements can support gut health, Knew Health is here to support your overall well-being. The wellness of our entire Community is our top priority, and for many of us, that journey begins with gut health.

We believe in the power of general wellness and encourage yearly wellness visits with your Primary Care doctor. General wellness is always included as part of your Knew Health Membership. Blood work and labs and access to our amazing health coaches are often available at no additional cost for Members.

As a Member, you can also take advantage of your Wellzy Perks Membership to find the best prices on organic foods that support your gut health journey. One of our favorite Member benefits is access to our high-quality online dispensary, where you'll receive a 35% discount on top-brand supplements to support your prebiotic and probiotic needs when desired. Best of all, those supplements are delivered right to your door.

That's just the beginning of how a Membership can support your health and wellness journey. Visit our website or message us to discover what else Knew Health can offer you and your family.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.

Sources:
"Gut Microbiome." Cleveland Clinic , 18 Aug. 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome.
Merkley, Meredith G. DO, FAAP. "Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics: What's the Difference, and Should You Take Them?" GoodRx Health , 13 Dec. 2023, www.goodrx.com/well-being/gut-health/prebiotics-vs-probiotics#prebiotics-examples.

Author
Kimberly Hirsch resides in southern New Hampshire with her husband and two sons. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Providence College in Rhode Island and a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas. Kimberly taught elementary school for ten years and spent eight wonderful years as a stay-at-home mom raising her boys. She is currently a content writer and children's book author. She has published four children's books and has plans to publish many more in the future. When she isn't writing, Kimberly can be found taking combat and weight lifting classes at the gym, baking healthy snacks, reading, doing author visits at local schools, and being a boy mom.