Why this Dietitian Cares more about your PREbiotics than your PRObiotic Pill

Clients ask me all the time what I think of their brand of probiotic or which one they should start taking. Studies have shown that probiotic supplements definitely have their place in certain circumstances (that’s a whole other blog for another time), but my bigger concern is... what are you feeding the ones you have already?

“Probiotics” is just a fancy word for helpful bacteria. Even if you don’t take a pill, you have these little guys in your digestive track. The problem right now is that current probiotic supplements can only include the bacteria that scientists have been able to 1) identify and 2) put in a pill without them dying right away.

However, we (probiotic and non-probiotic users alike) have so many different strains of bacteria (somewhere in the neighborhood of billions) who do so much good for us such as make vitamins and help battle bad bacteria. BUT - just like us - they need to eat! A recent study showed that a diet high in protein is not in their best interest and can lead to various problems. In order for these good guys to thrive, we need to feed them their preferred choice of food, in other words - prebiotics!

They love foods high in natural inulin such as asparagus, banana, dandelion greens, onions, and leeks. By including foods such as fruits and vegetables throughout your day, you are not only giving YOURSELF good nutrition, you are also feeding your probiotics. And they in turn will do so much good for you and your health!

In good health,

Dawn

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