Hello lovely reader!
I hope you are doing well! In today's post, I wanted to come and talk to you a bit about Gut Health! Gut health is super important! There is so much that I would love to tell you about our gut. However, it is too much for one post! Today's post is going to be focusing on Prebiotic's and Probiotics. My goal is to focus on what each of them is, their functions, and why they're crucial for our gut health. In addition, I am also going to talk briefly about what probiotics and Prebiotic's I have tried myself. So, let's get right into it!
First things first, I am sure you have heard of pre and probiotics, but do you know what they are? Put simply, probiotics are types of bacteria that live in our gut. These bacteria are there to support and make up our guts microbiome, which is an incredible and incredibly complex system. Pre and probiotics work together to support our bodies. But they also each do two different things to work together in harmony. Probiotics, which you hear more about, are the main ones that help to ensure bad bacteria do not begin living in our gut. Whereas, Prebiotic's, which I feel get brushed to the side, are there to feed the probiotics. Prebiotic's are types of fiber that ferment in our gut and are food for probiotics to feed on. They are crucial to ensure the probiotics can repopulate and stay happy and healthy in our gut. These two things are important for supporting our gut and many other bodily functions, which we will get into in a different post. By now you may be wondering, "Well, if these are so important, how do I know which ones to take?" And that's a great question!
When it comes to using and taking Pre and Probiotics, especially with so many kinds out on the market, it can be hard to know which one to pick and try. In my Health Coaching course, they told us the best way to find the one or one(s) that will work for you, is to just experiment. Everyone's body is different, and therefore, each of our bodies may respond differently to one versus the other. So, it is best to just start trying ones and see how your body does. Now, if you have never taken Prebiotic's or Probiotics before, it can be advised to start with a Probiotic only supplement and start with a low one. If the low dose you try isn't doing anything then you can slowly work your way up to find which one your body needs or wants. Now, it's advised to not start with a Prebiotic and Probiotic combined supplement, because using a Prebiotic and Probiotic supplement could cause you to have more gas, bloating, and discomfort. Which isn't what you want! Start slowly with the endeavor and work your way into it! Working towards a happy, healthy, gut is a slow job, but in the long haul it is important!
I have added a list below for anyone who may be curious about the Probiotics I have tried. Currently, I am using the Renew Life 50 Billion probiotic. I do not take a Prebiotic supplement at the moment, but I do drink herbal coffee, which has naturally occurring Prebiotic's in it, which I explain below as well! I hope you found this post informative and interesting! I cannot wait to do more posts around and about gut health! Until next time, I will see you again soon!
Best wishes and lots of love,
The Inspiring Hummingbird!
Probiotic Brands I have personally tried:
OLLY Probiotics 20 Billion
Nature Made 12 Billion
Renew Life 30 Billion & Renew Life 50 Billion
Prebiotics I have used:
Teeccino Herbal Coffee. One of the benefits of this brand's herbal coffee is that it is a good source of Prebiotic's. That is because one of the ingredients in this herbal coffee is Chicory Root. There is something in Chicory root known as, Inulin. Inulin is a type of fiber that is a good Prebiotic source. I would like to quickly add that I did not begin drinking Teeccino for its Prebiotic's. I began drinking Teeccino as a coffee alternative.