Prebiotics

Prebiotic effects extend beyond the gut through the gut-body axis to influence multiple body systems. Dietary diversity and diverse plant foods are presented as important because fiber feeds gut microbes. Prebiotics are asserted to support the central nervous system, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health, bones, immune function, and skin. Prebiotics are easier to obtain from food than probiotics. Prebiotics are nutrients that feed beneficial bacteria and must satisfy specific criteria to qualify as prebiotics. Prebiotics are described as substrates that beneficial bacteria feed on. Most prebiotic benefit is generated when gut bacteria ferment prebiotics in the colon. Pairing a prebiotic with a probiotic combines the bacterial substrate with the organism that can use it. The Omni-Biotic powders are said to include a specific prebiotic intended to support the strains in the formula. Prebiotic food sources include bananas, garlic, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, legumes, potatoes, raw oats, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, and dairy products. Plant-based nutrition can raise prebiotic intake because many plant foods contain usable substrates for gut bacteria. Pr…