What are prebiotics and should I take them?

Walk into any GNC or Vitamin Shoppe and you will likely be bombarded with every Prebiotic and Probiotic supplement on the market. The prebiotics will boast health benefits like strong immune function, weight loss, healthy bowels, etc. And while the benefits of these are not exaggerated, we’re able to get these benefits from our diet without breaking the bank on supplements. 

As research in the area has progressed, we’ve learned about the endless benefits of prebiotics. We now know that prebiotics can be metabolized by the bacteria that lines our gut and can regulate the make-up and activity of these bacteria, thereby providing a beneficial effect on many physiological processes in our body. Sounds powerful! 

What kind of benefits? 

Prebiotics are fibers that our bodies can not digest and absorb. The undigested fibers eventually reach our colon where the bacteria in our gut feed on these fibers and create molecules called short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA are molecules that are absorbed from our gut into our bloodstream and are anti-inflammatory and have been shown to provide numerous health benefits to humans. The fermentation of fiber from our diet ends with production of these fatty acids leading to a strong immune system, lowering cholesterol, and preventing inflammation of the bowels. 

So what is the role of prebiotics in weight loss? 

The bacteria in our gut can cause a mild inflammation that negatively impacts our metabolizing of glucose and absorption of fats. Prebiotics feed the bacteria lining our gut and provide a stronger barrier integrity. This reduces the mild inflammation and in turn strengthens our metabolism for weight loss/maintenance. And that’s not all! Prebiotics have also been associated with our appetite hormones – they suppress Ghrelin (our hunger-inducing hormone) and increase our satiety hormones, to keep us feeling full and eating less. Lastly, prebiotics have been shown to lower fat absorption by binding with the fat molecules as it goes through digestion.

We are convinced! So how can we get prebiotics in our diet?… Fiber!!

• Garlic, Onions, and Leeks: More vegetables! These veggies are high in inulin fiber, a prebiotic. Chop these up and add them to your soups, salads, and stir fries!
• Chia, Flax, Hemp: These are known for their healthy omega-3’s, however we can’t extract the fats from these plant sources very well. These seeds are actually great sources of prebiotic fiber that nourish our gut.
• Fiber powders: Fiber powders can be a great addition to your diet for busy people who just need to grab a smoothie and go. You learn how to utilize these fiber powders in the ReBody28 program when you learn our nourishing smoothie formula!