Most gut-health experts will tell you that in order to heal your gut you need a ton of both probiotic foods and prebiotic foods.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and go against the grain in saying that, in my experience, you almost always need probiotics but many times you don’t need prebiotics. (Note: remember, again, that I am talking about those with real gut issues who need to heal them. I’m not talking about those who are simply trying to live a healthier lifestyle. There’s a huge difference.)
But first, what are some probiotic foods and what are some prebiotic foods?
Here’s a starting list for you:
Notes on the probiotic foods:
- Simply put, probiotics are the “good bacteria.”
- Not all probiotic foods are created equal.
- Example: Activia yogurt is not the same as raw yogurt, purely unprocessed.
- The same goes for the rest of the dairy products I mentioned.
- Miso is fermented soy. It makes an awesome soup.
- Sauerkraut, pickles and kimchi are fermented vegetables. Most vegetables that are fermented can have probiotic value.
- Kombucha is a fermented tea. Learn how to make Kombucha at home. But if you suffer from Candida, consider holding off.
Notes on the prebiotic foods:
- Simply put, prebiotics are the fiber foods which feed bacteria.
- My gut hurts just looking at those foods in bulk
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If you’re at the place in your life when you are truly ready, willing and able to heal you gut, the probiotic foods are much more likely to help you (early on) and the prebiotic foods are much more likely to hurt you (early on).
Here’s why.
{Exception: IF your gut is extremely miserable, even probiotics might be more damaging to you.}
Probiotics are there to help you (re)build the good guys. Don’t expect to keep on keepin’ on with your old ways, throw in some probiotics and be magically healed. It won’t work that way. Make changes first. When you make changes that support real gut healing you will, in essence, begin “starving” the “bad bacteria.” After a short amount of time, the probiotic foods will help to continue crowding out bad bacteria and crowding in gut-thriving bacteria.
But the prebiotics? They are full of fiber (I’ve already talked about fiber). They help to feed your bacteria. And the problem with this is that YOU, miss Gutsy friend, have a gut filled with bacteria that, last time I checked, you probably don’t want to be feeding. Yes?
Furthermore:
- Tomatoes are a nightshade
- Artichokes, onions, chicory root, asparagus, garlic and leeks are all FODMAPs
Since my 101 days of gut healing ended, I can tell you that I have had a ton of probiotic foods. As a matter of fact, I even had some during and took a huge Probiotic supplement as well. But the prebiotics? I have added leeks into my broths maybe 1-2 times. I have had chopped garlic about a handful of times.
Again, I speak from experience and from a life devoted to this for several years. I don’t speak from theory derived out of a textbook.
It’s really easy to do a Google search on “Prebiotics for Gut Health,” but 99% of the return results most likely are making you feel even more miserable.
If you’re ready to heal, I’m ready to help!
Love your guts,
SKH
By the way, did you know that I can also do Online Meal Planning for you?