Prebiotics and Probiotics

It seems more and more these days you hear the words ‘probiotic’ and ‘prebiotic.’  You may have a vague idea of what they mean, and that they are healthy for you or your pet, but do you know why they matter so much? 

The difference between prebiotics and probiotics

Pre-biotics are, essentially, a type of fiber that feeds the healthy gut bacteria (probiotics) in our digestive tract.  So the Prebiotics are the fuel, and the probiotics are the car if you will.  Prebiotics are fibrous materials that do not digest in the stomach but pass undigested to the gut, where probiotics feed on them and use them for fuel.  Inulins are one of the most important prebiotics, and one of the few that meet the leading expert’s definition of a complete form of prebiotics.  Derived from Chicory Root, Steve’s Real Food contains inulins, a supplement that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.

Probiotics, the healthy bacteria in your gut, keep your digestive system in check, balancing dangerous bacteria, promoting good digestion, and performing crucial functions that are just beginning to be understood.  Scientists have discovered thousands of strains, and they identify more every year. Thus far the balance of gut bacteria and probiotics has been linked to either contributing to or helping alleviate symptoms from IBS, allergies, lactose intolerance, immunity, anxiety, colic, constipation, cavities, eczema, and more.  Problems as far-reaching as mental illness and Chrone’s disease are currently being evaluated to see how probiotics can lead to new treatment options.

For pets and humans alike, our high-carb, high-sugar, and high dairy, processed diets leave our digestive systems in a state of chronic inflammation.  The number of diseases linked to inflammation is also numerous – ADD, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dental issues, cancer, thyroid issues, obesity, and more.  When we or our pets eat processed, high-carb foods, we cause irritation in the stomach lining, which weakens the intestinal lining. This downward spiral results in more toxins, yeast, etc. passing through. As this trend continues, the cell’s ability to process them becomes overloaded and worn out. After years our pets’ bodies being stressed by the food they eat, they are left with a weakened immune system and a broken digestive system. Dozens of diseases have been proven to have inflammation at the root. Unfortunately, Western medicine focuses on suppressing the immune response to reduce inflammation rather than addressing the causes of inflammation themselves.

Inflammation and probiotics are tied closely together because inflammation begins in the gut, and that is where treatment begins, as well.  If the bacteria in our gut are out of balance, inflammation can run rampant.  Certain strains of probiotics can strengthen the gut barrier, lower inflammatory response, balance our pH levels, enhance mineral absorption, and neutralize harmful bacteria in our gut that can lead to illness and produce toxins.  Probiotics can also help make other minerals and nutrients more bio-available, increasing our body’s ability to absorb essential building blocks for good health.

Prebiotics can be found in more than just chicory root , although this is their best source.  Fibrous foods are the best sources; they are most bioavailable when raw.  Things like Garlic, Dandelion Greens, Leeks, Onions, Asparagus, Wheat Bran, and Bananas are all excellent sources of prebiotics.

Probiotics are most readily found in fermented foods – pickled vegetables, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt.  Our goat milk yogurt contains six strains of wonderfully healthy bacteria:

• Lactobacillus Delbrueckii
• Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
• Streptococcus thermophilus
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Bifidobacterium Lactis

Raw Goat Milk (unpasteurized, like the goat milk in all our products) is another wonderful source of probiotics, and while federal regulations make raw milk illegal, the health benefits are numerous for those who can find and purchase it from local farmers.  Those that can access it enjoy over 200 strains of probiotics that are naturally occurring as well as the prebiotics.  Add in the digestive enzymes found in raw food, and you have great building blocks to promote a healthy gut and digestive health.