These days, everyone is talking about the importance of probiotics. Yet without prebiotics, you might just be wasting your time and money. But what are prebiotics, and what role do they play in our gut?
We now know that gut health affects everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immune function and even our mood.
When the gut microbiome is in harmony, it keeps harmful pathogens in check, helps digest complex carbohydrates, helps in the absorption of essential vitamins, and bolsters the immune system.
Yet what you might not know is that good gut health relies on the presence of prebiotics.
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibres found in various foods, such as Turkey Tail, garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains.
Unlike probiotics which are live bacteria, prebiotics are the food source for the bacteria. Without the prebiotics, the probiotics can not survive.
The Health Benefits of Prebiotics
1. Improved Digestion: Prebiotics promote healthy bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation by enhancing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that aid in the breakdown of dietary fibre.
2. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: A balanced microbiome helps improve the absorption of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, from the food we consume.
3. Boosted Immunity: A well-nourished microbiome strengthens the immune system, helping it identify and combat harmful invaders more effectively.
4. Mood and Mental Health: Recent research suggests a link between gut health and mental well-being. Prebiotics may play a role in supporting mental health by influencing the gut-brain axis.
5. Weight Management: Some studies suggest that prebiotics can help with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and regulating appetite.
Incorporating Prebiotics into Your Diet
In order to get the benefits of prebiotics, it’s essential to incorporate them into your diet daily.
Foods rich in prebiotics include Turkey Tail mushroom, Garlic, Onions, Asparagus, Bananas, Oats, Whole grains and chicory root.
Having a variety of prebiotic-rich whole foods in you’re diet is the key to nurturing a diverse and robust microbiome.
It is becoming increasingly clear that good gut health is about not only probiotics but also their food source – prebiotics.
Why Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey Tail has been shown to be a rich source of prebiotics.
This may be due to its unique PSP and PSK polysaccharopeptides.
In fact, this study found that Turkey Tail
“…modified gut bacteria composition by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing potentially harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium and Staphylococcus”
Turkey tail in it’s whole form is also rich in antioxidants and other beneficial active compounds.