Beneficial microflora in the gastrointestinal area of the body are important to digestive health. Not only do prebiotics increase the activity of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria they increase the ability to absorb minerals and improve the immune system. As one of the newest fields of nutritional research it offers promising benefits for your immune system and heart.

You don’t digest prebiotics they live in your intestinal tract and stimulate further beneficial bacterial growth. They keep the other bacteria healthy. They mostly derive from carbohydrate fibers called oligosaccharides which can be found in whole grains, legumes and fruit. Yogurt contains bifidobacteria that in turn has these fibers. These fibers are also known as fermentable fiber.

Prebiotics can be taken as a supplement and also are added into some processed foods. Yogurts contain them. Supplements can be added to drinks, to foods or taken in a capsule or pill form.

Certain vegetables contain prebiotic fiber like bananas, chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks and onions. If you suffer from blood sugar imbalances it will help to produce acids to balance the sugars. Stomach aches, ulcerative colitis and thrush have all been shown to be improved on this type of diet.

High-fiber foods, some fruits and vegetables and grains contain prebiotics; a few of them are legumes, honey, flax, some dairy products, barley, berries, and wheat and whole grains like oatmeal. These benefits are also found in soybeans, raw oats, Jerusalem artichoke and jicama as well as unrefined wheat and barley. These foods are not prebiotics but contain them. It is suggested that a 4 to 8 gram a day serving provides general health and 15 or more grams for those with digestive problems. Eating these foods in these quantities could produce other undesired effects so you have to weigh the pros and cons of each food for your particular situation.

You may see an increase in your bowel movements as your body cleanses itself and becomes used to the new levels of bacteria residing in your gut. The colon’s environment will become slightly acidic from the short chain fatty acids (SFCA’s that are products by the prebiotics as it reduces the hydrogen sulfide gas, they will be beneficial to the walls of the colon helping eliminate the effects of ulcerative colitis.

Preliminary evidence has shown that prebiotics can aid in the treatment of such diseases as early stage colon cancer which has been said to have stopped or been prevented entirely, ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Calcium and mineral absorption increases and the immune system functions better. Antibiotic-related diarrhea, gastroenteritis and bowel functions have all improved with the use of prebiotics.

Balancing your body with good bacteria, feeding your digestive system with the foods that help it help you is the path to staying healthy and feeling your best. Stress, drugs such as anti-biotics and a diet filled with processed foods and sugars as well as unhealthy lifestyles are all contributors to reducing the good bacteria in our guts. Eat the right foods and maintain a healthy balance.

Find out more about prebiotics. Head online and find out more by visiting http://tommiehoward.offershop.us/health. Go today and find out more.

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