Healthy gut maintenance is crucial for overall health and well-being. Conversely, poor gut health can adversely affect your life in surprising and unexpected ways. It can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation – but that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The gut influences your immune system and mental health, impacts hormone levels and weight gain, and even aggravates skin conditions. Chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, food sensitivities, and inflammation are also linked to poor gut health – but prebiotics and probiotics can help. Let’s take a look at how these organisms can significantly improve your overall health.
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms – often referred to as “good bacteria” – that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and certain supplements.
Probiotics help balance the gut microbiota, the community of microbes in the digestive system. By increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, they can improve digestion, boost immunity, and support the gut’s barrier function.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components, typically fibers, that promote the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics are found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, whole grains, and legumes.
Prebiotics serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. They selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of these good microbes, helping them thrive and improve gut health.
Did You Know? Probiotics are live bacteria, whereas prebiotics are substances (usually fibers) that feed these bacteria.
How Probiotics and Prebiotics Can Help with Energy Levels
The gut plays a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. A healthy gut microbiome supports the efficient breakdown and absorption of nutrients, which directly impacts overall energy levels.
- By supporting healthy digestion, probiotics ensure that the body absorbs nutrients – like vitamins and minerals – more efficiently, which can result in higher energy levels.
- Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the gut, which has been linked to fatigue and low energy.
- Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can enhance nutrient absorption and the production of vitamins like B-vitamins, which are essential for energy production.
- A healthy gut microbiome, supported by prebiotics, is linked to better mood and mental clarity, reducing feelings of fatigue and improving overall energy.
Synergy Between Probiotics and Prebiotics
When consumed together, synbiotics (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) work synergistically to improve gut health, enhance digestion, and promote optimal nutrient absorption, which can all contribute to higher energy levels.
In summary, probiotics and prebiotics each support gut health in different ways. A balanced diet that includes both can improve digestion, support nutrient absorption, and reduce fatigue, all of which are crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
Longevity Wellness Clinic Treats Gut Health
At Longevity Wellness Clinic, we identify the root cause behind your symptoms, and provide natural, holistic treatment to return you to health.
We offer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods such as acupuncture; provide nutritional support and counseling; suggest herbal medicines; and provide supplements that will help you to achieve optimal functionality.
The CEO and owner of Longevity Wellness Clinic is Dr. Cynthia Clark, an award-winning acupuncturist, Applied Clinical Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
The clinic treats clients with a diverse range of health issues – including musculoskeletal, reproductive, psychological, respiratory, digestive and nervous system disorders. Dr. Clark has extensive training in both Chinese and Western medical theory and comprehensive knowledge of herbal safety and herb-pharmaceutical interactions. She is a well-respected member of the Sarasota and Bradenton medical community and works alongside many local physicians to help their clients achieve holistic wellness.