How often do you deal with bloating? Do you suffer from stomach upset on a regular basis? Are you struggling with low energy levels? Do you need a helping hand feeling truly healthy?

Well, you’re in the right place – we’re about to talk all about gut health and how you can not only support it but truly improve it.

Gut health is incredibly important – the gut is incredibly closely connected to the rest of the body and can directly impact overall health, for better or for worse. 

Most people tend to look towards probiotics and prebiotics to boost gut health, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at exactly how (and if) these supplements can improve the state of the gut!

Are you ready to learn the truth about probiotics and prebiotics? I hope so because it’s time to say goodbye to feeling lesser and hello to feeling your best, TRU self!

What Is The Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Before we take a look at exactly whether or not probiotics and prebiotics can improve gut health, it’s important to take a look at and understand the difference between the two! 

Probiotics and prebiotics both actively support the health of the gut, but they’re completely different and the benefits they provide vary greatly.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide the gut with good bacteria that improves the microflora within the digestive system. Whilst they also boost the microflora of the gut, probiotics can also help to fight off bad bacteria in the digestive system, helping ward off illnesses and improving the overall health of not only the gut, but the entire body as a whole.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are types of specialized plant fiber that feed the good bacteria within the gut. Prebiotics help to stimulate the growth of pre-existing good bacteria, which the gut relies on to maintain a balanced microflora, stay in optimum health, and lower the likelihood of inflammation, illnesses, and immune conditions. 

Whilst probiotics and prebiotics are singular entities that provide different benefits, consuming a balanced amount of both is the best way to support the gut. 

Do Probiotics Work?

Now you know the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, it’s time to take a look at whether or not they actually improve gut health!

Although there are various different types of probiotics out there, and there’s a variety that are available to consume, there are two main species of probiotics that are typically consumed and are the most beneficial: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. 

Lactobacillus produces lactic acid that helps to ward off bad bacteria and help the body’s natural absorption of nutrients.

Bifidobacteria makes it harder for bad bacteria to grow in the intestine and helps to boost not only the overall health of the gut by protecting it, but boosts the immune system too!

The effectiveness of probiotics is proven. Most of the time, probiotics are normally only prescribed or recommended for people that deal with digestive illnesses, or those who have recently taken antibiotics (antibiotics destroy bacteria within the good, even the good kind).  However, probiotics are generally very safe for most people to consume and can help to support the gut’s overall health, even in times of no distress.

How Can You Take Probiotics?

You can either consume probiotics naturally or as a supplement. Although there are certainly powerful probiotic supplements out there,  probiotics are incredibly fragile, meaning that sometimes they are destroyed by the heat during the creation of a supplement.

Therefore, I would recommend that you stay natural when it comes to consuming probiotics, to ensure you’re actually receiving the benefits of probiotics!

You can easily add some of these probiotic-rich foods to your diet to get your probiotic fix:

• Coconut Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Kimchi
• Tempe

Do Prebiotics Work?

Prebiotics are incredibly important when it comes to improving the health of the gut, arguably more important than probiotics, and there is vast research supporting this fact. Prebiotics are proven to be a source of food specifically for the gut’s healthy bacteria.

Prebiotics are essentially carbs that your body cannot digest and use as energy in a standard way. Therefore, they go straight to the lower digestive tract and act as food for the bacteria, helping to support a strong, healthy, and diverse microflora.

Unlike probiotics which are typically only suggested for people dealing with digestive illnesses, prebiotics are widely recommended for everyone. 

In fact, research has shown that prebiotics can help with normal digestive issues such as bloating and stomach upset, whilst also promoting weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer and improving the absorption of minerals. So, everyone should be consuming them!

How Can You Take Prebiotics?

Similar to probiotics, you can consume prebiotics both naturally through whole foods and as supplements. 

Prebiotic rich foods include: 

• Jerusalem Artichoke
• Green bananas
• Apples
• Wheat
• Legumes
• Greens
• Oats
• Artichoke
• Asparagus
• Chicory root

Although you can incorporate more prebiotic-rich foods into your diet, these types of foods may be difficult to consume in sufficient quantities and therefore it may be easier to supplement a prebiotic. 

Inulin in particular is a powerful prebiotic, and TRU Inulin is the cleanest, most potent form of inulin or prebiotic! 

Tru Inulin is made from organic Jerusalem artichokes and can easily be added to any beverage due to the fact that it’s easy to mix and tasteless! There really isn’t a better way to get a daily dose of prebiotic fiber. So, try TRU Inulin and find your inner glow, today!

Can You Take Probiotics and Prebiotics Together?

Not only can you take probiotics and prebiotics together, but it’s best to take them together. Taking both probiotics and prebiotics at the same time is the most effective way to improve your gut since prebiotics help to support the effectiveness of probiotics.

Are You Ready To Prioritize Your Gut Health and Become Your TRU Self?

If you’re ready to prioritize your gut health and experience the joy that comes with becoming your healthiest, but you’re looking for a bit of extra support, get in touch with me today!

As a certified health and wellness coach, it’s my purpose to guide you to help you flourish.

• Join the 28 Day TRU Wellness Detox Waitlist. A detox designed to help you look and feel your best. Join HERE
• Download the FREE Gut Detox Guide HERE
• Want personalized, 1:1 support? Check out my health coaching options here.
• Have questions? Leave them below! I’ll pop back in to reply.