Probiotics and prebiotics are natural ingredients in everyday food and are keys to good gut health. To know more visit http://www.healinghandsclinic.co.in/the-friend-within-you-probiotics-and-prebiotics/ or call on : 8888288884.

1. THE FRIEND WITHIN YOU: PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS
Do you frequently suffer from symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system? While not
always dangerous, these symptoms certainly reduce comfort and deter quality of life. The
brighter side to it, is that the solution to your problem may lie well within you.
Nature is beautifully designed in such a way that the survival and wellbeing of all living beings is
interdependent. We as human beings are also a part of this symbiotic existence. Just as there
are several microorganisms in and around us that harm us, there are also those that benefit us.
Let’s take a closer look at those that are proven to be beneficial to our gastrointestinal tract-
they are called “Probiotics”.
Many different probiotic organisms have different but overlapping benefits. They help promote
health at the molecular level. But when the balance of these gut microbes gets disturbed, it can
result in chronic diseases that include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer. Allergic
disorders, asthma, vitamin B12 deficiency and even obesity are related to an unhealthy
population of intestinal bacteria. This imbalance can be created due to unhealthy diet and
lifestyle, as well as environmental factors such as pollution and overuse of antibiotics. Even
simple aging gradually disturbs this balance.
Did you know?
Strains of the bacteria Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacteriumare the probiotics in the
gut. A few common conditions they help treat are :

2. • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
• Antibiotic-related diarrhea
They fight the potentially dangerous organisms in the intestine, reducing the risk of infection
and diseases and strengthen the inner lining of intestines which acts as barriers to harmful
microorganisms and chemicals. They regulate immune responses and also suppress excessive
inflammation. They are also known to play a significant role in preventing colon cancer which is
the third most common cancer in the world. There is some research to show they may help
resolve problems in other parts of our body such as skin conditions (like eczema), urinary and
vaginal health, preventing allergies and colds, oral health, cardiovascular health, etc.
Because of their multiple benefits, probiotic supplements are often prescribed by doctors for
treating various gastrointestinal diseases. Probiotics should also be incorporated in our daily
diet. The simplest, natural, home based source of probiotics is freshly prepared curd/yogurt.
Food products consumed in different parts of the world are also probiotic such as sauerkraut
(Germany), miso (Japan), kefir (Middle East) and tempeh (Indonesia). Probiotic milk is also
available these days in the supermarket. However one thing should be kept in mind, cooking
temperatures and freezing temperatures kill the bacteria. Therefore, to gain maximum benefit,
these foods need to be consumed in the uncooked/non pasteurized and fresh form.
An interesting fact is that certain non-digestible, fibrous food ingredients can actually promote
the growth of probiotics in our guts. They are called “Prebiotics”. Some foods popular for their
prebiotic properties are as follows :
• Raw garlic
• Raw onion
• Wheat bran
• Raw banana
• Oats
• Asparagus (Shatavari)

3. • Flax seeds (Javas)
• Chia seeds
Probiotics are thus a valuable addition to a balanced diet. And when coupled with prebiotics,
the two in conjunction can go a long way in giving you a happy and healthy gut.