You have probably heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but do you know what they really are and why they are so essential for health and wellness?
As a practicing board certified weight loss physician, Dr. Trupti Patel has done quite a bit of research on the benefits of these substances and also believes we are still learning more about the significant health and weight loss benefits they have.
Let’s start with prebiotics and what they are.
- Prebiotics are naturally occurring in foods and are non-digestible fibers.
- They promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. They basically act as food for good bacteria.
- And where are they found? In foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, beans and whole-grain foods.
Now that you know about prebiotics, let’s discuss probiotics
- Probiotics are the good bacteria that are naturally found in the gut.
- Good gut bacteria play a role in boosting immunity and overall health
- And where are they found? Look for fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and aged cheeses. Also, other foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh
So, knowing the amazing benefits of both prebiotics and probiotics and how they work so great together, it is no wonder they are called the dynamic duo. That means, adding bananas to your yogurt or combining asparagus and tempeh in a stir fry.
So, what do pre and probiotics have to do with weight loss? It is truly cutting-edge stuff.
- Some of the preliminary data shows they may help with weight management by: improving the gut bacterial balance, keeping us full so we eat less, decrease abdominal fat, and decrease inflammation in the gut.
- Studies show that manipulation of the gut bacteria might be a novel approach in the treatment of obesity.
This is truly the wave of the future. The treatment for so many diseases may lie in the gut bacterial balance. So then why not incorporate both prebiotics and probiotics into your daily routine?
If you need help along the way, the caring team at Physician’s Premier Weight & Wellness is there for you. You can reach out to them at 703-783-5673.
