Lesson 24: Probiotics & Prebiotics

Probiotics & Prebiotics

Probiotics are what is called “beneficial bacteria” and prebiotics are what feeds these bacteria. These are critical for the same reasons enzymes are; they operate as the work force in the body where as vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and sugars work as building material essentially. Probiotic bacteria set the internal stage for all these nutrients to properly function for optimized health and performance. Probiotic bacteria are responsible for the biosynthesis of some nutrients and the proper absorption of nutrients.

Examples of Probiotics are: Organic Natto, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Yogurt, Kombucha, Kefir, Apple cider Vinegar, Pickled Tofu, Tempeh.

Examples of Prebiotics: Onions, Garlic, chicory root, leeks, dandelion greens, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, inulin.

A Synbiotic is a food which contains both probiotic and prebiotic qualities such as raw organic unsweetened cacao and homemade organic lacto- fermented pickled onions.

A Psychobiotic is a food or strain of bacteria or food containing a specific strain of bacteria which when consumed provides a probiotic quality but also enhances mental health and functioning. As professor Ted Dinan defines Psychobiotics to be live bacteria and their food (probiotics & prebiotics) which, when ingested, confer mental health benefits through interactions with commensal gut bacteria such as B. infantis and L. reuteri. For a full list of psychobiotics refer to the Psychobiotic section under the Fermentation Module.