Do you need to take prebiotics with probiotics? Is it necessary to take both?
Prebiotics are nutrients that nourish probiotic bacteria. When we eat them, the bacteria get “fed” too. Probiotic bacteria are micro-organisms that support human health.
You don’t need to get prebiotics in the form of supplements. It’s better to get what you need from your diet. Here are some good sources:
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Flax and Chia Seeds
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Chicory Root
- Dandelion Greens
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Jicama
- Yams
Mix ground flax seeds into your oatmeal. Add chia seeds to your morning smoothie or make chia pudding. Have some spaghetti topped with a garlicky tomato sauce. It’s easy to get prebiotics from your diet.
You can get the probiotics from foods too, such as cheese, yogurt, sauerkraut and pickles. Probiotic capsules are helpful if you’ve been given antibiotics or have had an intestinal infection, but for your everyday requirements, get what you need from food.