The Power of Prebiotics for Mood Support
What are prebiotics and what can they do for your body?
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that serves as food for probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that live in our gut. Prebiotics are found in a variety of plants, including legumes, whole grains, and fruits.
Though they are often associated with gut health, prebiotics can also have a positive impact on mood. Several studies have shown that prebiotics can help to reduce stress and support a balanced mood (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2).
Given the well-established link between gut health and mood, it is not surprising that prebiotics can have such a powerful effect on mental wellbeing. If you are looking for a natural way to boost your mood, consider adding some prebiotic-rich foods or a supplement with prebiotics into your diet. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating benefits of prebiotics on a positive and calm mood.
The vast health benefits of prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that act as fuel for probiotics, which are the "good" bacteria that live in your gut. Probiotics are important for gut health, and prebiotics help to keep them alive and thriving.
Research has shown that prebiotics can have a number of health benefits, including improved digestion and strengthened immunity. (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2)
In addition, prebiotics can help to reduce the risk of obesity and other chronic issues. While more research is needed to understand the full effects of prebiotics, there is no doubt that they play an important role in maintaining gut health.
How to get the most out of prebiotics
Prebiotics are important for a healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics are most effective when they’re consumed on a regular basis. If you only take them occasionally, it may be difficult to see results. If you’re struggling to fit plenty of prebiotic fiber into your diet, you might want to consider a prebiotic supplement. Otherwise, do your best to prebiotic foods that you enjoy. There are many different foods that contain prebiotics, so it’s a more sustainable effort, when you enjoy them!
Foods that contain prebiotics
Prebiotics can be found in foods like onions, garlic, leeks, savoy cabbage, bananas, and oats. Also, prebiotic powders like acacia powder and potato starch are great for gut health, though they can be harder to fit into our diet on a regular basis. While probiotics and prebiotics both support gut health, they do so in different ways. Probiotics help to directly replenish the good bacteria in the gut, while prebiotics provide food for these microbes to help them thrive. Including both probiotic and prebiotic foods in your diet is a good way to support gut health. Using a supplement that includes both prebiotics and probiotics is a great way to support gut health and mood.
Probiotic supplements that contain probiotics and prebiotics
he gut-brain connection is a well-documented phenomenon. Emerging science is beginning to show that the gut microbiota plays a significant role in cognitive function and overall mental health. There are several ways to support gut health, but one of the most effective is through the consumption of prebiotic foods. Of course, adding in a prebiotic supplement is also great if you are busy or just really want to guarantee you are getting the fiber you need!
These foods contain specific types of fiber that gut bacteria feed on, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and helping to crowd out harmful microbes. By taking a supplement with both prebiotics and probiotics, like Mood Boosting Probiotic or Bifidus Mood Boost (which use specific types of prebiotics designed to support mood) you can ensure that your gut microbiota stays healthy and balanced, even if your diet isn't picture-perfect.