Gut health isn’t always a topic that is on people’s minds. But it is important to understand how gut health is connected to overall health. Let’s talk prebiotics and probiotics and how they each promote a healthy gut.
Nancy’s Nifty Nook in Bradford carries many products that can help improve gut health – make sure to stop by and ask Nancy questions and how prebiotics and probiotics can help you and your health!
What is a prebiotic?
Prebiotics are compounds in food that induce the growth or activity of beneficial micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. The most common example is in the gastrointestinal tract, which is where prebiotics can alter the composition of organisms in the gut flora.
Gut flora plays an important role in health and disease; its main role is to guide the maturation and functioning of a host immune system. Several diseases are now thought to be influenced by processes in the gut flora.
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are live micro-organisms with claims that it provides health benefits and improves or restores gut flora, when consumed. Probiotics are considered generally safe to consume, however, in rare cases they may have unwanted side effects. Stop by the store and Nancy can explain what some of these side effects can be.
Who should use probiotics?
Nancy recommends probiotics for those who are currently taking antibiotics. When used at the same time, it is important take the antibiotic and probiotic at a different time during the day. Because antibiotics destroy our good flora, it is recommended to take probiotics to restore gut flora.
There are many shelf-stable probiotics on the market – Nancy does not recommend these products and prefers products that require refrigeration, as these will have live bacteria, which is more effective than shelf-stable products.
When travelling, it is recommended to take a probiotic about two weeks before departure, while you are away, and two weeks after arriving back home.
How to choose a quality product and why you should take probiotics
Nancy recommends buying a probiotic from your local health food store – this will ensure you are getting a quality and effective product.
At this time, Natural Health Practitioners recommend taking a probiotic along with Vitamin C, D3, and Zinc to help stay healthy during the pandemic.
For women experiencing yeast infections, taking a daily probiotic may help treat the infection and promote a faster recovery time.
At Nancy’s Nifty Nook, customers will find quality products including Progressive Prebiotic and Probiotic Blend, Flora Probiotic, Renew Life and New Roots.
For kids, Nancy carries SISU, Now, and Flora Bear and Baby, which is used at Sick Kids’ Hospital and many other hospitals across Canada.
Stop by the store located at 152 Holland Street E. or call 905-775-7874.