Gut Health, Prebiotics & Probiotics

I. Fast Facts

Human Cells:30 trillion Microbial Organisms:40 trillion

We have about 20,000 human genes 600,000 microbial genes

Participates in numerous physiologic activities Nutrient absorption The gut is the largest immune system organ Inflammation Enzyme, Vitamin and Neurotransmitter production Detoxification Utilizing macronutrients Create a physical barrier against pathogen

Children given antibiotics in the first 6 months of life are more likely to develop obesity later in life

II. Beneficial Organisms

Pre-biotics Food for probiotics, metabolized by gut bacteria but not the human host

Pro-biotics Live bacteria.Probiotics are active bacterial cultures

Probiotics Derived from the Greek, meaning “for life” are able to produce antimicrobial substances, modulate immune responses & influence human metabolic activities

Probiotic Foods

Live-cultured yogurt, Tempeh, Sauerkraut, Pickles, Pickled fruits & vegetables, Fermented foods, Blue agave, Asparagus, Chicory, Artichokes, Onions, Raw, Garlic, Leeks

Probiotic Supplements. Transient, so need to be replaced in diet daily

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus brevis

Bifidobacterium lactis

Bifidobacterium longum

Best time of day to take : in the a.m., on empty stomach

Prebiotics (anything that feeds probiotics)

Raw garlic, Raw & cooked onion, Raw asparagus, Raw leek, Jicama, Mexican yam

Strive for at least 10-15 grams/day