The thought of bacteria is generally gross. We associate it with illness, disease, and other microorganisms such as the Coronavirus. However, our bodies are constantly hosting millions and millions of bacteria, which are integral to our bodily functioning. Sounds gross, I know.
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From our skin and hair to our stomachs, we are in constant, symbiotic relationships with a variety of bacteria that help us function well. As a person with a stomach more sensitive than a hungry child, all my life I have been told to eat more probiotics, have more yogurt, and better my gut health. However, for the longest time, I thought those foods were helping my organs in themselves, little did I know the science was completely different?
Both prebiotics and probiotics are known for their properties that are NOT digestible by the human stomach. These components are healthy for the bacteria in our gut and are targeted at feeding them and keeping them happy. Confused? So was I. These little bacteria, especially in cases of irritable guts, are often angered and stripped of their food by the function of certain body types. When fed pre and probiotics they are repopulated and made happy again and continue their functioning of helping food pass through and be digested smoothly.
Without going too far into the biology behind it all, the fact remains that to keep our own body functioning well, we need to feed our support staff. Unfortunately today, the connotations of pre and probiotics have moved away from the spoonfuls of yogurt we were told to eat as children and into the world of kombucha, supplements, and sauerkraut. While these are great ways to get in some good bacteria, for us as Indians, there are so many easier ways you may never have considered.
Indian food in and of itself is a treasure trove of good-gut-goodies. Yogurt, both the dairy and non-dairy variants, is number one on this list and even when it is converted into lassi or chaanch, the benefits still stand. A large number of fermented South Indian delicacies such as idli, dosa, appam and much more also fall into this category. The fermentation process for these South Indian foods is similar to that used in north Indian foods like dhokla and kanji which are also great for gut health.
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Each and every one of these foods is a part of our lives, and often we have moved away from them for trendier “healthier” options, but our answers have been right there in front of us. Coming to another Indian favorite, achaar (pickle) is very good for health. While it does have higher salt content, the pickled fruits and vegetables take on many properties that are not found elsewhere. A good rule of thumb to remember is that fermented or cultured foods such as white butter have higher chances of feeding your gut bacteria.
Coming back to the science before wrapping it up, there is a difference between pre and probiotics. Prebiotics feed the bacteria in your gut and probiotics are the actual cultures required in your gut. However, it is important to remember that in many cases these go hand in hand and can be regulated through a balanced, wholesome food regimen. But together they essentially look to provide three bacterial groups to the gut in the form of Lactobacillus (commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods), Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii. All of which are known for their abilities to fight discomfort during the digestion process.
Just remember, being good to your body will never solely stem from a restrictive diet or having the fanciest of supplements. It is always about creating balance with what is available to you and what your body has grown up handling over the years.
How do you go about getting the necessary pre and probiotics you need?
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