I have hyped on before about how important our gut microbiome is for our health and the role of probiotics but I thought it’s time we address the difference between supplementing and eating fermented foods.
But before we do, just a little recap!
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in fermented and cultured foods and prebiotics are what feed the live bacteria. These beneficial bacteria play a major role in keeping us healthy from being apart of our immune system, keeping our gut lining healthy and strong, producing different nutrients, neurotransmitters and enzymes, regulating hormones and a whole lot more!
I like to think of our microbiome as a garden. In order for your seeds to grow and benefit you, you must feed them and give them the right conditions to do so. You also need to get rid of any weeds so that this doesn’t interfere with your flourishing garden! This is the same for our microbiome. If you are not feeding the good bacteria with prebiotics and you’re feeding your bad bacteria with sugar, processed foods, your garden will be overrun with weeds and your seeds will never grow and flourish.
So, what’s better, probiotic supplements or fermented foods?
1. Probiotic supplements are meant to be for short-term use to re-nourish your gut during gut healing protocols, stress, malnutrition, certain medication use, imbalances and deficiencies.
2. Some probiotic brands can’t survive the acidic conditions of the stomach and never make it to the gut.
3. Fermented foods contain far greater abundance and diversity of beneficial bacteria- for instance, a study found sauerkraut had 28 different strains and 10 trillion bacteria and most other brands have roughly 1-12 different strains and 50 billion bacteria in one capsule.
4. Probiotic supplements contain specific strains of bacteria that have been scientifically indicated to benefit certain conditions
5. Fermented foods contain more nutrients and are usually accompanied by enzymes and other compounds that support the survival of bacteria and the absorption of nutrients
6. Probiotics can be expensive but are readily available if you don’t eat enough fermented foods, have access or are travelling
7. Some fermented foods contain prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria, creating greater benefits and supporting the survival and multiplication of beneficial bacteria.
As you can see, the answer is not as simple as you may think and both are important. Probiotics are necessary and can really support the body in many different circumstances and I will always have some handy especially if I feel like I need a boost but, I do believe we should try to get these beneficial bacteria from our foods as much as we can though and alongside prebiotics so that we don’t just plant our garden but start growing it. That’s when we will see the greatest benefits!
Allison xo
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