Everything You Need To Know About Prebiotics, According To A Doctor

Probiotics have been getting a lot of glory over the past few years for supporting digestive health, and they certainly deserve it. As a medical doctor, I'm a big fan of probiotics to aid the gut because they work to restore friendly flora, while outcompeting1 nasty pathogens like unfavorable bacteria, yeast, and parasites.

Prebiotics are essentially compounds that feed on the friendly bacteria in the gut. These probiotic "backups" aren't digested or absorbed in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract; instead, they bypass your small intestine and head straight for your colon, where they promote a healthy gut environment.

Studies have shown that inulin, oligofructose, oligosaccharides, lactulose, and resistant starch meet all aspects of the definition of prebiotics3, according to a review of research published in Nutrients. But in supplements, the most common form of prebiotics is generally via fibers, especially chicory root fiber (inulin). These powder supplements can be used to deliver therapeutic amounts of prebiotics. Try adding them to your smoothies or bowl of oatmeal for an extra dose of prebiotic benefits.

Some supplements even combine probiotics with prebiotics, if you're looking for a double dose of benefits. In my own practice, I use prebiotics and probiotics in tandem to aid the gut.

While supplements are convenient and the best way to know how many prebiotics you're getting, you can also up your prebiotics count with food. Raw chicory root is your best bet: Prebiotics compose about 65 percent of its total weight. Raw Jerusalem artichoke ranks second, with about 32 percent of total weight as prebiotics. Other prebiotic foods include dandelion greens, whole grain breads, avocado, peas, apple cider vinegar, potato skins, and allium vegetables (like onions, garlic, and scallions).

One way to incorporate prebiotics is through a nutritious salad with raw dandelion greens—about a quarter of its weight is prebiotics, and it also supports liver and kidney detoxification. Bonus points for adding prebiotic-fiber-loaded chickpeas. To optimize gut health, incorporate soluble-fiber foods in the salad like apples, lentils, ground flaxseeds, and nuts, which slow digestion and steady your blood-sugar response.

Makes 4 cups

* Water kefir grains can be found in natural-food stores or online at Amazon. With proper care, the culture can be used indefinitely to create probiotic-rich kefir. Your grains will not grow as quickly in coconut water as they will in a nice bath of nutrient-rich sugar. Refresh and reactivate the kefir grains in sugar water (1⁄4 cup sugar in 4 cups water) for 24 to 48 hours between batches of Coconut Water Kefir. The sugar water will keep the grains healthy for the long term.