Tag: healthy digestion

Prebiotics: What You Should Know

Written by Dr. Masís

In a previous blog about probiotics, we discussed the top things you need to do about these special microbes (or tiny forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and fungi) that thrive in different parts of your body, particularly in your gut! To recap, probiotics are microbes that help support your intestinal microbial ecosystem and balance.1 So now that you know a little bit more about probiotics, you have no doubt also become aware of the term prebiotic and are probably thinking—yes there’s more to know than just probiotics! Prebiotics do differ from probiotics in many ways. Think of prebiotics as a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.Continue reading

Your Resident Microbes: Friends or Enemies?

Written by Dr. Diane E. Clayton
Believe it or not the average human contains 10 times more microbial cells than human cells. In fact our microbiome or our microbial “ecosystem” together with our DNA is what makes each of us unique. The only time we are microbe-free is during the 9 months we spend in the womb. During birth, after birth and during the first few years of life our resident microbes (comprising not just bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and protozoa) establish themselves in and on our body as a balanced and stable community, helping us grow and develop into healthy adults. Exactly how our resident microbes become established is determined both by our genetics and the environment we live in. So, when all goes well, we live in harmony with a stable community of microbes which confer upon us numerous health benefits.Continue reading