Can you drink your way to a healthy gut?
Did you know that you have trillions of microscopic organisms living in your intestines? They make up your gut’s microbiome and help you digest food, process liver bile and boost your immune system, making these microorganisms an important part of your overall health.
Consuming enough prebiotics is one way to keep your microbiome healthy. Trendy supplemental forms, such as prebiotic soda, claim to help your gut health while satisfying the craving for carbonation – but do they work?
“Prebiotics are known to be beneficial for your health and gut microbiota,” explains Jill Prough, a dietitian at Advocate Health Care. “Without prebiotics, the healthy bacteria in your gut won’t have sufficient food, and you may lack a diverse, healthy gut microbiome.”
While prebiotic soda can help you get extra prebiotics to feed your gut bacteria, Prough notes that whole foods containing prebiotics should be prioritized as they are the superior source.
Foods with naturally occurring prebiotics include:
- Whole grains
- Bananas
- Greens
- Garlic
- Onions
- Beans
Prough says the fizzy drink can be a healthier alternative to traditional sodas because they contain fiber and less added sugar, but she recommends checking the nutrition label for exact contents.
She also adds that taking too many prebiotics can lead to unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal pain or gas.
Overall, Prough recommends eating a diverse diet rich in fiber-containing foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables to best support your gut health.
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