More and more people are asking us about the health and weight loss benefits of inulin and prebiotics after the recent program How to Stay Young, aired on ABC tv a few months ago.
Inulin is type of prebiotic fibre found in a wide range of vegetables and herbs including chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, onions, leeks, dandelion root, dried lentils and chickpeas. Prebiotics are indigestible to us, but they are a like a banquet to beneficial bacteria.
Prebiotics, like inulin, pass through the small intestine undigested and ferment in the large intestine where they are converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), then healthy ketones, feeding colon cells. Well fed colon cells create a fortress of your gut wall making it less leaky to foreign microbes, strengthening your immune system.
It’s common sense, that when you take a probiotic with prebiotics It’s like sending the good guy bacteria down into your digestive tract with a lunchbox full of goodies to sustain them. According to Donna Gates of Body Ecology, once they reach their destination they are much more likely to to colonize in your intestines and start doing good work immediately. Such as assisting with digestion and absorption of your food, producing vitamins and other nutrients and training the immune system.
Probiotic Foods have the major benefit of containing not only beneficial bacteria, but also prebiotics that contain inulin along with nutrients all wrapped up together; certified organic, whole foods broken down via the fermentation process to release their cargo of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. That’s why we label all our range, Prebiotics and Probiotics, so you know your body benefits three ways!
“I am a HUGE fan of Probiotic Foods’ probiotic blends. My top three reasons for preferentially prescribing them over other probiotic supplements are: nutrients, probiotics and prebiotics.”
Nikki Fischer, Naturopath, Brunswick Heads Health Foods
The prebiotic inulin, has multiple health benefits, with research showing the possibility for:
• Promoting a sense of fullness and satiety, less hunger and weight loss
• Lowering cholesterol as it passes through the digestive tract
• Reducing risk of diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar
• Reducing colon cancer and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
• Improving constipation through it’s stool bulking action
• Improving bone health by better absorbing calcium
But be aware. If you struggle with fructose malabsorption and are following a low FODMAPS diet, inulin is a fructan. This means it is made up of chains of fructose molecules. If you are sensitive to fructose you may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea and pain after eating foods containing fructose.
At Probiotic Foods we have created a product to support people who may be fructose intolerant: Probiotic Foods for Gluten and Fructose Intolerant. It contains NO grains, NO fruits and NO dried peas and beans. People with autoimmune issues, candida and multiple food sensitivities can also benefit from following a low allergenic, low sugar diet.
“I’ve struggled with leaky gut syndrome and food sensitivities ever since I was born. After being referred to Probiotic Foods I’ve taken it and seen great results. After a week, I felt I had more energy and drive. After two weeks my food sensitivities practically disappeared and I was able to eat some gluten and dairy without punishing symptoms. I’m really impressed and I will keep taking Probiotic Foods as I suspect it’s healing my gut like nothing else I’ve ever tried.”
Tane Richardson, Graphic Designer, Kingscliff
Inulin and prebiotics, plus probiotics and a diet rich in whole unprocessed, unsweetened foods is a beautiful recipe for gut health. Throw in some of the the four K’s—kraut, kimchi, kombucha, or kefir—along with filtered and energised water, lots of love and laughter, and you have the foundation for extraordinary health.