Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian-nutritionist and MegaFood Brand Ambassador, with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition.
Your gut health plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. As a dietitian, I often describe the gut as your body’s “second brain” because it does so much more than just manage digestion. It communicates with your immune system, regulates energy levels, and even influences your mood and mental clarity.
To support a thriving gut, incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into your diet is key. Prebiotics, found in foods like slightly underripe bananas, onions, whole grains, and supplements, serve as nourishment for the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics, on the other hand, introduce beneficial bacteria and can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and probiotic supplements. Together, these components nurture a balanced and resilient gut, which is essential for long-term health. (1)
What is a Probiotic, and What Does It Do?
Put simply, probiotics are live microorganisms—helpful bacteria—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Inside your gut, there’s a bustling ecosystem of bacteria, often referred to as your gut microbiota. Probiotics work by introducing friendly bacteria that support this ecosystem, keeping harmful bacteria in check. By restoring gut balance, probiotics help improve digestion, support a strong immune system, and even promote regularity.(2)
What Time of Day Should You Take a Probiotic?
When it comes to taking probiotics, timing matters. Experts often recommend taking probiotics with a meal with fat, as the food helps buffer the stomach acids and ensures the bacteria reach your gut more effectively, and the fat helps promote bacterial survival.(3) Many people take their probiotic supplement with breakfast or dinner for this reason. What’s even more important than timing, though, is consistency. Taking your probiotic each day helps you build a routine that supports long-term gut health.
Timing of taking enteric-coated probiotic supplements may not be as important to consider, as they don’t appear to be as sensitive to stomach acid as other probiotic supplement choices.(3)
What to Look for in a Probiotic
Not all probiotics are created equal, so knowing what to look for can help you pick a high-quality supplement. First, consider the variety of strains included—different strains serve different purposes, so a diverse mix is ideal. Look for products that clearly list the strains and ensure they’ve been tested for safety and potency. Trusted, reputable brands like MegaFood carefully formulate their products and test them for over 150 pesticides, providing peace of mind about what you’re putting into your body.
Understanding Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
While probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut, prebiotics are the food that fuels them. Prebiotics are typically high-fiber compounds that pass through your digestive system without being broken down, feeding the good bacteria that already live there.(1) Together, prebiotics and probiotics form a synergistic relationship—essentially a two-part system for a healthy gut. You can find prebiotics naturally in foods like garlic, bananas, onions, and asparagus and probiotics in foods like yogurt, miso, and kimchi or as supplements like MegaFood probiotics.
Why You Need a Daily Probiotic
Adding a daily probiotic to your routine may offer many potential benefits, depending on which probiotic supplement you choose. Improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and enhanced immune function are just a few of the potential perks. Probiotics may also help maintain gut balance during situations like stress, illness, or after taking antibiotics. Plus, there’s a lot of misinformation out there—probiotics aren’t just for people with gut issues; they’re valuable for everyone. A daily probiotic may support your long-term health, no matter your starting point.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive Enzymes have recently become popular for those looking to support their gut health – but what are they? Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down the nutrients in your food for better absorption and easier digestion.† MegaFood recently launched a fantastic Dual-Action Digestive Enzyme capsule, made with a clinically studied five enzyme blend.
- Amylase: Breaks down starches†
- Protease: Breaks down proteins†
- Lipase: Breaks down fats†
- Cellulase: Breaks down plant fibers†
- Lactase: Breaks down lactose in dairy†
This is a great one to add to your routine if you struggle with indigestion or heartburn or are just looking to get more out of the nutrients in your food!†
Closing Thoughts
Supporting your gut health doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about balance. By combining probiotics to introduce healthy bacteria with prebiotics to nourish them, you can build a sustainable routine that promotes whole-body health. MegaFood’s new Digestive Enzymes are also a great compliment to a healthy diet and probiotic routine Take the first step toward better gut health today and consider talking to your healthcare provider about adding probiotics to your wellness routine. Your gut will thank you!
References:
(1) Quigley EMM. Prebiotics and Probiotics in Digestive Health. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Jan;17(2):333-344. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.09.028. Epub 2018 Sep 26. PMID: 30267869.
(2) Bodke H, Jogdand S. Role of Probiotics in Human Health. Cureus. 2022 Nov 9;14(11):e31313. doi: 10.7759/cureus.31313.
(3) Tompkins TA, Mainville I, Arcand Y. The impact of meals on a probiotic during transit through a model of the human upper gastrointestinal tract. Benef Microbes. 2011 Dec 1;2(4):295-303. doi: 10.3920/BM2011.0022.