Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

If I look at my own diet – which as you already know from my previous Shareposts I’ve refined by keeping a food diary and participating in an Elimination diet – I already eat many of the foods listed above under Prebiotic sources. I also eat natural, organic yogurt with live and active Probiotic cultures, and take a Probiotic supplement that includes at least 10 million active cultures. So, I’d have to say it seems I am pretty well set in keep my “good” and “bad” gut bacteria in a symbiotic relationship. However, don’t forget that if you must take an antibiotic to fight a bacterial infection you will need to be even more vigilant about keeping up your Prebiotic and Probiotic levels as antibiotics are notorious for killing off “good” bacteria and allowing the “bad” bacteria to take over gut flora, which could lead many IBDers to have more gut problems. 

Elizabeth is the author of, Living with IBD & IBS: A Personal Journey of Success - www.ibdandibs.com