By now many of you have heard about the remarkable health benefits of probiotics. In fact, the good-for-you bacteria seem to be making headlines everywhere these days—especially as we head into another cold and flu season. And as awareness increases about just how good probiotics are for optimal digestion and immunity, there’s another “p” word you might be wondering about: prebiotics.

In technical terms, prebiotics are often defined as “non-digestible food ingredients” that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. So what does that mean? Quite simply, prebiotics are a food source for probiotics. So as they travel through the digestive system, they nourish all those good bacteria along the way and help them grow and multiply. The result? More good bacteria in the gut, which means better digestion and a stronger natural defense system.

So where do prebiotics come from? Well, mostly from soluble fiber sources such as oats, legumes, flax and almonds—and that’s where the “non-digestible” part comes into play. Dietary fiber—including both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber—really just refers to the parts of plant foods that our bodies are unable to digest and absorb, which is why it’s sometimes called “roughage”. Because prebiotics are not digested, they remain in the digestive tract where they can do their job of feeding their probiotic partners.

In addition to obtaining prebiotics through the diet, nowadays many probiotic supplements will actually include prebiotics to help you get the benefit of this dynamic duo (i.e. probiotics and prebiotics). For example, you may see something called FOS on the label. Short for fructooligosaccharide, FOS is extracted from soluble fiber foods such as chicory root and will help to feed and stimulate the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

So there you have it! Two powerful “p” words that can go a long way toward better digestion and a stronger natural immune system—talk about a winning combination!

Prebiotic Food Sources:

• Almonds
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Barley
• Berries
• Chicory Root
• Flax
• Garlic
• Honey
• Leeks
• Legumes
• Oats
• Onions
• Soybeans
• Wheat
• Whole Grains

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We do our best to safeguard our kids from sniffles and sneezes, but what about a constipated colon? Constipation among children is more common than you might think, and most of the time the causes are the same as those for adults—things like eating too little fiber, not drinking enough fluids, taking certain medications, a change in daily routine, or simply not setting aside enough time to go to the bathroom.

Teaching kids early about the importance of good bowel health is the first step toward helping prevent occasional constipation, and it begins with making sure they eat plenty of fiber. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps to strengthen the colon muscles to ensure healthy bowel movements. It also helps absorb and eliminate harmful toxins in the gut. For picky eaters, a natural fiber supplement may be the best option.

In addition to eating more fiber, a diet rich in Omega oils can help keep the colon lubricated to ease elimination and avoid straining. A daily probiotic is also recommended to maintain a healthy bacteria balance in the intestines and promote regular, healthy bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential for keeping stools hydrated and thus easier to pass. Finally, make sure kids know the importance of good bowel health, and encourage them to take their time on the toilet and avoid straining or pushing.

When constipation does strike, a natural herbal laxative made with traditionally used ingredients such as flax fiber, fig, prune and peach leaf can help get things moving again and ease abdominal discomfort. Probiotics may also be included for additional bowel support.

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