is the core of our body’s immune function. But we are now learning, the gut is responsible for so much more.

So what constitutes a healthy gut? Two very important players are prebiotics and probiotics.
I have seen significant change in chronic and long term health conditions after working on the gut. Balancing good gut flora with both prebiotics and probiotics, because the two go hand in hand.

PREBIOTICS

• Are a special form of dietary fiber that acts as a fertilizer for the good bacteria in your gut
  
• Prebiotics nourish the good bacteria that already exist in our gut
  
• May be helpful for several chronic digestive disorders, IBS or inflammatory bowel disease
  

PROBIOTICS

• Are live microorganisms which assist in a healthy digestive tract and a healthy immune system
  
• Are also commonly known as friendly, good, or healthy bacteria
  
• Are beneficial forms of gut bacteria that help stimulate the natural digestive juices and enzymes that keep our digestive organs functioning properly
  
• There are hundreds of love probiotic species available
  
• Probiotic bacteria must be kept alive, kept at a constant temperature 
• Certain probiotic species have been shown to be helpful for specific conditions, such as allergies (hay fever, eczema), diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, candida overgrowth, immune function and for recurrence of certain bowel infections

Research supports the health benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, including a strengthened immune system, better-controlled weight and appetite, and improved bowel regularity. Recent studies have also found strong links between a healthy colonised gut and improved mental health.
Prebiotic fiber is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as the skin of apples, bananas, onions and garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, and beans.
Probiotics are found in yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, microalgae, miso, kim chi, tempeh and kombucha.

However, sometimes our bodies need a helping hand to achieve a healthy gut balance, and that’s where a qualified Naturopath/Clinical Nutritionist can assist. By testing and assessing your gut microbiome, a ReMed Naturopath/Clinical Nutritionist can work on your nutrition and prescribe specific and tailored prebiotic and probiotic supplementation where necessary.
To book an appointment with a qualified ReMed Naturopath/Clinical Nutritionist, phone 1300 1REMED or 1300 173 633 or book online