October 7, 2023

Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Sac Bou!

Another confusing topic.


These days, in the world of natural health, information abounds regarding the importance of the...


MICROBIOME


We know it's important, but what exactly is it, and what can I do to make sure mine is, well, doing whatever it is supposed to be doing?


Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is


PROBIOTICS


But then, more recently, lots of talk about


PREBIOTICS


What's the difference?


Do I need them?


If so, how can I include them in my daily diet and health regimen?


Then, I'd like to highlight a very interesting and unique probiotic


Saccharomyces boulardii, which I have nicknamed


"SAC BOU!"


Today I am traveling, so on Thursday, October 5, I prerecorded my Zoom webinar on this topic. Please tune in whenever convenient!

For previous newsletters and podcasts, go HERE.


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What is The Microbiome?

Picture a bustling city on a weekday morning, the sidewalks flooded with people rushing to get to work or to appointments. Now imagine this at a microscopic level and you have an idea of what the microbiome looks like inside our bodies, consisting of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species. These include not only bacteria but fungi, parasites, and viruses. In a healthy person, these “bugs” coexist peacefully, with the largest numbers found in the small and large intestines but also throughout the body. The microbiome is even labeled a supporting organ because it plays so many key roles in promoting the smooth daily operations of the human body. SEE SOURCE

The microbiome is made up of a collection of microorganisms that inhabit the alimentary canal. The microbiome functions best when there is a balance of both good and pathogenic bacteria. When the microbiome experiences an imbalance of microorganisms, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia may develop. An imbalance in the microbiome can occur because of overuse of antibiotics, which may cause an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast. A fully functioning microbiome may never develop in infants who are not born vaginally or who are not breastfed. SEE SOURCE

The Function of the Gut - The gut is considered to be the second brain as a large part of our mental health is dependent on how our gut functions. For example, the happy chemicals of the brain – serotonin, and dopamine are produced in the gut. Out of these 2, almost 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut and researches are pointing to almost 50% of dopamine to be also produced in the gut. These are responsible for a happy demeanor. SEE SOURCE

Prebiotics, Probiotics - What's the difference?

Good informational Page Explaining - Prevention Magazine
Learn More from Dr. Amy Myers

But what about "Sac Bou?"

Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been extensively studied for its potential benefits in digestive health. Let's explore what Saccharomyces Boulardii is and its origin and history.


Saccharomyces Boulardii is not just any ordinary yeast. It is a strain of yeast known as a probiotic, which means it provides health benefits when consumed. Unlike most other probiotics that are bacteria, Saccharomyces Boulardii is a yeast with similar benefits for the digestive system. When ingested, it can help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting better gut health.


I love "Sac Bou" because it does not interfere with the therapeutic action of antibiotics, so you can safely take them both together. It is THE probiotic to use whenever you take antibiotics.

Saccharomyces Boulardii for Gas, Bloating

Probiotic vs. Prebiotic Foods

The bacteria in the gut assists in many things including the breakdown of different kinds of food by secreting enzymes, provide support to the gut lining, fight infections and maintain the health of the gut, keeping a balance of good flora, produce neurotransmitters, prevents leaky gut and many more functions.

Find the Foods

25 Best Pre-Biotic Foods


For the good bacteria to thrive in the intestines, the prebiotics acts as food for these bacteria. The prebiotics helps the bacteria to grow and colonize the gut for strong health.

20 Probiotic Foods w/Good Bacteria


Probiotics are living organisms. They can be found in foods that have undergone fermentation. Fermentation is a chemical process in which a microorganism converts starches or sugars into an alcohol or an acid. LEARN MORE!

Overnight Oats Recipes

Did you know that cold oats are rich in prebiotics? It's true! This means when you enjoy these overnight oats your body gets what it needs to feed good bacteria (probiotics) as well as satisfy your taste buds.

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Citrus Overnight Oatmeal

Good news for carb lovers! Turn potatoes, rice, and pasta into prebiotic foods by cooking, then cooling

It might not seem like rice, potatoes, and pasta have many health benefits. But that's because when eaten fresh, their gut-helping properties haven't been unleashed yet.


Cooling these carbs in the fridge turns them into "resistant starches," a special type of dietary fiber with key health benefits.


When they're cooled, the starches in these foods are restructured in a process called "starch retrogradation." After this restructuring, the now-resistant starches become harder to digest — even if they're heated up again. This allows them to get to your large intestine where they can feed the bacteria housed there, supporting your gut health. LEARN MORE!

Chicory is a prebiotic...


Since learning that I have ordered this instant chicory beverage from Amazon and LOVE IT. In fact, I am sipping it right now as I type.


Chicory is most often used as a coffee substitute. Very similar flavor, hearty, and satisfying. An easy, delicious way to get your daily dose of prebiotics!

Flora Revive

A Combination Prebiotic + Probiotic

This product is from RnAReset, Dr. Carolyn Dean's company. She is the author of The Magnesium Miracle I talked about back in the summer. I like this product because it contains both pre- and probiotics, AND includes SAC BOU!!!


I would recommend this to anyone wanting to set their microbiome back in order. It would also be appropriate to use when undergoing antibiotic therapy. For that I also really like this SAC BOU supplement.

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