There is much talk about the apparent benefits of probiotics and prebiotics and a lucrative industry built around them. There are definitely some good supplements available, but a lot are pretty pointless

Prebiotics occur naturally in foods and of the many probiotics that claim to improve your gut health they actually don’t as they do not get past the stomach. So it is a good idea to really understand what the difference is between the two and how you can obtain them naturally in your diet.

One of the reasons gut health has been in decline is due to pasteurisation that kills off the enzymes required to breakdown the food we consume. This is why it is often useful t use the correct digestive enzyme for the food you are consuming if you have an issue.

Really good sauerkraut (salt less) will keep your gut health in tip top shape.
Sauerkraut, Kimchi and similar foods have naturally fermented compounds that benefit the flora in our digestive tract and help bowel flora feed and thrive.

Having good gut health is very important for detoxification and our overall immune health. The process of fermentation also makes these foods excellent sources of B vitamins and Vitamin K2. By adding fermented foods gradually you will avoid the less desirable side effects such as bloating and gas but this doesn’t affect everyone.
Try this simple recipe to make your own prebiotic wonder food.

Cabbage Kimchee (Korean Pickles)

1 Head of cabbage, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 pound white radish, cut into half moons
5 cups of water
2 tablespoons of Celtic sea salt
2 tablespoons of ginger, minced
1 clove of garlic
1 onion diced
½ teaspoon of cayenne or turmeric (spice of your choice)

In a large bowl combine water, 1 ½ tablespoons of Celtic sea salt, cabbage, radish and set aside for 12 hours.
Remove cabbage and radish from liquid and combine with ginger, garlic, onion, cayenne and remaining salt.
Put in a sterilised glass jar and pour on soaked liquid used previously up to 1 inch from the top.
Cover loosely with a clean cloth and set aside for 3 to 7 days. 1 cup serves 6 – 8 people.

Delicious and your gut will love it. I add a little spoonful to my meals. Enjoy.

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