What about prebiotics and probiotics?

[Brenda]

These days it seems like we're seeing more and more products on grocery store shelves that include extra fiber, live cultures and "good bacteria"designed to improve gut health. Call me suspicious, but do we really need this extra "stuff" in our foods or this just another way for marketers to convince us to buy products?

If you're using products like yogurt with added enzymes, cereals with prebiotic fiber or other enhancements, I hope you'll share your experiences with these items.

[BuddhaChick]

Brenda,
We really do need these beneficial bacteria for optimum health. We can live without them, but science has proven that most, if not all, diseases begin in the gut. Prebiotics are foods feed the good bacteria so that they can multiply, and probiotics replace the good bacteria that is destroyed by antibiotics, alcohol, and the like. I use both. Also, probiotics eat carbs! So, if you want to help those carbs most of us like so well, probiotics is a plus.

Enzymes are also necessary because they help break down proteins, carbs and fats. They also help vitamins and minerals for better absorption. I try to incorporate raw foods (mainly salads) into my diet and vegetables, of course, are a good source of fiber. I use psyllium, Citrucel which comes from the indestible part of a plant, and I use inulin (Fiber one).

They all have their special benefits, but Citurcel is the best tasting. Fiber One is tasteless and can be stirred into drinks, soups, yogurt, etc. Fiber also helps to reduce cholestrol, fat, and removes toxins. Both fiber and pre/probiotics are a part of my daily routine. Both of these necessary supplements are a must for weightloss. And don't forget, fiber will fill you up giving you a sensation of fullness.

[Cedric Seay]

Absolutly BuddhaChick! Everything you said is correct. Approximatly 80% of all desease steams from an over abundance of bad bacteria in the guts. When people do get sick they take anti-biotics which kills the bad and good bacteria. Add to that fact that most americans eat primarilly processed and cooked foods which, in practice, creates enzyme deficiency. Most chronic illnesses can be prevented by eating raw foods that all contain the enzymes to help digest the nutrients within! Yes we need Enzymes, Pre-Biotic Fiber, and Probiotics!

-CeddeeBear