Good nutrition is important for proper gut microbiota and immune function. A healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle can support our immune system, whereas a poor diet can compromise the immune system, leading to greater susceptibility to infections.^1,2 Having a diverse diet consisting of a variety of foods will provide your body with the nutrients it needs for a healthy immune system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”³ In simple terms, probiotics are “good bugs” or “good microbes” that improve certain aspects of our health. 

Prebiotics are defined as “substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.”⁴ In other words, they are food for our gut microbiota.

Fermented foods are foods or beverages that are produced by controlled microbial growth.⁵ They include things like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso, to name a few!  

But did you know that not all fermented foods contain probiotics?

Fibre describes plant material that your body cannot digest or absorb. Unlike fats, proteins or carbohydrates which your body breaks down and absorbs, fibres pass through and remain relatively intact through your stomach, small intestine and colon on its way out of your body. In other words, fibre binds with your body’s waste products, helping it move through the proper channels!  There are two types of fibre, soluble and insoluble, and both have different benefits for our health.