The apple has incredible probiotic power. It contains 100 million bacteria.
Moreover, its use will cost us several times less than buying probiotic supplements at the pharmacy.
However, it is not only apples that promote healthy gut flora. A diverse range of bacteria are found in other types of fruits and vegetables.
Apples contain fiber, and in particular a probiotic fiber called pectin, which feeds the “good” bacteria in your gut. But they also contain a lot of polyphenols, which have a prebiotic effect on our gut microbiome.
Large doses of probiotics may disrupt rather than enhance the stability and diversity of our gut microbiota. So only take probiotics if they help you treat a specific health problem.
These are situations where you suffer from bloating (for example, associated with irritable bowel syndrome). Forget about probiotics if you are healthy.
Probiotics or a varied diet: what is better for our digestion
The current probiotic supplement market is reminiscent of the "Wild West." There are many manufacturers who boast about the maximum effectiveness of their products without having the appropriate evidence for this. There is not enough information about the functioning of probiotics.
Some of them may contain several types of probiotic bacteria that have not been tested for interaction with each other.
When mixed, they can be counterproductive. In the case of other types of probiotics, the opposite effect can occur.
There may even be cognitive impairment or a condition in which the body paradoxically recovers more slowly from antibiotic treatment with probiotics.
You can never go wrong with an apple or any other fruit or vegetable.
Eat 30 different plant foods a week, including spices, herbs, legumes, and grains along with fruits and vegetables. Because fiber and polyphenols are beneficial for feeding the gut microbiome.
Earlier we reported on doctors in the Moscow region who provided assistance to a child who inhaled a piece of paper.
Expert: Elena Gutyro
