The DASH Diet Mediterranean Solution: The Best Eating Plan to Control Your Weight and Improve Your Health for Life (A DASH Diet Book)

by Marla Heller

Prebiotics and Probiotics Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. They include fermentable fiber (most types of soluble fiber) and supplements such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS). A high-sugar or high-starch diet promotes the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Prebiotics help support the development of a healthier mix of bacteria to reverse the problem. Probiotics are beneficial organisms, such as the Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus microbes in yogurt and the Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus in acidophilus milk (milk fermented with these bacteria), each of which can help develop a healthy mix of intestinal bacteria. Beneficial bacteria can also be obtained through probiotic supplements.