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Dear readers, Gut health has become the buzzword lately. You’ve probably walked past shelves of probiotic drinks, prebiotic powders, and maybe even stumbled upon something called a postbiotic. It all sounds science-y and important…but also a bit like homework. So what’s the deal with these “biotics,” and why are they suddenly everywhere, from your yoghurt label to your Instagram feed? We’ll start with your microbiome, which is basically the fancy word for the community of trillions (yes, trillions) of microorganisms that live in your gut. They work overtime to help you digest food, absorb nutrients, fend off illness, and keep your mood in check. But to do their job, they need the right support system. That’s where prebiotics and probiotics come in, and yes, they’re different. 
According to nutritionist Lovneet Batra, prebiotics are dietary fibres that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Think of them as the packed lunch your gut bugs crave. You’ll find these in everyday foods like garlic, onions, oats, bananas, apples, and flaxseeds. (Basically, all the good stuff your grandma probably told you to eat.) 👉 Healthy prebiotic foods to boost gut health 🔗 Then come probiotics, the actual live microorganisms themselves. These are the “good bacteria” that help balance your gut environment and fight off the bad guys. As Dr Eileen Canday, head of nutrition over at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, puts it, these “friendly” bacteria help us fight infections caused by ‘unfriendly’ ones. 
You’ll find probiotics in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha. Just remember, they’re not magic pills. While they can support digestion, they’re not a cure-all, especially if you’re dealing with a medical condition. So talk to your doc before going all-in on probiotic shots. 👉 Breaking down the benefits (and limits) of probiotics🔗 Now, just when you thought you had it all figured out, enter postbiotics. These are the non-living by-products left behind when probiotics feed on prebiotics (so, basically, it’s a cycle). As Umang Malhotra, clinical dietitian at Fitelo, explains, postbiotics include short-chain fatty acids, peptides, and other metabolites that can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and support your gut barrier. 
And the good news? You can eat your postbiotics. Think: sourdough bread, buttermilk, cottage cheese, tempeh, and fermented pickled veggies (not the vinegar-drenched kind but long-fermented stuff). 👉 Here are 5 easy postbiotic foods for your breakfast plate🔗 Until next time, Rishika Singh DISCLAIMER: The articles in this newletter are based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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