Why Sourdough is good for your gut
Sourdough bread isn’t just delicious, it’s great for your gut too! Thanks to the natural fermentation process, sourdough is full of prebiotics, the fibre that feeds the friendly bacteria in your digestive system. But for optimal gut health, we also need probiotics. Let’s explore the difference between the two and how to create a gut-healthy meal with sourdough.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference?
Both are essential for gut health, but they serve different roles:
- Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria found in foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kefir. They help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Prebiotics: Fibre found in foods like sourdough, beans, onions, garlic, and bananas. They feed the good bacteria, helping them thrive and support digestion.
Think of probiotics as the seeds and prebiotics as the soil and water. You need both for a thriving gut!
Why Sourdough is a Prebiotic, Not a Probiotic
Sourdough ferments with wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which aids digestion and supports gut health. However, sourdough lacks the live beneficial bacteria that probiotics provide. Instead, it provides prebiotic fibre that nourishes the good bacteria in your gut.
Pair Sourdough with Probiotics for Maximum Gut Health
To get the best of both worlds, team sourdough with probiotic-rich foods. Here are some tasty combinations (Click on the recipe name to view the full recipe) :
- Grilled Cheese Kimchi on Toast – This might sound strange but believe us this is a fab gut-friendly snack and seriously delicious.
- Glazed Miso Mushrooms on toast – Miso paste and tamari have a rich umami taste and are a source of probiotics. Perfect to pair with sourdough.
- Sourdough with Sauerkraut & Hummus – Sauerkraut provides probiotics, while hummus gives you fibre, making them a perfect match for your prebiotic-rich sourdough.
- Salt Beef Sandwich with pickles – Pairing probiotic pickles with sourdough is great for your gut.
- Custard yogurt toast – Whisk together yogurt and egg (with some added sugar if preferred) and add on top of bread with any fruit of choice. Surprisingly tasty – it’s viral on TikTok for a reason!
Why You Need Both Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics help boost the number of good bacteria in your gut, but they need prebiotics to survive and thrive. Without fiber, your gut bacteria won’t have the fuel they need. Eating a diet rich in both prebiotics and probiotics promotes better digestion, a stronger immune system, and overall well-being.
The Final Crumb
Sourdough is a fantastic prebiotic food, but don’t stop there! Pair it with probiotic-rich foods for a gut-healthy feast. Next time you grab a slice, think about the perfect probiotic topping to complement your prebiotic bread. Your gut will thank you!
