Foods that contain soluble fibre that assist in maintaining the gut microbiome are known as?

Foods that contain soluble fiber that assist in maintaining the gut microbiome are referred to as prebiotics. Prebiotics are specific types of dietary fiber that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. By providing a source of food for these bacteria, prebiotics promote a healthy balance of the gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion, immune function, and overall health.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This characteristic is essential for prebiotics as it helps to nourish the probiotics, which are the live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. By consuming prebiotic-rich foods, individuals can support the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing gastrointestinal health and improving various metabolic processes.

In contrast, probiotics refer to the live microorganisms themselves, antioxidants are substances that combat oxidative stress in the body, and fermentables are a broader category that includes both prebiotics and certain types of carbohydrates that can be fermented by gut bacteria but do not specifically denote those that primarily serve to nourish beneficial gut bacteria like prebiotics do. This distinction highlights the specific role that prebiotics play in supporting gut health through interaction with the microbiome.