Increasingly, consumers are seeking products that combine probiotics and fiber for improved digestive health.

Choosing the right product is crucial, says Kim Phillips, director of research and development at ADM/Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, Kennesaw, Ga. “In addition to a well-researched probiotic, the formulation of a product is key. It is important to consider the other ingredients that may interfere with the effects of the probiotics.”

The combination of probiotic fiber and probiotics can make a big difference in your gut’s microbiome. The probiotics feed the bacteria in your intestines, which helps regulate your digestion and improve your immune system.

Probiotics and prebiotics are both vital to your body’s overall health. However, many dietary components can throw off the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

Gut-Healing Power: The Benefits of Probiotic Fiber

A high-fiber diet is one of the best ways to keep your gastrointestinal microbiome healthy, so it’s important to eat plenty of whole plant foods that contain both fiber and prebiotics. This includes lentils, legumes, chia seeds and whole grains.

In fact, a high-fiber diet has been linked to fewer gut infections and improved cholesterol levels. Additionally, supplementing with prebiotics — foods that produce short-chain fatty acids — can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Soluble fibers like oat bran and pectin form a gel-like substance that binds to dietary fats, sugars and cholesterol as they pass through your digestive tract. They also help expedite the exit of unwanted items, including bile salts and toxins.