What can prebiotics and probiotics do to help you get healthier? Continue reading.
Now we know that our microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While some of these microorganisms are vital to our overall health, others can cause disease.
Research has shown that an imbalanced microbiome can lead to many health conditions. This is not just a problem for our gut health, but also can cause problems in other areas of the body.
This has led to increased interest and demand for probiotics/prebiotics due to the many health benefits they offer. You may already be taking prebiotics or probiotics, but you can improve your gut health by taking them both together.
Here are the facts about prebiotics and probiotics.
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
To understand how probiotics and prebiotics work together, it is important to first distinguish the two.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to their host. There are many probiotic strains, but the most common ones used in supplements come from the Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium genera.
Probiotics are naturally present in the body, but they can be depleted by lifestyle choices, medication use, or poor diet. An imbalance in our microbiome can lead to certain health conditions.
Probiotics can be taken either as food or supplements to maintain a healthy amount of gut bacteria. Probiotics not only improve digestion but also aid in weight management, nervous system, cardiovascular system, autoimmune issues, inflammation and weight problems.
We don’t know all about probiotics. However, there are studies that attribute these health benefits to certain mechanisms of action.
- Probiotics decrease intestinal permeability through strengthening intestinal epithelial cell.
- Probiotics stick to the intestinal tract, and inhibit the growth of pathogens.
- Prebiotics remove toxins from our bodies and the foods we eat.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that are not digestible and can be found in vegetables and fruits such as artichoke and barley. You can also take it as a supplement.
Prebiotics offer the same health benefits of probiotics but have a different mechanism of action. Prebiotics are designed to fuel the microbiota. Prebiotics are useful in stimulating the growth and functioning of healthy gut bacteria.
Prebiotics can be used to enhance the probiotics’ effectiveness.
Are Prebiotics and Probiotics compatible?
Synbiotics are mixtures of prebiotics and probiotics. Because they work together to create a synergistic effect. Even though prebiotics and probiotics can be beneficial by themselves, they are even more effective when taken together.
Prebiotics can be used to increase probiotic survival, which, in turn, enhances probiotics’ ability balance your gut microbiome.
This is why it’s important. This is because probiotics may not work. Here are some reasons you might not be seeing results from probiotics.
- Stomach acids – Probiotics can be harmed by stomach acid.
- Gut acid – A lack of gut acids can increase the growth of pathogenic microbes. This makes it more difficult for probiotic bacterias to colonize and implant the microbiome.
- Too few probiotics – Your probiotic may not be as powerful, so the good bacteria will die before reaching the large intestine.
Prebiotics are believed to facilitate probiotics’ safe passage through the intestine.
Synergistic effects are also believed to create byproducts that provide a more favorable environment for probiotics to thrive. Prebiotics can increase probiotics’ tolerance for inhospitable environments.
Although there is much more to be learned about synbiotics than we know, the results of existing research are very encouraging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Prebiotics and Probiotics
What do Prebiotics and Probiotics do?
Prebiotics as well as probiotics are essential for maintaining good gut health. Probiotics work by increasing good bacteria in the gut. This is essential for maintaining healthy microbiomes. Prebiotics on the other side have a more indirect mechanism. They are fuel for probiotics, ensuring that they reach the gut and attach to intestinal walls.
Is it okay to take Probiotics and Prebiotics together?
Prebiotics and probiotics work together to increase the good bacteria’s ability to keep your gut healthy.
When should I take prebiotics or probiotics?
Prebiotics or probiotics can also be taken at any time. If you want to get the best results, however, we recommend that you take them at night. Because your body is done with digestion, it can now focus on healing itself during sleep.
What happens when you start taking prebiotics?
Prebiotics and probiotics can help you feel better, which could include a stronger immune system and better digestion.
Prebiotics for Whom Should I Take?
Prebiotics are available for anyone who wishes to increase the effectiveness of their probiotics. Prebiotics are not right for everyone. It is best to speak with your doctor if you have been diagnosed as having a digestive disorder.
Prebiotics: When should you not take them?
For those with small intestinal bacterial growth (SIBO), prebiotics should not be used. Prebiotics may cause constipation, gas, and bloating in those with FODMAP intolerance.
For optimal gut health, probiotics and prebiotics are recommended
A wide range of health conditions can be caused by an imbalance in the microbiome of your gut. It is important to take care of your gut health. Although it is possible to only take probiotics or prebiotics there are compelling reasons for you to take both.
These two factors have been shown to increase probiotic survival in the body, according to studies. This will give you a better chance of achieving optimal gut health.
It’s easy to take with prebiotic and probiotic blends.
