Let's talk about prebiotics
If you regularly follow our blog, you are certainly already familiar with probiotics, their useful properties and the need for intake during various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
The time has come to talk about another topic and to shed light on frequently asked questions related to it, namely what is a prebiotic?
No, you have not read wrong, in addition to probiotics, there are so-called prebiotics - these are nutrients needed to nourish the "beneficial" bacteria in the digestive tract, namely our already well-known probiotics.
These are products derived from carbohydrates, indigestible fiber. Unlike any other component of the diet, prebiotics are the only ones that are not absorbed in the digestive system. The prebiotic must be resistant to the action of stomach acids, bile salts and other hydrolyzing enzymes in the intestine.
While probiotics have to compete with bacteria that already inhabit our gut, prebiotics have the advantage of targeting bacteria that are already present in the gut. This makes prebiotics in some ways a more effective and practical way to manipulate the intestinal microbiota. However, if for some reason the target bacteria are absent from the gut, whether due to disease, aging or antibiotic therapy, then only prebiotics are unlikely to be effective, at least in the short term. For this reason, synbiotics, a combination of prebiotic and probiotic, can be beneficial with their synergistic action. The rationale for their use is that the prebiotic enhances the growth of the probiotic component in the gut, giving it a competitive advantage, while stimulating the growth and metabolism of indigenous microorganisms.
As a result of the absorption of prebiotics by intestinal bacteria is the production of important metabolites (so-called short chain fatty acids), which are a major source of energy for the epithelial cells of the colon.
How can we get prebiotics?
If you want to get prebiotics naturally, then it is desirable to consume foods such as:
• Garlic, onion and leek
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Apples
• Barley
• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Chicory root
• Jerusalem artichoke
• And many others
It is desirable to consume these foods raw rather than cooked, as some of the fiber in these foods changes during cooking.
Prebiotics are also available in a synthesized form, and it is good for both the probiotic and the prebiotic to do research and choose the most suitable product for you.
They are taken with food or in the form of a food supplement.
Benefits of taking prebiotics
Like the probiotic, the prebiotic has its beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract:
• Reduces the inflammatory process in the intestine in various health disorders;
• Improves intestinal peristalsis;
• Relieves constipation, but also significantly reduces the risk of its occurrence;
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer;
• Contributes to higher absorption of minerals from food;
• Acts positively as prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• Stimulates the growth and development of beneficial bacteria in the gut;
• Improves the absorption of vital minerals such as calcium and magnesium;
Follow our blog on our website or in our social profiles. Expect more useful and interesting information about the health of the gastrointestinal tract and how to take the most optimal care of the stomach - tips, facts, recipes and more.
Back
The time has come to talk about another topic and to shed light on frequently asked questions related to it, namely what is a prebiotic?
No, you have not read wrong, in addition to probiotics, there are so-called prebiotics - these are nutrients needed to nourish the "beneficial" bacteria in the digestive tract, namely our already well-known probiotics.
These are products derived from carbohydrates, indigestible fiber. Unlike any other component of the diet, prebiotics are the only ones that are not absorbed in the digestive system. The prebiotic must be resistant to the action of stomach acids, bile salts and other hydrolyzing enzymes in the intestine.
While probiotics have to compete with bacteria that already inhabit our gut, prebiotics have the advantage of targeting bacteria that are already present in the gut. This makes prebiotics in some ways a more effective and practical way to manipulate the intestinal microbiota. However, if for some reason the target bacteria are absent from the gut, whether due to disease, aging or antibiotic therapy, then only prebiotics are unlikely to be effective, at least in the short term. For this reason, synbiotics, a combination of prebiotic and probiotic, can be beneficial with their synergistic action. The rationale for their use is that the prebiotic enhances the growth of the probiotic component in the gut, giving it a competitive advantage, while stimulating the growth and metabolism of indigenous microorganisms.
As a result of the absorption of prebiotics by intestinal bacteria is the production of important metabolites (so-called short chain fatty acids), which are a major source of energy for the epithelial cells of the colon.
How can we get prebiotics?
If you want to get prebiotics naturally, then it is desirable to consume foods such as:
• Garlic, onion and leek
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Apples
• Barley
• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Chicory root
• Jerusalem artichoke
• And many others
It is desirable to consume these foods raw rather than cooked, as some of the fiber in these foods changes during cooking.
Prebiotics are also available in a synthesized form, and it is good for both the probiotic and the prebiotic to do research and choose the most suitable product for you.
They are taken with food or in the form of a food supplement.
Benefits of taking prebiotics
Like the probiotic, the prebiotic has its beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract:
• Reduces the inflammatory process in the intestine in various health disorders;
• Improves intestinal peristalsis;
• Relieves constipation, but also significantly reduces the risk of its occurrence;
• Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer;
• Contributes to higher absorption of minerals from food;
• Acts positively as prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• Stimulates the growth and development of beneficial bacteria in the gut;
• Improves the absorption of vital minerals such as calcium and magnesium;
Follow our blog on our website or in our social profiles. Expect more useful and interesting information about the health of the gastrointestinal tract and how to take the most optimal care of the stomach - tips, facts, recipes and more.
Back