We’ve all heard about probiotics—the reside microorganisms which can be important for balancing the intestine microbiome. We all know they’re essential for our total well being, not simply bodily, however emotionally and cognitively, too. However what about prebiotics? Are they the identical?
Because it seems, one little vowel could make all of the distinction. To seek out out extra about the advantages of prebiotics—and the place to search out them within the meals we eat—we chatted with nutritionist Jo Woodhurst, the formulator behind holistic wellness model Historical + Courageous. Right here’s what we came upon.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are the unsung heroes of intestine well being. They’re a kind of plant compound present in high-fiber meals that nourishes our helpful intestine micro organism. Consider prebiotics as a fertilizer for sustaining good intestine micro organism and supporting a wholesome intestine microbiome.
The advantages of prebiotics
Our intestine microbiome is a splendidly advanced ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, together with micro organism, viruses, and fungi which can be all particular person to every of us—and lots of of these microorganisms are important and helpful to our well being. Subsequently, it’s vital to keep up a balanced intestine microbiome, in order that the “good” microorganisms can preserve the others in test. Amongst different issues, preserving our intestine microbiome balanced helps us obtain optimum digestive well being, an environment friendly immune operate, glowing pores and skin, stage hormones, and psychological well-being.
Our our bodies can not digest or soak up prebiotics; they keep within the intestine to feed the microorganisms. Some names of prebiotics are galactooligosaccharides (GOS), inulin, resistant starch, fructooligosaccharides, lactulose, and oligosaccharides—however don’t stress an excessive amount of if that looks like a mouthful to recollect.
The vital factor to know is that prebiotic fiber feeds the helpful micro organism and permits them to thrive. Via a fermentation course of, these micro organism produce useful substances—referred to as postbiotics—like butyrate. Pre-, pro-, and postbiotics work on a continuum to maintain our our bodies wholesome: prebiotics feed probiotics which in flip produce postbiotics. And, in case you have been questioning, postbiotics additionally exert many advantages—together with sustaining a wholesome immune system, decreasing irritation, and reducing blood sugar; in addition they present important gasoline for the intestine lining.
What’s the distinction between probiotics and prebiotics?
Prebiotics and probiotics are each important for intestine well being, however they play completely different roles:
