Our body is home to several strains of bacteria, and fungi. It’s not that all of these microbes are harmful. Most of these microbes are found in our digestive tract, creating the gut microbiome. Some of the microbes like prebiotic and probiotic bacteria actually aid metabolic processes and are vital to keep us healthy. Probiotic and prebiotic foods are highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists to improve the population of these healthy microbial populations.
Consuming Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements
Most nutritionists suggest that you should consume probiotic and prebiotic supplements together. Even with the best probiotic supplements, the microbes used are very mild. They usually do not survive until they reach the digestive tract, rendering the supplement useless. However, when you combine prebiotic and probiotic capsules, they have some nourishment, which improves their chances of surviving all the way.
Benefits of Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are strains of beneficial bacteria that are commonly found in fermented foods or nutritional supplements. Let us take a look at how probiotic supplements help us.
Prebiotics are present in fibre-rich foods that act as food for probiotics. Consuming both prebiotics and probiotics in the recommended quantity each day is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.
Following that, we will understand the role of prebiotics in maintaining healthy colonies of these microbes.
1. Good Digestive Health
As mentioned before, a large part of the microbiome of the human body resides in the digestive tract. There are several factors like the consumption of antibiotics or the general diet and lifestyle that kill the population of these useful microbial strains. This is often followed by digestive issues like diarrhoea.
Studies have shown that consuming probiotic supplements can maintain the population of these helpful bacteria. These studies have also revealed that probiotics are very useful in preventing deadly diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis in infants.
It is important to maintain healthy gut microbiota because they help break down certain nutrients, especially fibre, which is too hard for the body to process. They are also responsible for the production of Vitamins K and B which are among the most important micronutrients for the body.
2. Better Mental Health
A paper published in 2017 showed that consuming probiotic supplements and food can help manage the symptoms of depression. Although the exact function of the microbiome is unknown, it can be attributed to the relationship between brain health and digestive health.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for keeping us feeling happy and relaxed, is produced in the gut. The microbes present in your digestive tract improve the production of this neurotransmitter. As a result, they are responsible for mental well-being. Probiotics are useful in maintaining healthy colonies of these microbes, keeping your brain healthy indirectly.
3. Improved Immune Strength
The microbes in your body have a very important role to play in the way your body responds to any infection. Normally, the first sign of infection is inflammation. The T-cells of your immune system spring into action and attack these inflamed sites. However, when this inflammation becomes chronic or persists even after the threat is eliminated, it results in a host of health issues.
The bacteria in our digestive system have a very important role to play in managing inflammation. They make sure that it is controlled and limited to infected sites. Therefore, consuming probiotic supplements improves your immune response and allows you to enjoy good health while keeping the cells and tissues protected.
4. Maintaining Heart Health & Sugar Levels
Probiotic supplements have also been known to boost heart health and prevent diabetes. This is because they increase the population of bacterial strains that are responsible for the metabolism of sugar and fat. As a result, the level of bad cholesterol in the body is reduced, preventing blockages in the arteries. They also help in breaking down sugars effectively to regulate their concentration in the blood.
5. Ideal for Weight Loss
Probiotic supplements are also known to benefit those who wish to lose weight. First, they help in the proper assimilation of foods and help you make the most of your diet. Second, there are certain strains of bacteria in the walls of the intestine that are known to regulate fat metabolism and storage in your body, helping you watch your weight.
Benefits of Prebiotic Supplements
Prebiotics are special plant fibres that are hard for the body to digest. However, they serve as fodder for the good bacteria in your body. Normally, if your diet is healthy and diverse, you may not need prebiotic supplements. The best natural sources of prebiotics are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which are high in fibre. Artichokes, bananas, and potatoes, in particular, serve as the best prebiotic foods.
However, if you are unable to consume these prebiotic foods due to dietary restrictions or preferences, using a supplement is a good idea. Prebiotics have not been studied as deeply as probiotics. However, there are some clear benefits of including prebiotic foods in your diet:
- Calcium absorption improves drastically.
- They help the body process carbohydrates faster, keeping you feeling energetic all day.
- They improve the strains of good bacteria in your gut, thereby boosting digestion, metabolic health and immunity.
Conclusion
While probiotics and prebiotics are good for your overall health, there may be side effects in some cases. There isn’t enough data about the safety of these supplements which makes it difficult to determine exactly how they affect you. However, for individuals suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease or any immunity-related issues, prebiotic and probiotic supplements may cause some adverse effects.The best option is to include as many natural prebiotic and probiotic food sources as possible. Pre and probiotics are also likely safe when consumed in the form of supplements by healthy individuals. However, if you think that you may be vulnerable to the side effects of prebiotic or probiotic supplements, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before consuming them.
