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Probiotics vs Prebiotics: What’s the Difference?
by Ultimate Sup Staff on December 10, 2021
You may get confused between probiotics vs prebiotics. In this article, we will solve this problem.
Nowadays, probiotics and prebiotics receive a lot of attention from the nutrition world. Despite their similarity in sound, these two terms have distinct effects. So what's the difference between probiotics vs prebiotics? Let's go over now!
TL;DR Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Prebiotics are fibers that the human body is unable to digest. Probiotics, which are microscopic live microorganisms that include bacteria and yeast, eat them. Both support the growth of beneficial bacteria and organisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
What Are Probiotics And Prebiotics?
Prebiotics and probiotics are both beneficial to human health. But, they do play distinct roles. Let's find out about probiotics vs prebiotics.
Probiotics are good bacteria. Why? Because they maintain your gut health by improving the microbial balance. In other words, these are living creatures. When given in enough amounts (for example, supplement pills) probiotics can benefit you. Taking a probiotic supplement is an effective way to get more beneficial bacteria.
Prebiotics are mostly nondigestible fibers that feed good bacteria. Prebiotics can be a “fertilizer” for probiotics. FOS, inulin, and flaxseed fiber are some examples of prebiotics. FOS stands for fructooligosaccharides. These are nondigestible, low-calorie carbohydrates found in plants. For instance, onion, chicory, garlic, asparagus, banana, and artichoke.
Inulins are a type of natural polysaccharide. You can find them in many plants. Also, they belong to the fructans family of dietary fibers. Chicory root or agave are common inulin sources. Besides, there is other well-known prebiotics. They are the fundamental oligosaccharides in human breast milk. They encourage beneficial bacteria growth in our gut microbiota, such as Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics: The Benefits
Prebiotics sustain and feed probiotics, but they have many other effects.
They boost gut wall health, support normal bowel function, and nourish the brain. Prebiotics also lower cholesterol, enhance calcium absorption, and manage blood sugar levels. They can even aid in weight loss.
A probiotic supplement aims at the restoration and maintenance of healthy gut microbiota. They then maintain the equilibrium of your entire system and support vital activities.
- Children have a 40% decreased chance of allergies and a stronger immune system. Especially those who start taking probiotics in their first year of life.
- Skin glows, mood raises.
- Adults can lose weight, lower their stress levels, and control their IBS symptoms.
- Women can prevent infections by improving their vaginal flora.
- Women can have better fertility and get simpler pregnancies.
- Probiotics promote the mother to transmit a strong immune system to a child after birth.
- Stress affects everyone, but males are particularly vulnerable to stress-related cardiac disease. Probiotics create serotonin, increase sleep quality, and protect against stress. They can also help with prostate health and testosterone levels.
- Probiotics may avoid Parkinson's disease and heal a leaky gut. They prevent brain inflammation and dementia, according to an ongoing study.
What are the Benefits of Gut Bacteria?
The gut bacteria, often known as the gut flora or gut microbiota, play many critical roles in the body. Having a well-balanced diet including probiotics & prebiotics keeps your gut microbiota healthy.
Gut bacteria are crucial in assisting your gut form in the womb. Researchers found that germ-free animals acquired deformed intestines. That bacterial byproducts control lymphoid organ development.
Gut bacteria then promote optimal gut function. Because they can maintain gut wall barriers. They interact with and even direct the immune system's function. Thus, they help your immune response to dangerous infections and viruses.
Interleukin is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It can be induced by Bifidobacterium infantis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in regulatory cells.
Other helpful bacteria may encourage T-helper cell growth. That leads to a low-grade inflammatory response. This response prepares the system to deal with invaders. Besides, these bacteria can boost the production of cytoprotective genes.
Our bacteria also protect us from Candida albicans, a common fungus. When Candida becomes out of control, it can be fatal. A healthy microbiome can prevent this. It restricts the fungi's capacity to cling to the gut walls. It inhibits fungi growth as well as colonization.
Candida may take control when the microbiota changes or is limited in number. That is why taking probiotics and prebiotics after antibiotic treatment is so crucial.
These are a few examples of how gut microbes interact with our bodies. And gut flora affects us and our health in a variety of indirect ways.
Do You Need Probiotics And Prebiotics?
The term "synbiotic" refers to a mix of probiotics and prebiotics. They can work together to boost health in a synergistic manner. According to several studies, adding prebiotics to probiotics improves their survivability. This means that you should combine probiotics with prebiotics. The probiotics will have a better chance to stay and develop in your gut. You should always take prebiotic fiber-rich meals as your probiotics.
So, if you want to improve your gut microbiome, a mix of probiotics and prebiotics is a good option.
Best Probiotic Supplement In Singapore
To enhance your health, you can take probiotics. A recent study in healthy adults stated the benefits of taking Bifidobacterium bifidum. For four weeks, the product boosted the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Besides, probiotics can promote better anti-aging by reducing inflammation when you get older.
So, taking the best probiotic supplements helps. In case you don't know any, have a look at LactoBif Probiotics from California Gold Nutrition.
Research showed this product benefits. Bacteria strains in Lactobif Probiotics formula could balance pH. Also, they can protect your gastrointestinal health. The Lactobif Probiotic Formula contains eight active probiotic strains (5 Lactobacilli & 3 Bifidobacteria) of MenFIT from Danisco. You can strengthen the immune response, especially natural immunity. Your body's tolerance to lactose can become better. You may avoid bloating, indigestion when absorbing foods containing high lactose amounts. The product can deliver essential substances such as folic acid, niacin, and vitamins.
The article has explained the difference between probiotics vs prebiotics. If you need any further support, please feel free to contact Ultimate Sup Singapore. Or, comment below and we'll help you.
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