Prebiotics

Prebiotics nourish and support healthy probiotic bacteria.

What are Prebiotics & Their Benefits?

• Prebiotics are foods that restore, nourish, and promote healthy gut flora. 
• For a food ingredient to be classified as a prebiotic, it must resist digestion, be fermented by intestinal microorganisms, and stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria.
• The most effective ranking prebiotic nutrients are complex carbohydrate molecules.
• Prebiotics assist in digestion and absorption of vital nutrients.
• They can counter effects of aging on digestive tract: frontline immune defense
• Prebiotics can help with total-body immune system support
• A prebiotic is demonstrated to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar

Prebiotics vs Probiotics

Complementary: Prebiotics and probiotics work hand-in-hand to promote optimal digestive health. Prebiotics complement the action of probiotics. 

What is the difference? Prebiotics are non-digestible fermentable fibers that feed the growth and activity of probiotics. They are not produced in the body, but must come through intake. Your body cannot digest prebiotics, but your beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics) can. Probiotics are live microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that occur naturally in your gut, as well as in fermented foods and supplements. 

Prebiotic intake: Using a product can help in the maintenance of a healthy balance of gut bacteria by supporting healthy probiotic growth, promoting the beneficial bacteria already residing in the colon.

Probiotic intake: Supplements contain billions of these and other beneficial bacteria in living form. They are ingested and eventually deliver bacteria into the colon, where they increase in number and amplify their health-promoting effects.  

Read more about prebiotics here

References