Your gut is the home of trillions of bacteria that do much more than live out their days there. They form a complex ecosystem in which these bacteria participate in all natural bodily functions: they help digest food; even the immune system is under their promotion; they are also known to change a person’s mood.
Influenced by this microbiota, or population of microorganisms in our bodies (and other animals), the gut is sometimes called the “second brain.”
New research has begun to focus on prebiotics, a type of dietary fibre, and their relationship with gut bacteria, which brings health benefits. Let us examine the benefits of using prebiotics in your diet, as well as their sources and supplement options. Why you should get prebiotics from your diet and sources of supplementation.
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are plant fibres that feed your gut bacteria, so they can stay vigorous and healthy over time. These prebiotics occur naturally in certain starches from plants, grains, vegetable or fruit. They can be included as additives to dairy foods.
It should be taken with probiotics at the same time. This is a strategic choice because probiotics restrain the growth of harmful bacteria in one’s digestive tract, while the probiotic bacteria will then experience a substantial increase in their number and vitality. The more good gut bacteria you have, the fewer harmful bacteria there are for them to work against; fewer bad bacteria will be working against your body! This could cause gastrointestinal problems, headaches or migraines, or allergy-caused skin rashes or bumps.
Health Benefits of Prebiotics
Some of the main health benefits include:
Maintaining Gut Health
In laboratory experiments, the fermentation products that were synthesised from prebiotics can markedly improve the integrity of the gut barrier, whose task is to keep away waste and bacteria. In addition, prebiotics also maintain a balanced level of “good” gut microbiota, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Constipation Relief
Dysbiosis occurs when, instead of abundant good bacteria with very few pathogenic MOCRs, for example, you’re swamped by bad ones. Prebiotics can eliminate constipation by fermenting into beneficial bacteria, like bifidobacteria, which will give you relief soon enough. These bacteria also produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), whose derivatives are indispensable for our digestion and the expelling of waste from our body in excreta.
Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Prebiotics’ short-chain fatty acids can also help to lower cholesterol levels. Once they are absorbed into the body, these fatty acids are metabolised by the liver. This function may therefore be useful in treating hypertensive patients.
Enhances Weight Management
Prebiotics are believed to be helpful in weight management and preventing obesity. Several studies have shown that eating foods rich in prebiotics can lead to decreased body fat as well as greater sensations of fullness and satiety. That’s a key concept: short-chain fatty acids are good for blood and may be pent-up in the stomach lining or remain unabsorbed altogether.
As prebiotics are fermented within the intestinal tract, SCFAs are generated. These can suppress the output of hunger hormones, dividing hunger hormones from those signalling satiety, and so might help keep your weight down. This means that incorporating prebiotic foods into your diet could leave you feeling full longer than average, which could result in less food eaten and maybe even some pounds lost.
Regulating the Immune System
One study showed that infants who consumed prebiotic formulas had fewer infections requiring antibiotics and lower rates of allergy-type conditions than those on standard formulas. Nonetheless, infants swallow prebiotic supplements only as directed by their paediatrician and never without a preceding trial or ongoing professional oversight.
Increases in Calcium Absorption
Prebiotics also help us remove calcium. This is particularly beneficial for growing up and retaining a strong skeletal structure. When the gut flora ferments the prebiotics, this leads to a more acidic pH in the colon, making it easier to absorb minerals like calcium.
Common Sources of Prebiotics
Prebiotics are naturally found in low concentrations in a variety of foods. There are many more familiar food sources packed with prebiotics.
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Chicory
- Soybeans
- Tomatoes
- Wheat
- Rye
- Honey
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Seaweed
- Barley
- Cow’s milk
- Sugar beets
- Beans
- Onions
- Bananas
- Garlic
Supplement Options
Bimuno Australia
Bimuno is a popular prebiotic supplement in Australia. It contains galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which can promote digestive health by accelerating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The evidence shows that bimuno has been clinically proven to benefit gut health and physical well-being.
Organic Epsom Salts
Magnesium content helps moderate digestive health, though they are not directly providing prebitic. Magnesium helps break down food and use it for energy. Organic Epsom Salts is essential for several organs to function normally (e.g., proper muscle and nerve function). Magnesium can also relieve constipation and, therefore, help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Rosita Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil is another supplement that, while not a prebiotic, offers substantial health benefits. Rich in vitamins A, D and omega-3 fatty acids, it supports immune system function and reduces inflammation, among other aspects of general health. Indirect benefits to gut health include a stronger immune system and less inflammation.
Pomegranate Extract
High in polyphenols, which resemble prebiotic foods, is pomegranate extract. These two are excellent nutrients for the intestines; therefore, you should utilise them to combat your gut condition. Furthermore, pomegranate extract itself happens to have extremely strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to reduce inflamatism and harmful free radicals caused by oxydative stress.
Integrating Prebiotics into Your Diet
Dietary Tips
- Boost Fibre Intake: Include more foods high in fibre in your diet.
- Try Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Include a range of prebiotic-containing foods in your diet.
- Think About Supplements: Bimuno is a fantastic way to acquire your prebiotic intake if natural sources aren’t able to supply you enough.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help fibre work better in the digestive system.
Combining Prebiotics with Other Health Supplements
- With Probiotics: Combining prebiotics and probiotics can inspire gastronomics. This is known as a synbiotic.
- With Anti-inflammatory Supplements: Some supplements strengthen the effects of prebiotics.
- With Magnesium Sources: Organic Epsom salts provide the body with adequate magnesium, benefiting all of digestive health.
Conclusion
Prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy intestinal flora that is beneficial to overall health. Together with prebitoc-rich foods, the use of supplements like Bimuno can make a real contribution to digestive health. In addition, combining other nutritional and gut health supplements such as organic Epsom salts, Rosita Cool Liver Oil and Romero extract helps in all areas of a person’s well-being. By embracing these dietary components on a regular basis, chances are you will have a healthy and balanced digestive system.