If you are like me you may be hearing about prebiotics or probiotics for the first time. They are not new to science or medicine and have been studied since the beginning of the 20th century. But they are big in the news and I decided I wanted to learn what they do for our bodies and where we get them, both in foods and nutritional supplements.
At the start of the 20th century, probiotics were thought to be live microorganisms or bacteria that can beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance, thus inhibiting pathogens and toxin producing bacteria. It is now accepted among nutrition scientists that so-called friendly bacteria account for 10-15 per cent of bacteria in a healthy adult gut which is home to some 400-500 types of microbes.
It was generally thought that when you eat probiotics, found in various foods, you will add these healthy bacteria to your intestinal tract. However in more recent years studies have shown that only highly resistant forms of bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, have been shown to survive transit to the gut. This may be why the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology says that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are the two most common types of microbes used as probiotics. A number of micro-encapsulation techniques are being developed and researched to address this problem of survival to the gut and through highly acidic environment in the stomach.
An article published November 2008 in The Times within the UK had the headline saying now scientists say we should switch to prebiotics. In this article Anna Denny, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation explains that "Whereas probiotics provide new doses of bacteria, prebiotics nourish and feed the friendly bacteria already present."
Wikipedia defines prebiotics as non-digestible foods that travel through our digestive system and help good bacteria grow, flourish and stay healthy. Prebiotics are vital for digestive system health but are found in the foods we eat in incredibly small quantities. By simply taking a One-A-Day supplement that is rich in prebiotics and soluble fiber, you promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the body's digestive system. This can improve the health of your digestive system which can impact everything from your skin, immune system, and the absorption of nutrients. In other words, it can impact how you look, how you feel, and how healthy you are.
In conclusion, we have a lot microorganisms consisting of 400-500 types of bacteria living within our digestive system. Probiotics are the friendly bacteria and prebiotics is the food they eat. When these friendly bacteria flourish they keep unhealthy bacteria in check which can do a lot to keep you healthy. This means it is in your best interest to keep these friendly bacteria well fed and healthy. The best solution is to take a prebiotic supplement and remove the guess work from diet.
If you would like to learn more about the best prebiotic supplements, then check out my website at URL: http://www.prebiotics-or-probiotics.com
W Petersen is a passionate advocate and researcher of the benefits of different supplements including omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics. He is a father of two children.
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