What are probiotics and prebiotics?
by Admin
Posted on 16-01-2024 02:06 PM
You can take probiotics as a dietary supplement, or you can get them through fermented foods and drinks. There are benefits to both methods. In general, food and drink sources might help to promote a greater diversity of microbes in your biome, which is good for maintaining your general health. Some food sources may also include prebiotics , the fibers that probiotics need to feed on to thrive. If you want to treat a particular issue, you might want to take a specific probiotic supplement that your healthcare provider has recommended for that purpose.
A supplement will typically provide a higher dose of probiotics than food sources will.
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Answer from katherine zeratsky, r. D. , l. D. Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the "good" bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these microorganisms. Probiotics are in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements. Research is ongoing into the relationship of the gut microflora to disease.
What do probiotics do?
In this article
probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. You can find probiotics in supplements and some foods, like yogurt. Doctors often suggest them to help with digestive problems.
Probiotics is a general term for living microorganisms -- often called "friendly" bacteria -- that have health benefits in the body. These can be bacteria or yeast that are similar to organisms that are naturally found in the body, especially in the digestive tract. Probiotics have become popular supplements and food additives, most often used to promote healthy digestion.
When are probiotics recommended?
The american gastroenterological association (aga) does not recommend using probiotics as a primary treatment for most digestive conditions. The aga only recommends using probiotics in the following cases: necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm or low birth weight infants managing pouchitis, a complication of irritable bowel disease. For conditions such as crohn’s disease , ulcerative colitis , ibs, and acute infectious gastroenteritis , probiotics are only recommended in the context of a clinical trial. People should speak to their gastroenterologist for specific probiotic guidance and recommendations based on their health conditions and goals.
Expert bodies of health professionals make no recommendations for or against probiotic use by healthy people. For people with various health conditions, however, published studies and reviews provide some guidance (as described above) on probiotic species, strains, and doses that might alleviate their symptoms. The wgo notes that the optimal dose of probiotics depends on the strain and product. The organization therefore recommends that clinicians who advise their patients to use probiotics specify the probiotic strains, doses, and duration of use that studies in humans have shown to be beneficial [ 3 ]. The wgo guidelines include a summary of evidence on specific probiotic strains used in studies for specific gastrointestinal endpoints [ 3 ].
Probiotics can be acquired through foods or supplements , both of which are valid ways to get good bacteria, but there are some differences to consider when deciding on an eating plan or a supplement. "i would like people to understand that probiotic foods are good for overall health, not just gut health, and can [be purchased] without breaking the bank, unlike buying probiotic supplements, which are unlikely to offer as many health benefits," padilla tells verywell. There is a lack of research and data that compares probiotic supplements and probiotic foods. However, foods that contain probiotics may make their way through the digestive system more effectively.
Probiotics have been shown to promote a healthy gut environment by restoring a balanced intestinal microbial balance, suppressing intestinal inflammation, and improving the health of the gut barrier. Studies show taking probiotic supplements could be helpful for people with gastrointestinal-related medical conditions, such as ibs, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. A review of 59 studies found probiotic supplements significantly improved ibs symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and altered bowel habits, compared to placebo treatments. The researchers found taking probiotics containing single probiotic strains at a higher daily dose and shorter duration (less than eight weeks) seemed to be most effective.