Prebiotics and probiotics, both have an important role to keep the gut healthy. They prevent diarrhea, reduce gas, help with constipation, IBS, and may even help with Crohn’s Disease.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that the human body cannot break down but can act as food for the gut microflora. 

Prebiotics induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Prebiotics help the gut bacteria produce nutrients for colon cells and keep our tummy healthy.

Benefits of probiotics – The path towards a healthy microbiome

• The microbiome is a community of microorganisms- bacteria, viruses, and fungi found in the human body.  Our bodies are home to an estimated 100 trillion “good” bacteria, the majority of which reside in our gut (10 X the number of microbial cells as compared to the human cells). We have a synbiotic relationship with these gut bacteria, we house them in our gut, and in return, they do so much for us –they are essential for our survival by keeping the bad bacteria (pathogens) at bay  

• Changes in the composition of our microbiome (dysbiosis) correlate with numerous disease states and restoration of a healthy microbiome could be used to treat diseases. Dysbiosis is a perturbation of the normal microbiome content leading to the overgrowth of the bad bacteria

• Various factors can cause dysbiosis, these include an unbalanced diet, inflammatory processes, chronic and acute infections, usage of antibiotics, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, diabetes, cancer, etc   

• Probiotics play a vital role in the restoration of a healthy microbiome. When administered orally,  due to their ability to resist the stomach acids and bile salts, during transit, they reach the colon which is their site of action. They displace the bad pathogens thereby restoring the normal gut microflora 

• 70% of our immune system lies in our gut and a healthy microflora contributes to boost immunity.  

Bacillus clausii and Bacillus coagulans are some of the potent and proven gut-friendly bacteria.

How to find pre/probiotics naturally

Fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include Miso soup, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kombucha, Kefir (dairy and non-dairy), Pickled vegetables. 

Including prebiotic bananas, onions, garlic, berries, legumes, beans, oats, apple skin, chicory root etc. boosts the growth of healthy bacteria.