Gut health refers to the overall well-being of your digestive system and the diverse community of microorganisms that live within it. Research shows a strong link between a healthy gut and a well-functioning immune system, which explains why so many people are turning to prebiotic and probiotic supplements. But how do these supplements work? What are the benefits of pre-and probiotic capsules for gut health and immunity?
In this article, we explore the science behind these supplements and uncover the real benefits they may offer.
What Are Probiotics And Prebiotics?
Probiotics are the live microorganisms, particularly bacteria and yeast, that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and aid in various body functions. On the other hand, prebiotics, such as inulin and oligosaccharides, are indigestible fibers found in certain foods that serve as “food” for beneficial gut bacteria (probiotics).
Your gut has both good and bad bacteria. While good bacteria support different body functions, bad bacteria can contribute to different health issues, such as inflammation and infections when allowed to overgrow. Hence, maintaining the right balance is crucial.
80:20 is the ideal gut microbiome balance, where 80% of bacteria are good bacteria and 20% are bad bacteria. This balance is essential to support overall health. An imbalance in gut microbiome, also known as gut dysbiosis, can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and loss of beneficial bacteria.
Benefits Of Prebiotics And Probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics work synergistically to promote overall health. When combined, they can help:
1. Balance gut microbiota: Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria, whereas probiotics replenish and maintain those strains. Together, they create a stable and diverse gut environment that balances the gut microbiome.
2. Enhance digestive health: Prebiotics promote healthy bowel movements. Probiotics, on the other hand, improve digestion and nutrient absorption, which supports overall gut health and helps prevent digestive issues like constipation and indigestion.
3. Improve nutrient digestion and absorption: Probiotics ferment prebiotics in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs lower the pH of the colon which helps inhibit harmful bacteria growth and creates optimal conditions for solubility of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
4. Strengthen immune function: Probiotics enhance dietary fiber fermentation, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs nourish colon cells and reinforce the gut barrier. They also help increase the production of protective antibodies.
How Prebiotics And Probiotics Support Gut Health And Immunity
Your gut, particularly the large intestine, has 100 trillion good bacteria. Prebiotics feed these bacteria and promote their growth. When gut bacteria ferment prebiotics, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetate, butyrate, and propionate. These SCFAs reduce inflammation and help maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which prevents the harmful pathogens and substances from entering into the bloodstream. They also promote healthy nutrient digestion and absorption that strengthens the body's defense system.
Dietary Sources Of Prebiotics And Probiotics
You can get pre-and probiotics from plenty of different foods. High-fiber foods, such as green leafy vegetables, oats, garlic, onions, barley, apples, and flaxseeds are a good source of prebiotics.
On the other hand, fermented foods, such as kefir, yogurt, tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, raw apple cider vinegar, and kombucha can enrich your diet with probiotics.
If your diet lacks prebiotic and probiotic foods, or those foods don’t provide enough, you may consider taking supplements. These supplements can help restore beneficial bacteria in your gut and support their growth.
Prebiotic And Probiotic Supplementation
Generally, doctors prescribe pre- and probiotics after antibiotic use. Individuals with digestive issues like IBD and IBS, and those with weakened immunity, may also be prescribed these supplements to promote gut health.
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and metabolic problems like type 2 diabetes are some other health concerns when pre- and probiotic use may offer therapeutic benefits.
Healthy individuals can also consume pre- and probiotic supplements under expert guidance to support their overall well-being. However, in any case, carefully selecting a supplement that best suits your needs is essential.
How To Choose A Pre- And Probiotic Supplement
Here are some practical tips you may follow to wisely pick a supplement. Let’s take Nutrabox Gut Health Capsules - Pre & Probiotics for example to better understand the process.
1. Identify your health goals.
It is vital as different microbial strains serve different functions. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus supports digestive health, whereas Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps strengthen immunity. The Nutrabox Gut Health Capsules has 7 powerful strains including the above two, making it a versatile choice to support overall health.
2. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
They will assess your medical history and current health status to prescribe a safe and effective supplement and its appropriate dosage. This will maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects or interactions with any medications you may be taking.
3. Check CFU count.
Look for probiotics with at least 1 to 10 billion CFUs per serving for general health. The Nutrabox Gut Health capsules have 25 billion CFUs per serving that can improve digestive health, strengthen immunity, and promote overall well-being.
4. Review the prebiotics.
Supplements with inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and resistant starch are good choices. These prebiotics enhance the effectiveness of probiotic strains and support digestion, mineral absorption, and long-term gut health. The Nutrabox Gut Health capsules contain FOS, the shorter-chain fibers that quickly ferment in the colon, providing rapid energy to friendly bacteria and helping to regulate bowel movements.
The Nutrabox Gut Health capsules are synbiotics, meaning they have both pre- and probiotics, making them a convenient and effective supplement for many.
Additionally, they use vegan-friendly HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) shells made from plant-based cellulose like cotton or wood pulp. These capsules dissolve in the stomach within 5 to 10 minutes. Plus, they have a low moisture content and durable structure, helping protect sensitive ingredients like probiotics from moisture-related damage.
Pre- and probiotic supplements are a great tool to support your overall health. Healthy individuals and those with specific health conditions can use them under expert guidance. Regular intake of pre- and probiotic supplements combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet and active lifestyle can improve overall health and well-being.
