What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that are associated with specific health benefits when consumed in the right amounts.
Probiotics are usually bacteria, (certain types of yeasts can also function as probiotics) with specific probiotic strains demonstrating benefits in many areas of health, including immune health, digestive health, women’s health, and oral health.
To be classified as a probiotic, products must contain live bacteria, the live bacteria must have scientifically documented health benefits, and the product must contain a certain amount (CFU) of live bacteria.
Sources of Probiotics
You can get probiotics from supplements, as well as from foods prepared by bacterial fermentation. Beautifully Nourished's Fibre Pro features 10mg of Lactobacillus Acidophilus 10 billion.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus 10 billion has been shown to:
- fend off unwanted pathogens and bad bacteria
- prevent infection
- stimulate your immune system
- Support gut health
- support gut microbiome
- improve digestion and restore normal flora
Probiotic Foods
Probiotic food sources include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh and kimchi.
How do Probiotics Work?
When taken orally via food or as a supplement, probiotics help to colonise the gut with good microorganisms and maintain a healthy balance of gut microbes in the body, helping us to maintain universal wellness.
What are Synbiotics?
Products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are referred to as "synbiotics". Synbiotic products usually combine friendly bacteria along with some food for the bacteria to eat (the prebiotics).
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are special carbohydrate, plant fibres that encourage the healthy bacteria to grow in our gut, supporting the digestive system.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
Both prebiotics and probiotics are good for your gut, but they help in different ways.
Prebiotics are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They’re are carbohydrates that our body doesn't digest. Instead the head towards our lower digestive tract, where they act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.
Probiotics are live yeasts and good bacteria that live in your body and are good for your digestive system. You can take probiotics as supplements or get them through food.
Sources of Prebiotics
Prebiotics can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains such as:
Apples, Artichokes, Asparagus, Bananas, Barley, Berries, Chicory, Cocoa, Flaxseed, Garlic Green vegetables, Konjac root, Leeks, Legumes (peas and beans), Oats, Onions, Tomatoes, Soybeans, Wheat and Yacon root.
Probiotics for Gut Health
Probiotics can have a positive impact on gut health. When the gut and intestines don't function optimally, the whole body can suffer, with symptoms showing up in our skin, energy levels and cognitive function.
Toxins accumulate in the intestines and the liver and probiotics in your daily diet can be very advantageous to offset this and restore balance.
The Benefits of Having the Right Gut Bacteria
Probiotics have been linked to numerous health benefits, including:
- Weight loss
- Improved digestion
- Enhanced immune function
- Healthier skin
- Reduced risk of some diseases
Importance of Microorganisms for Your Gut
The complex community of microorganisms in our gut is called the gut flora, gut microbiota, or gut microbiome .
The gut microbiota includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and helminths, with bacteria comprising the vast majority. Our guts are home to a complex eco-system of approximately 300–500 bacterial species.
Most of the gut flora is found within the colon, or large intestine (the last part of the digestive tract)
Our flora performs key health functions, including manufacturing vitamins, including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins
Gut flora also helps to convert fibres into short chain fats such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which feed the gut wall and perform metabolic functions. These short chain fats also stimulate the immune system and support and strengthen the gut wall, helping to prevent unwanted substances from entering the gut and initiating an immune response.
Our gut flora are highly responsive to our diet and what we choose to ingest. When we feed ourselves, we also feed them. We can support them by opting for gut nourishing foods, as highlighted above.
Impact on Digestive Health
Probiotics are widely researched for their effects on digestive health and may also help combat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), however further research is needed.
Probiotics for Yeast Infection
Probiotics for women and vaginal health: Antibiotics, allergies, and stress can cause yeast (Candida) overgrowth. This condition is connected to an irregularity of gut flora. It can cause unpleasant health conditions, including asthma, IBS, and autoimmune disorders.
Probiotics fill the intestines with beneficial bacteria, thus reducing harmful Candida yeast due to less growth area. Probiotics also give your immune system assistance, which helps fight off Candida once and for all.
Probiotics for Constipation
Probiotics offer numerous health benefits, one of which may be managing constipation. Studies support those probiotics may ease constipation related to certain medications or chronic digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiotics are mostly safe and effective, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet supplement to improve bowel regularity.
Summary
In summary, Pro and Prebiotics can provide a wealth of support for the body, helping us to feel well, more energise, clear headed and well regulated. To support the gut with fibre and and Lactobacillus Acidophilus 10 billion, explore Beautifully Nourished's Fibre Pro today.
