Enhance your immunity

WHILE it is widely understood that antibiotics are substance used against bacteria, probiotics and prebiotics are less clearly defined.

Both terms are used often, and interchangeably at times, in food supplement advertisements, creating some confusion and uncertainty. We know our body needs probiotics and prebiotics, but what are they?

Probiotics and prebiotics are generally understood to improve gastrointestinal health, but this is an over-generalisation. Instead, they introduce or strengthen good bacteria in the system, which are helpful assistants in achieving efficient gastrointestinal processes.

What are probiotics?

The term probiotic is derived from Latin and means “for life”. According to World Health Organization, probiotics carry live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.

Found in food products or supplements, probiotics play an important role in regulating proper intestinal function. They can also benefit gut health by improving the balance of our intestinal microflora.

While the most common microorganisms used in probiotics are from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, other bacterial genera including Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Escherichia are also used.

With regular intake, the hope is that these probiotics will eventually establish a presence in the lower gut and render beneficial health effects.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are specialised plant fibres that nourish the good bacteria already in the large bowel or colon. While probiotics introduce good bacteria into the gut, prebiotics act as a fertiliser for existing good bacteria.

Prebiotics help good bacteria grow and multiply, improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio. This ratio has been shown to have a direct correlation to health and overall well-being.

The human body cannot digest these plant fibres. Instead, it uses these fibres to promote the growth of good bacteria, which in turn provide many digestive and general health benefits, especially to the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not destroyed in the body or affected by heat and other bacteria.

Good sources of probiotics and prebiotics are food supplements and fermented products such as kefir and soft cultured cheeses.

Taken with a balanced diet as well as regular physical and mental wellness activities, probiotics and prebiotics could help your gut flora blossom and improve general health.

Now that you are in the know, take a moment and read the list of ingredients for the types of probiotics and prebiotics the next time you buy a cup of yoghurt.