There is a lot of buzz about prebiotic and probiotic supplements, but only a few people know what these are and what are the benefits. Don’t worry! Read on, and you’ll find out all about prebiotic and probiotic supplements, including what they are, prebiotic and probiotic benefits, and side effects.
What are prebiotic and probiotic supplements?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that are found in different foods, promote the growth of good gut bacteria, and are also beneficial for the proper functioning of gut bacteria. Prebiotic supplements serve as food for probiotics – the good bacteria in your gut.
Many people also need clarification on prebiotic and probiotic supplements. Let’s understand the difference. Probiotics are living strains of bacteria that add to the population of already existing good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotic supplements, on the other hand, act as food for the gut microflora. Consult your doctor about prebiotics, probiotics, and any other online health supplement, and only then include them in your routine.
Make sure you check the CFU (colony forming units) count before buying any prebiotic or probiotic online health supplements. A higher CFU count means more live bacteria, which can help maintain your overall gut health. To maintain your overall health, a probiotic with a CFU count between 1 billion and 10 billion per serving is recommended.
Who should take prebiotic and probiotic supplements?
People who want to improve their gut health, support their overall well-being, boost their immunity, and enhance nutrient absorption in the body should consider including prebiotic supplements in their routine.
People with digestive issues like – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD); people on antibiotics; those who want to improve their overall gut health; people with lactose intolerance; those with allergies; and older adults should consider taking probiotic supplements after consulting their doctor.
Benefits of prebiotic and probiotic supplements
The main benefits of prebiotic and probiotic supplements are –
Prebiotic benefits
Improves mineral absorption in the body
You get minerals from the food that you eat. Prebiotic supplements are effective in breaking down food and improving mineral absorption, especially calcium in the body. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.
Reduce inflammation
Prebiotic supplements are known to reduce inflammation in your gut, which is helpful for people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Helps with weight management
Many people don’t know that one of the main benefits of prebiotic supplements is that they help with weight management. Regular consumption of prebiotic supplements may regulate your appetite, promote the feeling of being full, and reduce cravings.
Probiotic benefits
Manage gut microflora
There are billions of bacteria in your gut. Some are good bacteria, while others are bad bacteria. There needs to be a balance between the gut microflora so that your gut health is in check. You can start taking probiotic supplements to manage your gut microflora. Your gut microflora can be disrupted due to various factors like – stress, chronic illness, poor diet, overuse of antibiotics, etc.
Improve digestion
Probiotic supplements help improve your digestion by helping in breaking down of food so that you can absorb all the nutrients properly. And when the food breakdown is proper, it reduces digestive issues like gas, acidity, bloating, constipation, etc.
Boost immunity
Probiotic supplements are known to boost your immunity by promoting the production of antibodies and enhancing the activity of immune cells.
Positive effect on your mental health
Many people don’t know that probiotic supplements have a positive impact on your mental health. They influence the gut-brain axis and help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Support vaginal health
Probiotic supplements reduce the risk of vaginal infections by maintaining healthy bacteria in the vagina.
Reduce allergy symptoms
Regular consumption of probiotic supplements reduces the symptoms of allergies and eczema, especially in children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to take prebiotic and probiotic supplements every day?
Yes, you can take prebiotic and probiotic supplements every day if your doctor has prescribed them to you. Just follow the dosage instructions carefully and do not consume more than the mentioned amount to avoid any side effects.
Can I get prebiotics and probiotics from natural foods?
Some of the best prebiotic and probiotic foods that you can include in your everyday diet are –
- Prebiotic foods
- Garlic
- Apple
- Barley
- Oats
- Artichokes
- Onions
- Flaxseeds
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Probiotic foods
- Yoghurt
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Buttermilk
- Pickles
- Sourdough bread
- Cheese
It would be best if you take a combination of prebiotic and probiotic supplements along with a healthy diet to ensure your gut health is maintained.
Can prebiotic supplements be taken with probiotic supplements?
Yes, you can take prebiotic and probiotic supplements together. It is beneficial as prebiotics help nourish your body and support the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Ask your doctor to recommend the best combination of prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
What are some things to keep in mind when buying online health supplements?
Here are certain things that you should always keep in mind –
Always buy online health supplements from a reputed website to get 100% authentic and genuine products.
Make sure to go through the ingredient list online before making the final purchase. In case you are allergic to a particular ingredient, you can ask your doctor to recommend an alternative.
Compare prices whenever buying online health supplements. Make use of festive deals or discounts to get the best buy.
Do not randomly read about any online health supplement, and start taking it. Consult your doctor to avoid any side effects or interactions with medications.
Do prebiotic supplements have any side effects?
Some of the most common side effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplements are – bloating, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, fever, headache, constipation, etc.
Usually, these symptoms subside in about a week after you start taking any new prebiotic or probiotic supplements. But if they persist, then seek medical help at the earliest.
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