All About Gut Health (Probiotics and Prebiotics)
Share
Did you know that we are all covered in bacteria? Before you freak out, it is important to know that this is completely normal and healthy. Not only do we have bacteria on our skin, but inside our digestive systems as well. We refer to the organisms which live inside our guts as our gut flora. Our gut flora consists of at least 1000 different species of known bacteria, and even more, interestingly our individual gut flora is unique like a fingerprint (1). The health of our gut, as well as our entire system, is largely dependent on these little organisms, in fact, researchers have proven that an unhealthy gut is linked to many different diseases that are based on an inflammatory state (2). Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer have all been found to have a link with an imbalance of gut microbes (3, 4). We cannot, however, speak about gut health without speaking about probiotics and prebiotics. Two very important subjects when it comes to improving the health of your gut.
What are Probiotics?
In short, probiotics are beneficial bacteria. The very term probiotics comes from two Latin words, pro meaning forward or before and bios meaning life. Easy interpretation-life promoting (5). In some cases our gut bacteria needs a bit of help:- When we have an infection, and we take antibiotics, the healthy bacteria are killed off along with the unwanted bacteria that caused the infection.
- When we undergo radiation or chemotherapy
- Poor diet and nutritional status
- Stress (hormones caused by stress can encourage the overgrowth of the bad bacteria, yeasts and fungus)
Why are These Microorganisms Important?
We are starting to realise that our gut flora can almost be viewed as another organ in that it plays a major role in many of our systems including our immunity and our digestion (7). Our gut flora is beneficial in that:- It helps produce some important vitamins (B and K) (8)
- It helps to metabolise bile acids and sterols
- It helps the body to digest certain plant matter (cellulose and fibre) which we cannot digest
- It plays a major role in our immune system provides a barrier to ingested external enemies (bad bacteria) (9)
- It has a symbiotic relationship with us in that it supplies us with certain fatty acids in exchange for 'food' or prebiotics
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are just as important as probiotics as they are essentially the food which keeps your gut flora happy and thriving. Prebiotics are found in any plant matter which our digestive system cannot digest. Think of certain types of fibre like the peel on the apple or especially the fibre found in beans. The takeaway from this is that the more plant matter (fruit and vegetables) in your diet the happier and healthier your gut flora. An added bonus of all the benefits listed above is the symbiosis we spoke about above. In essence, the fibre which our systems cannot digest is fermented (digested) by your gut microbes. The by-product of this fermentation is short chain fatty acids (Butyrate and acetic acid) which are then absorbed by our bodies (10).Where to Start
Probiotics and prebiotics can benefit us at any stage of our lives, even if we feel that we are already healthy. By taking extra care of your gut, you can ensure a longer, healthier life with increased immunity to many of the different bugs out there.Probiotics
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a high quality 'live' probiotic supplement
- Any live probiotic supplement should be refrigerated
- Start increasing your intake of probiotics through food by eating plain yoghurt with live cultures in it
- Increase your intake of probiotic-rich fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir
- Ask for a probiotic supplement any time your doctor prescribes antibiotics
Prebiotics
- Start naturally increasing your intake of prebiotics by increasing the amount of fibrous vegetables and fruit you eat each day
- Take care to increase the load slowly as you may experience excess gas and bloating from the extra fibre in your diet (11)
- Aside from the benefits to your gut, you will also be taking in more nutrient rich foods