Did you know that the gut is home to millions of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and microbes – a place called the microbiome? Although many people think of bacteria as harmful invaders, our bodies rely on some of them to perform many important functions: They help us digest our food, strengthen our immune systems, and produce substances our bodies need to stay healthy.
There is a delicate balance of bacterial populations in the digestive system. When this balance is disturbed, harmful bacteria can cause various diseases. To prevent this, consider the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics. Although they are spelled and sounded alike, they have different roles digestive system.
Their combination is a “recipe” for success for our gut and overall health.
Probiotics
It’s no secret that good health “passes” through the stomach. In fact, as we study the microorganisms that live in our intestines, we realize how true the old saying “you are what you eat” is true. Gut flora is affected by a variety of factors, including stress, lifestyle habits, antibiotic intake, and perhaps most importantly, our daily diet.
The good news is that there are some “friendly” bacteria, probiotics, that can restore balance to the gut flora and promote overall health, as the etymology of their name derives from the prefix “pro” and the word “bios”; life
Probiotics are mainly found in fermented foods such as cheese, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and sauerkraut. When we eat these foods, the living microorganisms in them pass through our upper digestive system and enter our large intestine, where they eventually live and multiply, thereby strengthening the body’s defenses.
Pro type
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine note that 70% of our immune system resides in the digestive system. That is, our digestive system is covered with cells that secrete antibodies. Therefore, keeping our gut healthy is key to protect against foreign microbes and viruses.
Features and benefits
- They ensure the proper functioning of the intestine, support digestion and eliminate gastrointestinal problems.
- They increase weight loss.
- They regulate the immune response to allergies.
- They improve mood and intelligence.
- They contribute to maintaining and restoring the health of the vagina.
- They make training more effective and help the body recover faster.
- They reduce the inflammation responsible for many diseases.
Prebiotics
The main purpose of probiotics, as we said, is to maintain the balance of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract. However, to be effective in the fight against harmful bacteria, they must first survive the acidic environment of the stomach, as well as the secretions of the bile and pancreas.
So they need reinforcements…
Prebiotics are plant fibers or complex proteins that cannot be digested by the human body. They act as food for probiotics and provide them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, taking prebiotics achieves the best absorption of calcium and other precious metals.
Precisely because they have the property of taking care of the reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, prebiotics eliminate annoying symptoms such as constipation and at the same time enhance the feeling of satiety.
Fun fact
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago claim that 90% of the body secretes serotonin as the digestive tract affects appetite, emotions, movements, behavior and bodily functions.
What foods do we find them in?
- Berry
- apple
- asparagus
- banana
- barley
- beans
- cocoa
- pea
- linseed
- garlic
- lentils
- Mushrooms
- Oats
- onions
Smart information
There are some probiotic foods that are a source of prebiotic fiber to feed the bacteria. They are called symbiotics and act synergistically. Some examples are miso, kefir, tempeh, cottage cheese, and kimchi.