The word “bacteria” arguably has a “disease-causing” impression on most individuals. It is silly that you might instinctively pull the disinfecting spray’s trigger when you hear the word. Do not panic nor rush to the nearest hospital, though. As a matter of fact, you need to feed them healthily. Read further and know the reasons why.
Your Very Own Microbial Microbiome
Your large intestine or gut is one of your body parts that is home to different bacteria, also known as microbes. Gut bacteria as a whole is also referred to as the gut microbiome. According to the National Library of Medicine, 100 trillion and more microbial cells affect human physiology, metabolism, nutrition, and immune function.
Why are Microbes Important?
Surprisingly, common diseases can be caused when bacteria in your gut are not taken care of. A simple distinction between the microbes in your gut is good or bad. Your good bacteria help by absorbing the nutrients from your food. In the process, they break down food, preventing the bad bacteria from propagating.
People who eat fiber-rich diets are found to have a higher number of good bacteria. Those who consume protein-rich diets have more pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria.
5 Benefits of Prebiotic Supplements
While most can be familiar with probiotics or foods that contain microorganisms similar to those that live naturally in the gut, prebiotics are unknown to many. Simply put, prebiotics are the gut microbe’s food. Prebiotics can be consumed not only by your diet but also by prebiotic powder supplements. Choose the best prebiotic powder after you take note of the five benefits of prebiotics for your health.
1. Propagates Good Bacteria
Prebiotics are digestion-resistant in the small intestine. They reach the large intestine and increase the growth of good bacteria.
2. Improves Intestinal Barrier
Research indicates that prebiotics benefit the improvement of the intestinal barrier. A mucus layer named biofilm and the epithelium make up this barrier. Both components prevent pathogenic bacteria from penetrating the body. Prebiotics increases good bacteria, promoting epithelial integrity and increasing mucus production.
3. May Reduce Inflammation and Symptoms of IBDs
A study writes that one of the health benefits of prebiotics is that they may reduce inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease or IBDs. Another states that prebiotics may lessen inflammation due to their effect on anti-inflammatory cytokine production.
4. May Increase Calcium Absorption
Although it was expressed that results may be influenced by the participant’s age and physiology of participants, research cites that prebiotic dietary fiber increases animal and human calcium absorption.
5. May Reduce Cancer Risks
Genotoxic substances may harm your DNA. They affect your DNA enzyme’s ability to replicate and may cause mutation. A 2013 study published by the Journal of Functional Foods states that prebiotics may decrease cancer risks. This idea is derived from the observed decrease in the activity of genotoxic enzymes after the prebiotics administration.
Why Invest in Good Prebiotics?
The human body is undeniably complex, and it is a wonder how nature can aid the human body in its processes. It may seem unbelievable for food and supplement intake to have such hefty impacts on your health. Unbelievable, it may seem, but studies have already shown. Investing in prebiotics may be a good proactive method for maintaining your health.
