Probiotics and prebiotics are wholly beneficial substances that have been found in human gut microbiota. These substances play a significant role in maintaining gut health, boosting immunity, and improving digestion.

Probiotics refer to microorganisms that promote gut health, while prebiotics are food ingredients that support the growth of these microorganisms.

What are Probiotics?

Going by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that are administered in suitable amounts for improved health and well-being.

These microorganisms dwell in the human gut, where they ferment dietary components, thus significantly influencing the host’s microbial community.

Some of the commonly known probiotics are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, together with Streptococcus thermophilus and Sacharomyces boulardii.

These probiotics have unique strains that provide distinct benefits depending on the targeted population and intended use.

Benefits of Probiotics

Several health benefits come with regularly consuming probiotics they include:.

Improved Digestive Health

Probiotics supplement the initial microbial community found in the gut and play a significant role in the digestion of nutrients. They reduce constipation, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and inflammations linked to irritable bowel syndrome.

This increases nutrient adsorption, allowing the body to get all essential nutrients necessary for optimal body functioning.

Boost immunity.

The gut-brain axis is an integral part of the body’s immune system, with probiotics significantly boosting immune responses.

Probiotic bacteria stimulate production of lymphocytes and antibodies that protect the body from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. This helps boost natural immunity to protect the body against illnesses. Studies show how increased consumption of probiotics reduces the likelihood of acquiring E.coli and urinary tract infections.

Prevention of Allergic Reactions.

Allergies are hypersensitive reactions that happen when the body’s immune system overreacts to foreign substances.

Probiotics play a significant role in the production of regulatory T-cells, which control the immune system overreactions to allergens. Research has shown how regular use of probiotics can help relieve and prevent skin and gut allergies.

What are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds that are resistant to gastric acids found in the digestive tract. They essentially feed on the gut’s good bacteria, hence promoting their growth.

They are typically in vegetables and fruits such as bananas, garlic, onions, honey, flaxseed, asparagus, and apples.

Benefits of Prebiotics

Below are benefits of prebiotics:.

Improved Digestive Health

Prebiotics ferment in the gut, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, hence improving the gut’s overall health.

A healthy gut aids in the production of digestive enzymes, allowing for the proper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients.

Boost Immunity.

Prebiotics encourage the growth of the gut’s immune cells while reducing the pathogenic microbes that could harm the host. The host develops a stronger immunity to pathogens in the process.

Control Blood Sugar levels

Blood sugar levels can spike when there is an overgrowth of yeast or pathogenic bacteria in the gut. Prebiotic consumption was found to prevent pathogenic microbial growth, hence controlling blood sugar levels.

This is particularly useful for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

The role of probiotics and prebiotics in overall gut health and immune system strengthening cannot be overstated.

A diet high in prebiotic fiber and probiotic-rich foods such as kefir, yogurt, and kimchi goes a long way in promoting optimal body functioning, good digestion and nutrient absorption, and keeping infections at bay.