Prebiotics: What They Are and How They Benefit Your Gut Health | TFF

Do you know that your body is home to trillions of bacteria? Don't worry; the majority of them are good for you! These bacteria live in your gut and play a crucial role in keeping you healthy. They help digest food, boost your immune system, and even affect your mood. But did you know that you can feed these friendly bacteria with prebiotics?

Prebiotics refer to the types of fibers that your body is unable to break down and digest. Instead, they pass through your digestive system and feed the bacteria in your gut. By doing so, they help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria and keep your gut in good shape. You can find prebiotics in many foods, such as bananas, onions, garlic, and whole grains.

In this article, we'll discuss what prebiotics are, how they work, and the health benefits they can provide. We'll also look at LeanBiome – a product created to give your gut the prebiotics it needs. So let's dive in!

What Are Prebiotics?

Probiotics are a term that you might have come across while exploring ways to improve your gut health. But have you heard of prebiotics? Prebiotics are a type of fiber that your body can't digest, but that your gut bacteria love to eat. They are sometimes referred to as "food for your gut bacteria," which explains why.

Definition

Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fiber that passes through your digestive system mostly intact. Once they reach your large intestine, they become food for the beneficial bacteria that live there. This helps those bacteria grow and thrive, which in turn can have a positive impact on your health.

Sources of Prebiotics

Prebiotics are found in many different foods. Some of the most common sources include:

• Chicory root: This is one of the richest sources of prebiotics. You can find it in many different forms, including as a supplement, as a coffee substitute, or as an ingredient in certain foods.
• Jerusalem artichoke: This vegetable is another great source of prebiotics. It tastes slightly sweet and nutty and can be eaten raw or cooked.
• Garlic and onions: Both of these foods contain prebiotics that can help feed your gut bacteria. You can also use them to add flavor to your meals
• Asparagus: This vegetable is a good source of prebiotics, as well as other beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K.
• Leeks: Leeks are a type of onion that also contains prebiotics. Enjoy them raw in a salad, where they can provide a delicious crunch and some extra fiber, or thinly slice them and sauté them with other vegetables to create a tasty side dish. 
• Bananas: This fruit is a good source of prebiotics, as well as other beneficial nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.

Other sources of prebiotics include oats, apples, flaxseeds, and seaweed.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

While prebiotics and probiotics both support gut health, they work in different ways. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are added to your gut to improve the balance of microorganisms. Prebiotics, on the other hand, is a type of fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria already present in your gut. It is important to eat plenty of both prebiotic and probiotic foods.

How Does Prebiotics Work?

Prebiotics are fiber that your body can't digest. Instead, they act as food for the healthy bacteria in your gut. These healthy bacteria, also known as gut microbiota, play an important role in keeping your digestive system healthy.

Effects on Gut Microbiota

Prebiotics work by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of certain types of gut microbiota. These bacteria help to keep your gut healthy by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other beneficial compounds.

Effects on Colon Cells

Prebiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on colon cells. Specifically, research has shown that prebiotics can have a positive effect on the lower part of our digestive tract. By aiding in the growth and diversity of healthy gut bacteria, prebiotics can lead to improved bowel functions, nutrient absorption, and even immune system function. 

Effects on Short-Chain Fatty Acids

SCFAs are produced by the fermentation of prebiotics by the gut microbiota. These compounds have a number of important functions in the body, including providing energy to the colon cells, reducing inflammation, and improving the absorption of minerals like calcium.

Health Benefits of Prebiotics

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between prebiotics and human health. Studies have suggested that prebiotics can provide a range of health benefits. 

Improving Digestion

Prebiotics can help improve digestion by stimulating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and increasing stool bulk. This in turn can lead to improved overall digestive health.

A Healthy Digestive Balance

Prebiotics can also support the overall health of your digestive system. By feeding the good bacteria in your gut, prebiotics help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. This can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and inflammation.

Boosting Immune System

Prebiotics can also help to boost your immune system. The good bacteria in your gut play an important role in supporting your immune system by producing substances that help to fight off harmful pathogens. By feeding these good bacteria, prebiotics can help to enhance their ability to protect your body from infections and diseases.

Colon Cancer and Prebiotics

Prebiotics have shown promising results in reducing biomarkers of colon cancer. This is believed to be due to the production of short-chain fatty acids and changes in gene expression in cancerous cells. While more research is needed, studies suggest that prebiotics may be a valuable tool in the prevention of this disease. 

Weight Management

The health of your gut can have a significant impact on your weight. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of inflammation which leads to disruptions in glucose metabolism and fat absorption. These are both distinct features of obesity. 

Thankfully, prebiotics can help make your gut stronger and reduce inflammation, leading to improved metabolic function and weight loss. 

Studies have also shown that prebiotics can lead to increased secretion of satiety-promoting peptides. This means that consuming prebiotics can lead to an increased feeling of fullness, which helps you lose weight. 

In addition to that, eating prebiotics can decrease the production of ghrelin. This is the hormone that makes you feel hungry and leads to overeating.

Lower Your Cholesterol

The main reason behind the cholesterol-lowering effects of prebiotics is the production of short-chain fatty acids. These are absorbed by the portal vein and metabolized by the liver, which results in the lowering of blood pressure. 

Prebiotics also play a role in the absorption of fats in the gastrointestinal tract. The binding effect of prebiotics decreases cholesterol levels, which in turn could help clear your LDL (bad) cholesterol and possibly reduce blood pressure. 

Improve the Absorption of Minerals

Prebiotics have the ability to improve the absorption of vital minerals like calcium and magnesium. When prebiotics are introduced to your gut, they help increase the solubility of the minerals and encourage the expression of calcium-binding proteins in your intestines. 

In summary, consuming prebiotics can have several health benefits for your body. By incorporating prebiotic foods into your diet, you can help to support the good bacteria in your gut and promote overall health and well-being.

Prebiotics and Gut Health

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in your digestive system. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining your health. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are two common digestive conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. 

The difference between IBS and IBD

While IBS and IBD may sound similar, there are a few key differences. IBS is a chronic syndrome, made up of a group of symptoms that can include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. On the other hand, IBD refers to inflammation or chronic swelling of the intestines. Both conditions can be uncomfortable and even painful, so it's important to talk to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.

Prebiotics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Prebiotics have been found to reduce inflammation in the gut, which may help to improve symptoms of IBD. Studies in developing new treatments which target the gut microflora have shown that prebiotics can help make the gut stronger and less likely to leak. This will help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Prebiotics are also believed to help the immune response which can help reduce the severity of IBD symptoms. 

Prebiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Prebiotics can also be beneficial for people with IBS. They can help to promote healthy gut bacteria, which in turn can reduce abdominal discomfort and bloating. Prebiotics can also improve digestion by stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids that help break down food more efficiently. 

A unique advantage of prebiotics is that they are easy to administer, inexpensive, and lack significant toxic side effects. This is making them an attractive alternative to other forms of IBS and IBD treatments. 

Prebiotics and LeanBiome

Knowing all this you may find yourself in a position where you want to supplement your prebiotics intake. LeanBiome is a convenient way to get the prebiotic benefits you need without having to make drastic changes to your diet. 

LeanBiome is scientifically supported and contains a blend of several different polysaccharides that have been proven to support digestive health. It is designed to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in your gut and help nourish your microbiome. By taking LeanBiome daily, you can experience the benefits of prebiotics without having to radically change your lifestyle. 

Conclusion

Prebiotics can benefit your body in many ways. They help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve the absorption of minerals. Prebiotic foods like Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and garlic, as well as prebiotic supplements, can help support a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall health. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of IBS or IBD, talk to your doctor about incorporating prebiotics into your diet. With the right combination of prebiotics, you can help support a healthy gut and immune system.