Probiotics vs. prebiotics: A comprehensive look at their benefits
There are trillions of microorganisms in the human digestive system, including bad bacteria that are harmful to health, as well as good bacteria that are beneficial to our digestive system. These good bacteria are called "probiotics."
These probiotics not only help break down food, but also help the body synthesize essential vitamins <a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/cranberry_recommendation>Probiotic Benefits</a>. If you want to... moreProbiotics vs. prebiotics: A comprehensive look at their benefits
There are trillions of microorganisms in the human digestive system, including bad bacteria that are harmful to health, as well as good bacteria that are beneficial to our digestive system. These good bacteria are called "probiotics."
These probiotics not only help break down food, but also help the body synthesize essential vitamins <a href=https://lifenutrients.tw/cranberry_recommendation>Probiotic Benefits</a>. If you want to increase the number of probiotics, you need to promote the growth of probiotics through specific foods - prebiotics (also known as probiotics or prebiotics).
So what are probiotics and prebiotics? What are the benefits of taking probiotics and what foods can you get them from? Let us find out <a href=https://healthpulse.tw/cranberry_recommendation>when to take probiotics</a>.
#What are probiotics?
Probiotics refer to various microorganisms that are beneficial to the human body after consumption. Common probiotics include Lactobacillus (such as L. acidophilus and L. casei) and Bifidobacterium (such as B. bifidum). Among them, Lactobacillus species are the most abundant.
#What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics mainly refer to ingredients that are not digested by the human body, such as water-soluble dietary fiber, which are food for probiotics. Probiotics can break down these prebiotics and then multiply. Common prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides, inulin and galacto-oligosaccharides.
The role and efficacy of probiotics
The most significant benefit of adding probiotics is improving gastrointestinal function. Since the intestine is the largest microbial habitat in the human body, when the number of probiotics in the intestine increases, it can inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, improve the intestinal environment, promote digestive function, make bowel movements smoother, and reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea and bloating. Studies have also shown that increasing intestinal probiotics can help improve immunity and prevent or improve vaginal and urinary tract infections, infectious gastroenteritis, or diarrhea caused by long-term use of antibiotics.
In addition, according to the literature of the Taiwan Neonatology Society, some probiotics may help reduce the crying of infants with colic, so parents can consider trying formula milk containing probiotics for their babies after consulting a doctor. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare reminds that although long-term probiotic supplementation is harmless to adults, infants under six months old should be evaluated by a physician before supplementation because their gastrointestinal <a href=https://healthpulse.tw/cranberry_recommendation>probiotic recommendation</a> is not yet fully developed.
What foods contain probiotics and prebiotics? How to take?
Probiotics and prebiotics complement each other, so taking both together can maximize the health benefits. There are two main ways to ingest:
1. **Natural food intake**: Many natural ingredients contain prebiotics, such as asparagus, celery, bananas, berries, onions, garlic and other fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Probiotics are mainly found in fermented foods such as kimchi, miso, natto, soy milk and yogurt.
2. **Nutritional supplements**: Various probiotic products on the market usually contain prebiotics to enhance the effect. If your daily diet is not balanced enough, you can consider buying probiotic health foods to supplement the deficiency.
How to choose <a href=https://healthpulse.tw/cranberry_recommendation>probiotics recommendation</a> probiotics? Which is better, tablets or powder packets?
There are many types of probiotics. When choosing, you can refer to the following points:
- **Choose products with strain numbers**: Strain numbers such as LP33 mean that the strain has been studied many times and is patented, and <a href=https://healthport.tw/cranberry>Cranberry Probiotics</a> is safer.
- **Avoid <a href=https://medvoyage.tw/%E8%94%93%E8%B6%8A%E8%8E%93%E6%8E%A8%E8%96%A6>probiotics recommended</a> additional sugar**: Some probiotic products add sugar to increase the taste, but this is not good for intestinal health.
- **Pay attention to the bacterial content**: According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, probiotics currently on the market must not contain Enterococcus faecalis<a href=https://healthport.tw>Probiotic efficacy</a> and Enterococcus faecium.
Additionally, probiotic products are available in capsules, lozenges, and powders. Although powders are best absorbed, they can easily stick to the mouth or esophagus. Capsules and tablets can better resist stomach acid and maintain the activity of probiotics, but tablets require high temperature production and the addition of excipients, which may lead to the decline of probiotics and the intake of additional additives.
Overall, it is recommended to give priority to probiotic products in the form of capsules, which are convenient and can effectively reduce the destruction of probiotics before they take effect.
