Prebiotics Are the Pals of Probiotics That You Didn’t Know You Needed for Weight Loss and Maintenance

You’ve probably heard all about probiotics, but what about prebiotics? Prebiotics are a component of certain foods, and they are an indigestible component. It serves as food for the bacteria that live in our gut. Prebiotics has many benefits related to a healthy gut. They work to promote better digestive health and fewer health issues relating to antibiotics. There is certainly less research done on prebiotics than it is available on probiotics.

More About What Prebiotics Really Are

Prebiotics is almost like a fertilizer for probiotics. Prebiotic fiber includes the skins, seeds, and piths of fruits and vegetables. It travels through the small intestine without digesting it into the system—the prebiotic fiber ferments when it reaches the large colon. The fermentation process is what provides the food for the probiotic cultures.

This beneficial bacteria colonies feed off of this fermented prebiotic fiber. This increases the desirable bacteria in our digestive systems. And it thus reduces the risk of disease and leading to better gut health.

What the Science Says

Some research is suggestive that prebiotics benefits the human body. It improves the absorption of specific nutrients, like calcium. It also benefits the body by changing how quickly the body processes or digests carbohydrates. Prebiotics seem to display the potential to enhance metabolism and enhance general digestion. Prebiotics occur naturally in a variety of foods, and so there is no need for prebiotic supplements.

No findings suggest that taking prebiotics with probiotics is harmful. However, it is better if people with chronic or severe diseases avoid taking either prebiotic or probiotic supplements. But you can continue to do so if you are doing it under your doctor’s advice.

Prebiotic and Probiotic Interactions

Since prebiotics serves as food for probiotics, probiotics require prebiotics to function effectively. There is ongoing research into the interaction between prebiotics and probiotics. While the scientists are yet to determine the links between prebiotics can how, it supports the probiotic development in your body.

Prebiotic and Probiotic-Rich Foods

People who have a diverse diet with many fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, and meat will get prebiotics and probiotics from their foods naturally. Foods that are high in probiotics are kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut, traditional buttermilk, and fermented cheese.

Prebiotic rich foods are mainly high fiber foods like whole grains and many fruits and vegetables. Babies get prebiotics in breastmilk or from their infant formula. Some probiotic-rich foods also are rich in prebiotics.

Your Gut Health and Weight Maintenance

The bacteria colonies in your gut have links to maintaining a healthy weight. Microbial diversity in your digestive system helps control the metabolism in your body and manage your weight. And Akkermansia municiphila is one of the two gut bacteria with lean body weight. Your body gets an abundance of these bacteria by consuming prebiotic foods. And it fuels the activities of this bacteria. Eating prebiotics can help to enhance your protection against obesity by increasing this slimming bacteria. You can find Amuniphila in bamboo shoots, fish oil, black tea, cranberries, concord grapes, and flaxseeds.

Further Studies into Weight Loss and Prebiotics

In short, we can say that while there isn’t much research in support of prebiotics, there isn’t much against it too. And at this point, that’s all that matters! Increasing your fiber intake is scientifically proven to have a whole host of benefits for health.

So eating prebiotic fiber-rich foods like bananas, onions, leeks, asparagus, garlic, and more can only do you a world of good! It will boost your immunity, reduce the risk of diseases, and chances of obesity. So, make sure you have a diverse diet that includes a lot of probiotics and prebiotics.

However, make sure you talk to your doctor, nutritionist, and dietician before hopping on this diet. It will ensure that you use the right amount of probiotics in your body without causing harm. But, if you have other concerns or questions about probiotics, besides doing your research, also talk to your nutritionist. They can help you understand the functioning of it better and help you chalk out a diet plan that works perfectly for your body. You could also get effective tips on the inclusion of prebiotics in your diet for optimum benefit!