Are You Committing This Probiotic Error?

Overview

Understanding the significance of probiotics for your digestive, immune, and cardiovascular well-being is crucial. However, many individuals, even those who use leading probiotic products, often overlook a vital aspect. It's important to keep in mind that probiotics are living organisms that require nourishment. Here's what you should know...

Probiotics are present in your gut and various parts of your body. These beneficial bacteria play a role in supporting your immune system, improving gut health, contributing to heart health, and acting as a defense against harmful pathogens. To thrive, probiotics need to feed on prebiotic fiber.

Recent research suggests that consuming prebiotic fiber not only enhances the health of probiotic bacteria but also offers various health benefits on its own.

Recovering from Jet Lag and Sleep Deprivation

A study conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder indicates that a proper intake of prebiotics can help you better deal with disruptions in your daily rhythms caused by jet lag, all-nighters, or staying up late.¹

The research focused on 'circadian disruption,' which can impact your body's daily functions. Results demonstrated that consuming prebiotics not only rebalances your gut bacteria but also influences your brain and behavior.

The study, which involved the prebiotics galacto-oligosaccharides and polydextrose, simulated lifestyle disruptions similar to weekly international travel. Animals that consumed prebiotics adjusted more quickly to changes in sleep-wake cycles, maintained stable gut bacteria, and effectively regulated core body temperature.

Furthermore, the prebiotic diet promoted the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Ruminiclostridium 5 for enhanced sleep and Parabacteroides distasonis for support in weight and metabolism.²

Combatting Inflammation

Research suggests that prebiotics can assist in managing inflammation, potentially reducing the risks of cancer and infections.

Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia indicate that consuming prebiotics enhances the activity of gut bacteria, leading to the release of bile salt-hydrolase. This compound reduces harmful inflammation, offering protection against colon cancer and urinary infections.³

Principal researcher Elena Goun PhD stated, "Certain prebiotics can increase bile salt-hydrolase activity in gut bacteria, providing benefits such as reduced inflammation, lower blood cholesterol, and defense against cancer and infections at a lower cost compared to probiotics."

Promoting Healthier Eating with Prebiotics

Further investigations on prebiotics reveal their potential to:

• Decrease sugar cravings and enhance diet: Research from the University of Surrey indicates that women who consumed galacto-oligosaccharides naturally consumed less sugar over a month.⁴
• Assist in weight management: A study from the University of Calgary found that overweight children given daily prebiotic supplements experienced reductions in weight and body fat.⁵
• Offer emotional well-being: Reviews from England suggest that probiotics and prebiotics may improve mood.⁶

Incorporating more prebiotics into your diet is straightforward. Supplements containing inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are readily available. Additionally, prebiotic-rich foods like apples (with peels), asparagus, garlic, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, and oats can be beneficial.

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