Introduction
Gut health is something that tends to be overlooked by a vast majority of people, and it should be prioritised just as much as other parts of our body. However, in recent years, gut health is getting the recognition it deserves in the wellness community. More and more people are realising the importance of gut health and the role it plays in our health, and are spreading awareness about it. Our gut is often considered the “second brain” of our body due to the fact that it affects everything in our body from digestion to immunity, even our mental wellbeing and intuition. At the heart of this gut-health revolution are two powerful allies: prebiotics and probiotics. These terms tend to get mixed up a lot and are often confused as the same thing. Probiotics and prebiotics serve very different purposes that benefit your gut in different yet complementary ways when it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Think of them as a superhero duo who work quietly behind the scenes to keep your body balanced and thriving.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are found in your digestive tract. These microorganisms are referred to as good or friendly bacteria and serve the purpose of maintaining the natural balance of microflora in your gut (the diverse community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that inhabit the human digestive tract). These good bacteria benefit the digestive system by playing a role in fighting other harmful microbes and boosting the response of your immune system. Probiotics are found in food items like yoghurt, curd, kimchi and other fermented food items.
As opposed to probiotics, prebiotics are the non-digestible fibers that are found in certain types of food items. These prebiotic fibers play the role of being the food that helps the probiotics to grow and thrive, as the name suggests. In simple words, prebiotics feed the probiotics. Food items like garlic, onions, bananas, oats, and asparagus are rich in prebiotics. Let’s visualise things more simply so we won’t confuse the terms. Imagine your gut as a thriving space for things to grow in, like a vegetable farm. The probiotics are the seeds you’re planting in your vegetable farm, and the prebiotics are the essential fertilisers that help those seeds grow healthy.
Importance of Good Gut Health
Your gut is a powerhouse filled with trillions of good bacteria living inside it. These bacteria play a role in influencing almost every aspect of our bodies and lives, from digestion and nutrient absorption to mood regulation and immune system function. A poorly maintained and imbalanced gut is the cause of most of our problems, like bad skin texture, stress, instability in mood, fatigue, slow metabolism, mood swings, binge eating, and digestive issues. Hence, it is our responsibility to ensure that this microflora in our gut is well balanced, thriving and in good condition to reap holistic health benefits.
How Do Probiotics and Prebiotics Improve Gut Health?
Probiotics and prebiotics work together and go hand in hand when it comes to improving gut health and maintaining the balance of the gut microflora. Here is how they help:
Enhanced Digestion: The probiotics living in your gut help enhance digestion by breaking down food particles and help your body absorb the good nutrients more effectively.
Strengthened Immune System: Probiotics and prebiotics play a role in strengthening your body’s immune system by increasing its ability to ward off illnesses faster, hence keeping your body safe from harmful illnesses.
Improved Mental Health: Probiotic gut bacteria play a role in affecting your mood, as it is one of the major factors responsible for neurotransmitter hormones like serotonin that influence your mood and cognitive function.
Reduced Inflammation: Probiotics and prebiotics contribute towards reducing inflammation in your gut, which is most likely linked to many chronic conditions.
Conclusion
Probiotics and prebiotics may not get as much attention and hype as other comparatively popular trendy superfoods, but despite getting less hype and awareness, they have a noticeable and undeniable effect on one’s gut health. With just a little research to understand the basics of how they function, you too can do a favour for your body by making smarter choices for your digestive health and overall well-being. So next time you're going out shopping or planning meals, remember to nourish your gut’s unsung heroes that are working hard in silence to keep you in your best condition. Including Metawell in your diet can further support your gut health and help you maintain long-term vitality as it is enriched with probiotics and prebiotics.
