Gut health depends on probiotics and prebiotics. Microorganisms make up 2.5% of our body weight. These bacteria are found in our digestive tract in 500 different types. Children and infants are more susceptible to infections and digestive problems. As well as allergies, need this bacteria to stay healthy. Young children need adequate nutrition for their health. Well-being, and strong immunity. Generally, infants receive their nutrition primarily from breast milk. Infants’ immune systems are modified by their components.

Prebiotics: Food sources

• Banana
• Legumes
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Soybeans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Dandelion greens
• Chicory root
• Asparagus

Health Benefits of Prebiotics

A cascade of activities is carried out by the human gut microbiota that is essential for the body’s health. There are several diseases linked to their imbalance, including metabolic abnormalities. Nonpharmacological approaches have been found to reestablish gut symbiosis and promote health through prebiotics.

Foods that contain prebiotics contain oligosaccharides. Which are non-digestible fibers. The bacteria are stimulated to grow. Which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and abnormal flora. There are many types of prebiotics. Such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, arabinogalactan, polydextrose, lactulose, and lactitol.

During the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, prebiotics resists hydrolytic activity, allowing them to reach the colon intact. Beneficial microflora selectively ferments them here. Resulting in a change in colonic bacterial composition. Bifidobacteria and lactobacillus are commonly stimulated by prebiotics. Which have a number of beneficial effects on the human body, including improving digestion and boosting immunity.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are mainly responsible for the health benefits associated with prebiotics. A key role played by SCFAs in modulating the intestinal barrier is the result of fermentation. The immune system and the inflammatory response are also regulated by SCFAs.

Besides modulating gut microbiota.  Prebiotics has also been demonstrated to benefit diseases such as cancers of the colon and inflammatory bowel diseases. Several minerals can also be absorbed from them.  They can help prevent obesity and indigestion.

Effects on the Immune System

Prebiotics stimulate the immune system as one of their benefits. Mucosal immune systems are known to be influenced by gut microorganisms in innate and adaptive ways. There are two ways this can happen: directly by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria.  Indirectly by increasing lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria. A state of well-being and a reduced risk of disease are conferred by the activity of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) stimulated by prebiotics.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effects

Prebiotics reduce cholesterol by producing SCFAs, which are mainly responsible for their cholesterol-reducing effects. Blood pressure is lowered as a result of the absorption of SCFAs in the portal vein and the liver’s metabolic process. Fats and phospholipids are also absorbed in the lower intestine by prebiotics. Prebiotics also lower cholesterol levels because of their binding properties. Reduced total cholesterol may decrease blood pressure and increase the clearance of LDL cholesterol.

Improve the Absorption of Several Minerals

Calcium and magnesium are absorbed more effectively when prebiotics are present, which promotes bone mineralization. As a result of prebiotics producing SCFA, the gut lumen becomes acidified, which increases mineral solubility and calcium-binding enzyme expression in the large intestine.

There is no doubt that nutrition has a profound impact on human health; however, there are still many things we do not know about some of the essential parts of a healthy diet. Human health can be positively affected by prebiotics when added to the diet. It appears that prebiotics is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for a number of diseases associated with gut microbiota imbalances.

Why you should consume prebiotics

After carbohydrates (lactose) and fat, oligosaccharides are the third most prevalent component of breast milk. Also known as prebiotics, oligosaccharides are a type of sugar. Breast milk has a higher concentration of prebiotics than proteins, which is why scientists from all over the world are interested in it.

An essential component of probiotics is fiber, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestine.

Keep in mind

Supplements come in many different varieties, which is something to keep in mind. In this case, lactobacillus is one of the most commonly used bacteria. A dozen lactobacillus species are used as probiotics, but there are more than 120 species.

The availability of probiotics is further complicated by the fact that there are several types of bacteria, each with dozens of species. In addition, brands can use different amounts of the same bacteria even if they select the same kind.