Everyone is talking about gut health these days. As they should because if your gut isn’t healthy, your overall health suffers. You will be surprised to know how many ailments’ root cause is poor gut health. Yes, the acne you suffer from can be due to the gut. Even hormonal imbalances happen due to poor gut health. Therefore focusing on improving gut health is essential. Probiotics are the first choice for people to fix gut health. But there is another important thing to keep in mind-prebiotics.
Everyone knows that probiotics are beneficial for the digestive system. But do you know that prebiotics help probiotics thrive? Yes, they are the food for probiotics. They act as fertilizers for improving gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your body. You can take prebiotics in many forms, like powder and pills. But prebiotic powder benefits aren’t limited to gut health. It provides other benefits too. The ones the blog talks about are below.
It supports gut health.
Talking about the benefits of prebiotic powder on the gut has to be the first topic of discussion. Research into prebiotics shows their importance to gut health. They are responsible for feeding the gut bacteria. They also cultivate diverse gut bacteria to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions. The gut microbiome is diverse. It needs nutrients of different types to survive. In addition, Prebiotics produce beneficial short-chain fatty acid molecules. These molecules are necessary for gut health. They also curb inflammation, the leading cause of chronic diseases.
It stimulates the immune system.
Another benefit of taking the best prebiotic powder is stimulating the immune system. It happens through direct or indirect effects on the gut microbiome. When the population of good bacteria or beneficial microbes increases, the immune system strengthens.
Prebiotics may help reduce the chances of colorectal cancer.
A few studies suggest prebiotics can prevent or at least reduce the chances of colorectal cancer. It happens as they modify the activity or composition of the colorectal microflora. SCFA prediction and modification of genes in cancerous cells are deemed responsible for anticancer effects. Studies show that after administering prebiotics, a reduction in biomarkers of colorectal cancer can happen.
Prebiotics can ease constipation.
People with acute or chronic constipation may find relief with prebiotic administration. Constipation is a term that means:
- Not being able to pass stools regularly
- Straining to pass stools
When you take prebiotics, they can regulate bowel movements, easing constipation. However, you might want to consult a doctor if you have IBS. Also, take it slow. Otherwise, you can experience gas and bloating as a result.
It helps improve mineral absorption.
Minerals are essential for overall health. But if your gut health is poor or your body isn’t absorbing minerals, eating mineral-rich food or taking supplements will not help. Instead, research says that taking prebiotics can help improve the absorption of minerals.
It prevents obesity
Gut microbiota is responsible for low-grade inflammation in the body. As a result, it can disrupt the absorption of fats and glucose metabolism. These disruptions lead to obesity. When you take prebiotics, they improve the integrity of your gut barrier. Thus, it reduces low-grade intestinal inflammation. As a result, it enriches metabolic changes, leading to weight loss.
It may enhance your mood.
Do you know that when your gut is upset, your brain suffers, and vice versa? The gut-brain axis is real. Your gut health influences your brain, just like stress and anxiety can upset the stomach. The studies say that when the gut microbiome flourishes, it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Thus, it can enhance your mood a lot. This area is still under study, but prebiotics help your gut, and that’s 100% sure.
Things to remember when taking prebiotic supplements
Whether you take prebiotic powder or supplements, remember these tips.
- Be consistent when taking prebiotics if you want better results. It means taking them daily simultaneously so as not to miss taking them.
- Wait up to at least two hours before or after taking any medication to take prebiotics. If you are taking antibiotics, wait three hours.
The prebiotic powder can do wonders to improve your gut health. If you suffer from chronic disease, talk to your doctor and add a good prebiotic powder. Also, eat food rich in prebiotics, like onion or garlic.
