Gut health has long been overlooked in the health and wellness space, but fortunately, that is changing. It is now being understood that gut health affects almost every aspect of overall well-being. The intestine is home to trillions of bacteria that aid in digestion, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. A healthy gut supports a strong immune system, helping your body to better fight disease and stay fit and well. While all of these benefits are important, let’s mention the one we think would be most important to you. Gut health plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Good gut health has always been associated with probiotics and prebiotics. As much as they are vital for a healthy gut, there are also several misconceptions about prebiotics and probiotics.
In this blog, we’ll debunk some common myths about gut health and then narrow it down to what you need to know about probiotics and prebiotics.
Myth 1: All probiotics are the same
Many think that any probiotic supplement purchased will be the same. It is not like that; Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly beneficial bacteria, and can help restore the normal balance of intestinal flora. However, various strains of bacteria are used for a specific purpose in the body. For example:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus helps in the digestion of lactose and prevents the problem of diarrhea.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum is believed to improve the immune system and decrease inflammation in the digestive system.
Not all probiotics are the same; The wrong strain for your particular problem may not be effective. You need to match the right probiotic strain to the health issue you’re addressing, whether it’s digestive issues, skin health, or immunity.
Myth 2: You can rely solely on supplements for gut health
Many people believe that taking a probiotic supplement will cure all gut-related ailments. Supplements can help, but they are far from magic. Good intestinal health is not achieved without good nutrition. Relying solely on supplements, without making changes to your diet, will likely not produce healthy long-term results.
Myth 3: Probiotics work instantly
If you’ve ever used a probiotic supplement or eaten more probiotic-rich foods in the hopes of feeling a little better in a day or two, you may have been disappointed. What doesn’t change about probiotics is that they take their time to take effect. Consistency is the name of the game with probiotics; It takes a long-term commitment to see results.
Myth 4: You don’t need prebiotics if you are taking probiotics
The truth is that everyone hears about probiotics, but almost no one mentions prebiotics. It’s kind of like the ketchup on your burger, the sauce on your pizza, or the sprinkles on your ice cream: the best part of the meal. Where are the prebiotics? Because it is a myth that you only need probiotics to be healthy. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live inside your digestive tract. To help feed the right types of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are needed. Think of them as the fuel that allows probiotics to work. Without them, your probiotics may not work as well.
Garlic, onion, banana, asparagus and oats are some examples of prebiotics. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you can be sure that the good bacteria in your gut will have enough to multiply to stay in their healthy proportion. So, for best results, take both prebiotics and probiotics.
Myth 5: Probiotics are only for digestion
Although probiotics have been widely recognized for their role in digestion, these benefits extend beyond digestion. They are essential for:
Immunity:
The healthy gut microbiome helps strengthen the human immune system and helps the body better fight infections.
Mental health:
The intestine and the brain have a communication axis. Beneficial bacteria create neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which can have a positive effect on mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Skin health:
A healthy gut reduces inflammation, which causes most skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Myth 6: More probiotics are better
We’ve heard this a lot, haven’t we? But more is not always better. Overloading the intestine with too much stress at once can sometimes cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas.
The quality of the probiotic supplement is also another matter. Some have a very high number of live bacteria, but if those bacteria cannot survive the acidic environment of the stomach, they will not reach the intestine. Focus on choosing a supplement that contains research-backed strains.
Myth 7: Once my gut is healthy, I can stop taking supplements
Gut health is something that is maintained. Just because your digestive system feels better doesn’t mean you’re done. Factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and illness can easily upset the balance of intestinal bacteria. For long-term health benefits, probiotics should be a consistent part of your routine, along with a prebiotic-rich diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Final thoughts
The world of probiotics and prebiotics is full of promise, but it is also riddled with myths. Understanding the facts about how these supplements work and combining them with a balanced diet can help you improve gut health. Remember, gut health is all about balance and no single supplement or food will be a panacea. Instead, you should focus on consistency and variety.
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