Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics: What You Should Know

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Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms, like "good" bacteria or yeast, which can help with prevention and treatment of certain health conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diarrhea caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or antibiotics.

There is some research that indicates that probiotics my help with conditions that are not gut related like eczema, oral health, urinary health, and allergies. You might also benefit from taking probiotics if you have recently lost good bacteria in your gut due to antibiotics, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, or lack of exercise.

Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, kombucha, kimchi, and pickled foods, but they're also available in capsule and powder form.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are foods that act as food for the good bacteria in your gut. They help regulate bowel movements, improve your immune system function, enhance your body's anti-inflammatory response, and help regulate mood. Some great sources of prebiotics include whole grains, rice, asparagus, onions, garlic, soybeans, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and artichokes.

Postbiotics

When probiotic bacteria consume prebiotics, the waste they produce is called postbiotics. These are technically waste products, but they do offer some important health benefits, like fighting inflammation, improved immune system performance, and reduced digestion issues.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics all play an important role in maintaining a healthy microbiome and digestive system. They have also been linked to improvements in mental health and skin. A varied diet rich in whole unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods is vital in leading a healthy life.