We often talk about microbes that act in ways nuisible to our organism. In school and in the media, there is almost never a story about good bacteria! All in all, they are completely ignored. Yet, there aremicroorganisms that have beneficial effects forthe human body. Therefore, it is necessary to get to know them, to know where could we find them and thus, how to absorb them in the body.  

All about prebiotics

You probably don't know this, yet they are constantly working in your body. Plus, you consume it daily in your dietary intake. Prebiotics are food substances containing oligosaccharide and polysaccharide sugars. Generally, they escape digestion due to the high carbon content. Subsequently, they reside in the small intestine to cohabit with tens of thousands of bacteria and in turn participate in the body's functioning to complete digestion.

Prebiotics in the body

Prebiotics are part of the gut microbial flora. They are among themicroorganisms that populate the gut after a passage through the various digestive tracts and, along with other microbes, make up a whole natural defense army. The prebiotic elements are assimilated during feeding, they are notdigested by the stomach and arrive easily in the gut. They act together with substances called probiotics to establish an immune system throughout the gut area.

Prebiotic and probiotic: a pair to be distinguished

What your body needs directly are probiotic microbes. But these feed on prebiotics. This implies that these elements are essential for the functioning of the body.

In all, the human gut is home to 400 different species of bacteria. This microbial population is vitally important to the body, as it is involved in the functioning of the digestive tract and is a natural defense system for the body. Among these bacteria, we distinguish probioticsand prebiotics.

Probiotics areliving elements that are absorbed into the body and reside in the gut. These are beneficial microbes, as they are part of the immune system of the human body and contribute to the completion ofdigestion. These substances protect the microbial population, ensure its development and recovery.

Prebiotics are nutrients that promote the development of probiotics. With that, we can say that these nutrient matures are therefore essential forthe immune system and thedigestive process in the body.  

The effects of prebiotics

By promoting the development of probiotics in your body, prebiotics therefore participate in the proper functioning of the body including the immune system, digestive performance and thedevelopment of gut bacteria.

Withprebiotics, your body is able to modulate the immune system. The development of probiotics promotes the production of antibodies to fight harmful microbes in the body, particularly in the gut.

The gut microbial population, feeding on prebiotics, strengthens the gut lining. The latter is a substance that prevents bad bacteria from entering the digestion process.

With sufficient prebiotics, the body is able to produce bacteriones and propionines. These substances systematically prevent the invasion of disease-carrying viruses into the body.

Alternatively, driven by prebiotics, theprebiotic elements produceantioxidant enzymes that are able to destroy tumor substances. So they are anticancer microorganisms.

How to get prebiotics?

Until now, it has been impossible to detect the ideal amount of prebiotics that the human body needs to feed probiotic bacteria. However, it can be said that the body requires a necessary quota for the proper functioning ofdigestion and to ensure immune capacity. Therefore, it is essential to obtain regularly and ensure sufficiency.

Where can we find them?

In general, expressive consumption of prebiotics is not in the medical recommendations. These substances are found in foods that you consume on a daily basis.

Prebiotics are present in manyvegetablessuch as artichokes, asparagus, leeks, and tomatoes. They are also found in onions, garlic and ginger. Grains such as barley and rye are also important reserves of these substances. Prebioticsare also found in fruits like bananas. For example, chicory, dandelion and elecampane roots are rich in these beneficial microbes.

Dairy products Also contain a significant amount of prebiotics. Breast milk is an important source of them. But they are also found in fermented milk such as yogurt or butter.

Prebiotic substances are also found in prepared foods that are consumed regularly such as bread, boxed cereals, noodle broths, energy drinks, and pre-made sauces.

Protecting the prebiotics in your body

Therefore, it is important to balance the amount of prebiotics in the body. This can be achieved by consuming foods rich in prebiotics listed above. For example, in some countries such as Canada, there are prebiotic supplement products that are sold among medical devices.

To absorb a good amount of prebiotics, it is advisable to preserve the fiber in foods. On that note, avoid overcooked foods that can dissolve dietary fiber.  

Sources:

https://www.sciencepresse.qc.ca/blogue/2010/04/21/probiotique-prebiotique
https://www.sciencepresse.qc.ca/blogue/2010/04/21/probiotique-prebiotique