The scientifically proven connection between gut health and our overall health has given rise to the large consumption on prebiotic and probiotic products. But do you get a bit confused about what these are and why we need them? If indeed we need them at all?
Well, let me help unravel this subject for you. I will state right now, that I will unashamedly plug the Thrive products at the end, which I am beyond excited about to have discovered and partnered with. But, the information that follows is all from current science and you will be fully informed about this subject, and what you then do with the info is entirely up to you!
As you may already have suspicions from your own gut experiences, our digestive system is super complicated. I am an IBS sufferer and there often seems to be no rhyme or reason attributed to my flair ups, which can be very frustrating. Our digestive system is a complex set of organs that should work in beautiful harmony to do more than just process food. It includes 22 feet of small intestines along with the large intestines with it's trillions of bacteria also known as the gut microbiota that helps perform a variety of functions such as:
to digest and extract nutrients from the foods we eat
maintain a well functioning gut wall
regulate the normal functioning of the immune system by interacting with about 70% of the immune system through the wall of the intestines
plays an important role I our overall health and wellbeing
positively influence cognitive health with exciting research showing that there is a gut-brain connection. Let's look at that in a bit more detail....
The Gut-Brain connection
We often talk about a 'gut reaction' or 'butterflies' in our stomach. These feelings initiated in our belly show how our gut and brain are connected. research shows that the gut-brain connection is very real and is referred to as the gut-brain axis.
There are between 200-600 million neurones in the human gut's own nervous system which is equal to the number of nerve cells in the spinal cord, therefore it is not surprising that the gut is has been referred to as the 'second brain'. The gut microbiota (the microorganisms in our gut which include bacteria), produces many different compounds that can directly affect brain inflammation.
Gut bacteria affects brain health so supporting your gut health, you can also improve your brain health!
Probiotics
Probiotics are living 'good bacteria' that when consumed in adequate amounts support our health inclusion our gut health
Probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help to balance the richness and diversity of your gut microbiota.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are well-studied and the most commonly used probiotics.
Lactobacillus helveticus
Lactobacilli produce other substances which is why they are called fermentative bacteria.
Several studies have demonstrated the L. helveticus is effective in preventing infections.
Strains belonging to the L. helveticus species can also exert beneficial effects by positively affecting the gut microbiota composition.
Bifidobacterium lactic HN019
B.lactis HN019 is a multi-purpose probiotic bacteria originally found in yogurt produced in New Zealand. Clinical studies have linked B.lactis HN019 to benefits such as:
Increased beneficial good bacteria in the gut (min 1 billion CFU)
Decreased potential harmful gut bacteria (min 1 billion CFU)
Alleviation of gastrointestinal issues and support of guys mobility (min 1 billion CFU)
Improved functioning of the immune system (2 billion CFU)
Food sources of lactobacillus or bifidobacterium
Yogurt is presumed to be a natural probiotic, but not all yogurt products, contain a significant number of live cultures of lactobacillus or bifidobacterium, because the bacteria generally does not survive the manufacturing process. Some yogurts have live cultures added by the manufacturer.
Other food sources of probiotics include fermented vegetables.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are substances that feed the good bacteria in our gut and decrease the bad bacteria
Prebiotics mainly come from fibre, a macronutrient which our body cannot digest
The gut microbiota feeds from prebiotics and converts them into smaller and highly beneficial compounds in a process called fermentation
Bimuno GOS
Bimuno is a unique prebiotic fibre that contains (GOS) galactooligosaccharides which are obtained from lactose (purified, so ok for those that are lactose intolerant)
When consumed the fibre travels through our digestive system intact until it reaches the large intestine where it then feeds and stimulates the growth of good bacteria
According to clinical studies, benefits of consuming Bimuno GOS include:
Immune health
stress relief
cognitive health
gastrointestinal health
Food sources of Prebitotics:
All high fibre foods such as oats, fruit, in particular bananas and apples, and vegetables, in particular asparagus, onions, leeks
Signs of an unbalanced gut
Upset stomach - gas, bloating, diarrhoea and heartburn could be signs of an imbalanced gut microbiota.
Sugar cravings- sugar decreases the good bacteria in your gut creating an imbalance and sugar cravings as bad gut bacteria feed on sugar.
Unintentional weight changes- an imbalanced gut can impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, regulate sugar and store fat.
Sleep disturbance or fatigue- poor gut microbiota diversity has been linked to frequent periods of wakefulness
stress- has an impact on gut bacteria because immune cells act as messengers that convey psychological stress to the gut which then leads to inflammation of the gut
Skin irritations- inflammation in the gut caused by a poor diet cold cause the leaking of certain proteins that cause skin irritations
Food intolerance and food sensitivity - are a result of difficultly digesting foods which may be caused by poor quality bacteria in the gut.
How to maintain a Balanced and Healthy Gut?
Exercise regularly
hydrate
avoid a high-sugar diet as sugar feeds the bad bacteria in your gut
regular consumption of certain probiotics and prebiotics can help to alleviate abdominal discomfort, improve immune and cognitive health, boost levels of good bacteria in your gut and help with digestion
Long term and regular consumption of probiotics and prebiotics can help to improve the condition of your gut microflora
For further information check out the website https://www.bioticmax.info/
My Blog, my Plug! So there!...
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other benefits of the Thrive Experience:
gluten free
vegan options
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