What Are Prebiotics? How Do Prebiotics Work?
What are Prebiotics? Why do Prebiotics work? What are the best Prebiotic Supplements?

What are Prebiotics?

Scientists have defined Prebiotics as a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well-being and health. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that make their way through our digestive system and help good bacteria grow and flourish. Prebiotics keep beneficial bacteria healthy. Prebiotics are not bacteria. They are specific nutrients, usually non-absorbable carbohydrates like fructo- and oligo-saccharides, which can be found naturally occurring in whole grains, fruits and legumes. Many prebiotics identified to date are members of the carbohydrate family. 

Why do Prebiotics Work?

Prebiotics are the fertilizer for productive bacterial growth, feeding probiotic bacteria and assisting in its growth. According to OB/GYN Marcelle Pick, "fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, natural sugars found in bananas, chicory root, onions, leeks, fruit, soybeans, sweet potatoes, asparagus and some whole grains" assist in helping healthy probiotic bacteria through digestive acids, keeping them whole and able to reach their final destination. Additional sources of good Prebiotics include: Endive, Fresh Dandelion Greens, Radicchio and Garlic.

Benefits of Prebiotics

Prebiotic Benefits
•Increase in levels of good bacteria
•Reduction in levels of bad bacteria
•Increase in mineral absorption (for example, calcium)
•Control or prevention of occasional diarrhea
•Relief from occasional constipation, particularly in the elderly
•Provision of up to 10% of daily energy requirements
•Increase in bioavailability of minerals (for example, calcium and magnesium).

Prebiotics and Probiotics. Do they work together?

Yes, both Probiotics and Prebiotics work together synergistically.   While you can load up on probiotic supplements, it won’t do your body much good if you continue to eat a diet devoid of fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in inulin, fructans and oligosaccharides.   Similarly, a diet rich in prebiotics will give your intestinal flora something to feed on, but it’s likely that your intestinal flora could use a boost if you’ve typically eaten a poor diet or been at antibiotics at some point like most folks.

What is the best Prebiotic supplement? Do any supplements contain both Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Yes. Our selection as best Prebiotic and Probiotic supplement is Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics.com. www.drohhiraprobiotics.com. 



For more Information and pricing on this Award Winning Supplement (2008, 2009 and 2010) click here: www.drohhiraprobiotics.com


 Worlds Most Popular Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement.
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