The Effects of Probiotics & Prebiotics in Gut Health

Gut health is a complex topic. Due to the number of bacteria living in your gut, the advice can be wildly misleading and, in some cases, inaccurate. We’ll look at what we know about the subject so you’re more likely to make better decisions about your long-term health.

What To Know About Probiotics

The word probiotics refers primarily to bacteria or yeast. Some probiotics are already inside you, but you can consume them through fermented foods. Eating more probiotics or taking a supplement for probiotics is to add to the ones already inside you. This may improve digestion, reducing the odds of constipation or diarrhea. It may also be able to improve your overall immune system, which can reduce the odds of overactive inflammation.

What to Know About Prebiotics

Prebiotics refer to compounds that nourish your existing gut bacteria, giving your gut all the strength it needs to keep the gut lining strong. Your body cannot digest prebiotics, but that doesn’t mean they flow through you without leaving their mark.

Prebiotic fibers from veggies, fruits, or grains will travel to the colon, where they can be processed and fermented. The byproducts of this transformation encourage new bacteria, so you have fewer stomach issues.

Effects on Gut Health

It's clear that you can get better gut health when you incorporate the right diet. However, plenty of claims are still pending. For instance, some research has shown that better gut health is linked to everything from better mood to lower odds of developing certain cancers. The best thing you can do is talk to a professional who can set realistic expectations about what you can do next.

Combine Prebiotics and Probiotics for the Best Gut Health

To get the best gut health, you want a healthy mix of both probiotics and prebiotics. If you're looking for answers about how to get the best gut health, the team at Gramercy Park Digestive Disease Center can give you as much information as possible. Call 212-979-3237 or fill out a contact form today for more information.