Can You Take Probiotics And Prebiotics Together?
You can take probiotics and prebiotics together. In fact, this combination can improve and support digestive health more effectively. The nutrients and fibers in the prebiotics boost the survival and propagation of beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotics supplements restore the balance of the good bacteria naturally occurring in your gut. Prebiotic supplements provide nutrients for probiotics.
Many probiotic supplements have included prebiotics in their formulation. This way, the chances of establishing probiotics in the large intestine increase. This combination of probiotics and prebiotics is known as microbiome therapy.
Continue reading, as this article will explore whether you can take probiotics and prebiotics together. But before that, let's discuss what these two terms mean.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are bacteria that are found inside your body, specifically in the gut. These microbes help in digestion by breaking down food. Unfortunately, their population declines over time due to a variety of factors.
You can boost the population of these beneficial bacteria by taking more probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, to name a few. Now, many probiotic supplements with the same gut bacterial strains are also available. By taking the best probiotic formulation, you can regain balance and control of your gut.
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Many of these formulations have different probiotic strains with varying health benefits. Combined, these strains improve gut health synergistically.
What is Prebiotics?
Prebiotics don’t have bacteria or any microbes. Instead, they are the food source for the bacteria in the gut. Generally, prebiotics have indigestible dietary fibers, like inulin– derived mainly from plant sources. These fibers are actually the long chain of carbohydrates that break down slowly and provide energy for extended periods.
Among other types of prebiotics, oligosaccharides, resistant starch, and fructooligosaccharides are less known. The natural prebiotics sources are leafy vegetables, chicory roots, bananas, and asparagus.
When the diet contains both probiotics and prebiotics, it is known as a synbiotic. Food items like kefir, yogurt, and cheese are some common examples of it.
How to Increase the Effectiveness of Probiotics and Prebiotics
To make the most of this fantastic duo, here are some tips from a probiotic aficionado:
Variety is Key
Incorporate a diverse range of probiotics and prebiotics into your diet. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are excellent sources of probiotics. For prebiotics, indulge in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus.
Moderation Matters
While probiotics and prebiotics are incredible for gut health, don't go overboard. Start with small amounts and gradually increase intake to avoid any potential digestive discomfort.
Timing is Everything
When consuming probiotics and prebiotics together, it's best to take them separately. This way, you can avoid gas and bloating that result from the fermentation.
Stay Consistent
Regularly incorporate probiotics and prebiotics into your diet for long-term gut health benefits. Consistency is key to maintaining a happy and balanced gut microbiome.
Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics and Prebiotics Together
Prebiotics and probiotics work together to promote a healthy gut environment, like two peas in a pod. Here are a few of the amazing health benefits of this dynamic duo:
Enhanced Probiotic Survival: Prebiotics act as nurturing food sources for probiotic bacteria, helping them successfully survive the digestive tract and colonize the intestines.
Support for Anaerobic Bacteria: Certain prebiotics cater specifically to the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which are essential for our gut health but cannot be easily incorporated into dietary supplements.
Synchronized Gut Support: By combining probiotics and prebiotics, you can ensure a synchronized approach to gut health. Probiotics get the necessary nourishment to flourish, and the gut environment becomes more welcoming for beneficial bacteria.
Risks And Side Effects Of Combining Prebiotics And Probiotics
Generally, commercially developed probiotics and prebiotics are safe for people. It is rare to develop any side effects. However, some healthy people may get sick after taking probiotics due to individual variations. Bloating, gas, constipation, yellow poop, and loss of appetite are some symptoms of a synbiotic regimen. These side effects are especially common when you start taking these supplements.
Allergic reactions are another common side effect. Some individuals might have specific sensitivities to certain strains or fibers. If you experience any unexpected allergic reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, including probiotics and prebiotics, it's always a good idea to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it! Combining probiotics and prebiotics promotes gut wellness. By embracing this dynamic duo, you're nurturing a flourishing gut microbiome, bolstering your digestive health, and promoting overall well-being.