Prebiotic

By this time most of us have heard of probiotics -- living microorganisms that are beneficial when ingested. Prebiotics are closely related; they are substances (usually some form of soluble fiber) that stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms in our gut.

"A prebiotic is 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."
-- Marcel Roberfroid

The most common prebiotics are saccharide polymers (oligosaccharides and polysaccharides), short chains of simple sugars that are only partially digestible by humans. These include fructooligosaccharides and inulin, which are fermented by the microflora in the large intestine, lowering the pH (and incidentally, helping certain nutrients to be absorbed by the intestine). The correct pH balance is important to encourage certain bacteria to grow and discourage others. This interaction can be very specific; galactooligosaccharides are present in breast milk (and are now added to baby formula) to help encourage the bacterial species specific to infants, but are not required for adults. In all these cases, the bacteria in question are most often of the genus Bifidobacterium, but there are many different species within this group. Genus Lactobacillus also benefits from these prebiotics, as do some others, but Bifidobacterium appears to be the dominant probiotic gut bacteria in humans.

Oligofructose is considered a 'short-chain' prebiotic, and contains just two to eight links per saccharide molecule; they ferment comparatively quickly, in the first half of the large intestine. 'Long-chain' prebiotics such as inulin contain up to 64 links per saccharide molecule and last longer, not breaking down properly until later in the digestion process. You can also find foods and supplements, such as 'Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin', which include chains of various lengths to nurture the entire colon.

It is obviously efficient to have prebiotics and probiotics delivered together, so you may also see the term 'synbiotics' to refer to foods or supplements that provide both. The term 'functional foods 'may also be used, although this is a general term that would also cover any foods with added vitamins and minerals.

A couple of noders have messaged me to mention that prebiotics, in high doses, can cause gas. This is true, and probably indicates that you are getting more prebiotics than you need (although you might be getting too much of only one type). Keep in mind that other things also cause gas, so don't jump to any unwarranted conclusions about how healthy you are being... However, artichokes and jerusalem artichokes do contain a lot of both inulin and fructooligosaccharide.

augh!!

http://cutyourcravings.com/170810.php

Quack quack quack quack quack.

"Probiotics are not YOUR bacteria. YOURS are better. You need to take PREBIOTICS to feed your good microbiota, and encourage your healthy gut rainforest."

(I'm not kidding. He says that. Another physician gone bad a la Dr. Oz.)

"You can STARVE the BAD BUGS. Then your Good Microbes will help feel more energy, less bloated, stop cravings, like what you see in the mirror!" (Results not typical)." (So what the hell results ARE typical?)

"I had stumbled upon a Master Formula. A Supplement Company reached out to me, but... they wanted to package separately and charge $65.00 each for the two bottles."

"I firmly believe every person in America should take it every day and that's why my wife and daughters and I take it daily."

(Oh, yeah. No grains, no tomatoes or nightshades, no beans, no splenda. Lycopene bad!! Gluten intolerance is rare!! It's lycopene and BAD BUGS that are nailing your gut! Making you fat! It's not your fault! Bloating and fatigue and fat!)

You can still have coffee and dark chocolate.

"It has organic ingredients! Vegan!"

Ooooo, it boosts your bifidobacteria in only 7 days. "But if you drink it in a soda, you will totally ruin the effects! Ha, ha."

"We decided to offer it directly to you and cut out the middleman. PrebioThrive! Only $79.00 for a 30 day supply, but if you order in the next 24 hours, only 49.95! 3 container package on $44.00 per container!"

Quack quack quack quack quack.

The infomercial is over an hour.

"So again: those cravings you are getting, that take control of your brain and make you order a fattening meal instead of a healthy one, they are not your fault." etc "BAD BUGS."

This is brought to you by a family physician who does not sell any pills. I watched the infomercial. I don't buy it. You shouldn't either.