Gut health has long been overlooked in the realm of health and wellness, but fortunately, that’s changing. It is now being realised that Gut health affects nearly every aspect of overall well-being. The gut houses trillions of bacteria that aid in digestion, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. A healthy gut supports a strong immune system, helping your body fight diseases better and become fit and fine. Although all these benefits are important, let’s mention the one we think would be most important to you. Gut health plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Good gut health has always been associated with probiotics and prebiotics. As much as they are vital for a healthy gut, there are also several misconceptions about prebiotics and probiotics.
In this blog, we’re going to debunk some common myths regarding gut health and then bring it down to what you need to know about probiotics and prebiotics.
Myth 1: All probiotics are the same
Many think that any probiotic supplement purchased will be the same. Not so; probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria, and may help re-establish the normal balance of gut flora. However, various strains of bacteria are used for a specific purpose in the body. For instance:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus assists with lactose digestion and avoids the problem of diarrhoea.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum is thought to enhance the immune system and decrease inflammation in the digestive system.
Not all probiotics are the same; the wrong strain for your particular issue may not be effective. You need to match the right probiotic strain with the health concern you are addressing, whether digestive issues, skin health, or immunity.
Myth 2: You can rely on supplements alone for gut health
Many people believe that popping a probiotic supplement will cure all gut-related ills. Supplements may well help, but it’s far from being magical. Good gut health doesn’t come without a good diet. Relying on supplements alone, without making changes to your diet, will likely not yield healthy results in the long run.
Myth 3: Probiotics Work Instantly
If you have ever used a probiotic supplement or eaten more foods rich in probiotics in the hope that you’ll feel a bit better within a day or two, you may have been disappointed. What remains unchanged about probiotics is that they take their time to work. Consistency is the name of the game with probiotics; long-term commitment is required to see results.
Myth 4: You don’t need prebiotics if you’re on probiotics
The truth is that everyone hears about probiotics, but hardly anyone ever mentions prebiotics. It’s kind of like the ketchup to your hamburger, the sauce to your pizza, or the sprinkles on your sundae-the best part of the meal. Where are the prebiotics? Because it’s a myth that you need just probiotics to be healthy. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live inside your digestive tract. To help feed the right kinds of beneficial bacteria, you need prebiotics. Think of them as providing the fuel that enables the probiotics to work. Without them, your probiotics may not work nearly as well.
Garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and oats are some examples of prebiotics. If you bring these foods into your diet, you can be certain that the good bacteria in your gut have enough to multiply and thus stay in their healthy ratio. So for best results, take both prebiotics and probiotics.
Myth 5: Probiotics are only for digestion
Even though probiotics have been very well recognised for their role in digestion, these benefits extend beyond digestion. They are essential for:
Immunity:
The healthy gut microbiome assists in the strengthening of the human immune system and helps your body fight infections better.
Mental health:
The gut and the brain possess a communication axis. Friendly bacteria create neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which may have a positive effect on mood and diminish symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Skin health:
A healthy gut reduces inflammation, which leads to most skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Myth 6: More probiotics are better
We have heard this a lot, haven’t we? But more isn’t always better. Overloading your gut with too many strains at once can sometimes lead to digestive upset, such as bloating or gas.
The quality of the probiotic supplement is also another issue. Some have a very high number of live bacteria, but if those bacteria can’t survive the acidic environment of the stomach, they’re not going to make it to the gut. Focus on choosing a supplement that contains strains backed by research.
Myth 7: Once my gut is healthy, I can stop supplementing
Gut health is something you maintain. Just because your digestive system feels better doesn’t mean you’re done. Factors like stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and illness can easily disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria. For long-term health benefits, probiotics should be a consistent part of your routine, alongside a diet rich in prebiotics and a healthy lifestyle.
Closing thoughts
The world of probiotics and prebiotics is full of promise, but it’s also rife with myths. Understanding the facts about how these supplements work—and pairing them with a balanced diet—can help you improve gut health. Remember, gut health is about balance, and no single supplement or food will be a cure-all. Instead, you must focus on consistency and variety.
