Understanding Probiotics

Probiotics is a type of living things known as Biotics. Biotics is a term used a lot not just in the medical sector but also in our day-today-lives. The truth, however, is that not everyone knows what exactly what they are. They can’t tell whether Biotic are found in our bodies or exist in the surroundings alone. The following review helps to explain what Biotics are and the various types of Biotics that exist.

What’s a Biotic?

Biotic refers to living organisms or things that are found both in our bodies and in the environment. The Biotic that exist in our bodies is also called bacteria. Not all bacteria are bad though. There are good bacteria in our bodies that help to maintain equilibrium for our body to function optimally. Harmful bacteria, on the other hand, are fatal and this is why there are so many medications manufactured for countering their activities. Good bacteria are also known for their ability to prevent the functioning of these harmful bacteria.

Types of Biotics

There are so many different kinds of Biotics some of which you’ve probably heard of. They include:

a. Antibiotics – just as the name suggests, antibiotics are used to counter the functioning of Biotics. To achieve this, they are mainly designed to kill bacteria. Most of us have at one point used antibiotics to kill disease-causing bacteria. Differentiating good bacteria from bad ones is a bit challenging, and this is why antibiotics frequently end up destroying both harmful and the beneficial antibiotics.

b. Macrobiotics – These types of biotics are not very well known to most people. They are useful and are mainly found in whole grains, raw fruits, vegetables, and beans.

c. Pre biotics – Our bodies can digest most types of fibers but not all. There are certain fibers that we consume but remain in the digestive tract since our bodies can’t absorb them. These fibers are called Prebiotics. They may not be digestible to our tract by the bacteria inside us can absorb and utilize them as food.

d. Pro biotics – These Biotics are available either in the form of food or supplements and help to boost the number of good bacteria in our bodies. They are found in foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, etc. In supplements, Probiotics could be found in powders, drinks or capsules.

e. Synbiotics – Synbiotics are supplements or products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics.

Comparing Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are living things in the body while prebiotics merely acts as energy sources to the bacteria. Prebiotics, therefore, help to keep the probiotics fuelled to carry out their functions.

Probiotics get the most attention as being the most beneficial to the body, but prebiotics do have health benefits as well. Studies have, for example, proven that Prebiotics can boost one’s metabolism, immunity, nutrient absorption, and also improve utilization of vitamins.

Probiotics are beneficial assisting our bodies in maintaining the essential balance between good and bad bacteria. Prebiotics, however, may affect different people differently. Some people with other pre-existing conditions such as Crohn’s diseases could be negatively affected by Prebiotic supplements if not consumed correctly.

Benefits of Probiotics

So many studies have been conducted to try and understand the function of Probiotics in our bodies. All of these studies have pointed out the essential role played by these Biotics and their benefits. Among these advantages include:

i. Improves the digestive health of both the young and the old people

ii. They significantly reduce inflammation problems and the diseases associated with it.

iii. They boost oral health.

iv. Improves our body’s resistance to allergens.

v. Promotes bowel movement.

It’s for this reason that Probiotics are even prescribed to individuals who have consumed antibiotics. They help to replace the beneficial bacteria killed by the antibiotics.

Sources of Prebiotics and Probiotics

You can easily find Prebiotics and Probiotics from natural sources. Prebiotics, for instance, are available in foods like oats, garlic beans, etc. which you can easily find in a grocery store near you. Probiotics, on the other hand, are contained in Yogurt, Sauerkraut and other various types of vegetables. These are natural sources of essential Biotics which improve your health significantly. They can’t however, do so overnight, you’ll have to consume them consistently and over a period before you can fully enjoy their benefits. While purchasing these foods, it’s also vital that you make sure they are not pasteurized. Pasteurization destroys both bad and good bacteria which means that you won’t be getting any of the biotic.

In case you want faster results then you can always purchase supplements containing these beneficial biotics. Care must however, be taken to ensure that they are of high quality to benefit your body as intended.

Conclusively, both Probiotics and Prebiotics are vital to the body and are highly needed for proper functioning.