What is a prebiotic and why is it important for your health? We discover the differences between prebiotics and probiotics

It’s no secret that the gut is not only the center of our digestive system, but also plays an important function in the body’s immune defense and metabolic processes.
That’s why the balance of the gut microbiome is so important for maintaining health on many levels.

One of the most effective ways to support a healthy microflora is to use supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics.
These two types of ingredients, although different, work together to increase the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which translates into better digestion, boosted immunity and overall well-being.

What is a prebiotic and how does it affect your health?

Starting with a basic definition of prebiotics, they are substances that are indigestible by the human body and act as a food for beneficial microorganisms in the gut.
They occur naturally in many sources of fiber, such as vegetables, fruits and whole-grain cereal products.
In the context of the gut microbiome, prebiotics contribute to the growth and activity of probiotic bacteria, which play a key role in maintaining digestive and overall health.

The impact of prebiotics on health is comprehensive:

• They promote the absorption of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are crucial for bone health and nerve function.
• They can contribute to better weight management by promoting feelings of satiety and lowering levels of major metabolic markers such as triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
• By modulating the gut microflora, they can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for the prevention of many chronic diseases.

Probiotics vs. prebiotics – learn the differences

An important aspect of gut health is the distinction between probiotics and prebiotics.

What are probiotics? These are live microorganisms that, when taken in adequate amounts, provide health benefits, primarily by modulating the intestinal microflora.
The most common are bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are found in fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir.

And what is a prebiotic? Prebiotics, such as inulin or oligofructose, are non-digestible nutrients that stimulate the growth of these beneficial bacteria.
Interestingly, although prebiotics are not digested, they contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, propionate and acetate, which are important for intestinal health and may lower the risk of developing diseases like colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and type 2 diabetes.

What are the benefits of using prebiotics?

The benefits of taking prebiotics are numerous:

• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• They have a positive effect on the immune system.
  By modulating the intestinal microflora, prebiotics help produce immunomodulatory substances that strengthen the body’s overall immunity.
• Healthy intestinal flora supported by prebiotics can reduce symptoms of food allergy and atopic dermatitis by stabilizing the intestinal barrier and reducing allergen penetration.
• Prebiotics also have a positive effect on mood and behavioral regulation, which is related to the so-called “gut-brain axis.
  gut-brain axis.
  The gut microbiota can influence the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in mood regulation.

Prebiotic – introduction to the diet

To take full advantage of the benefits of prebiotics, you need to include them in your daily diet.
Supplementation will be very effective, and for those who want to enrich their daily intake with sources of probiotics, here are some practical tips:

• Eating prebiotic-rich fruits and vegetables: root vegetables like chicory, as well as bananas, onions, garlic, and leek are excellent sources of prebiotics.
• Choosing whole grain cereal products: Cereals such as barley, oats and wheat are rich in prebiotics and can be easily incorporated into the diet through breads, breakfast cereals or groats.
• Adding seeds: flax and chia seeds are not only rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but also contain prebiotics.

Probiotic vs. prebiotic – which one to choose

The choice between a probiotic and a prebiotic depends on individual health needs and goals.
Probiotics are recommended to rebuild microflora after antibiotic therapy or for digestive disorders.
Prebiotics may be more beneficial for people who want to improve digestion, increase the absorption of ingested mineral nutrients or naturally support the immune system.

Both probiotics and prebiotics are critical to gut health and overall health.
The appropriate choice and use of these substances should always be tailored to individual health needs and under the supervision of a specialist.

Probiotics and prebiotics from Dr.
OHHIRA – why is it worth it?

Dr.
OHHIRA you will find 2 products with prebiotics.
The first is a Complex of 12 strains of lactic acid bacteria.

This product is an advanced dietary supplement created by Japanese scientists to support intestinal health and overall homeostasis of intestinal microflora.
This supplement is formulated with live bacterial cultures, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are key to maintaining gastrointestinal health.
The supplement focuses on rebuilding the balance of microflora, which is key, especially after antibiotic therapy or in situations where the body’s immune system is weakened.

The complex consists of three pillars of a healthy microbiome:

1. Probiotics – the live microorganisms in the product help protect against pathogens, promote digestion and nutrient absorption, resulting in better immunity and less susceptibility to allergies.
2. Prebiotics – a specialized fiber that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, helps maintain a healthy gut flora, helps treat constipation and maintains a healthy immune system.
3. Postbiotics – products of bacterial metabolism that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

The supplement is formulated with Formula OM-X, which means that all bacteria strains have been cultured under natural conditions for 3 years, guaranteeing their high activity and assimilability.
The product contains no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMOs, which is an added benefit for those seeking natural health solutions.
Thanks to the natural fermentation process, the supplement does not require refrigerated storage and is easily absorbed by the body.

Also on offer is OM-X Prebiotic Paste.
This is an innovative product that supports gut health just as effectively, based on the synergy of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.
These ingredients are key to maintaining a healthy intestinal microflora, supporting digestion and modulating immunity.
Also found in the paste are:

1. Probiotics – live bacteria cultures contained in the paste quickly colonize the intestines, where they fight pathogens and promote healthy digestion.
2. Prebiotics – the fiber in the paste nourishes beneficial bacteria, which promotes their growth and function.
3. Postbiotics – natural products of bacterial metabolism that act as biological regulators to support intestinal health.

The paste is a vegan product, free of artificial additives, making it suitable for people with allergies and food sensitivities.
Its production process is based on natural fermentation, which takes 5 years and involves 65 types of plants and 12 strains of bacteria, ensuring its effectiveness and ease of absorption by the body.
The paste does not need to be stored in the refrigerator and is convenient to use thanks to a form that allows easy consumption anytime, anywhere.