It is well-known that Probiotics in the diet play an important role in optimizing
gut health. But there’s another group of ‘biotics’ in town. If you haven’t heard about
them yet, Postbiotics are beginning to pop up in the latest nutrition literature.
Postbiotics are essentially non-living metabolites. Metabolites are substances
needed to carry out digestion. Postbiotics are produced by micro-organisms during
the fermentation process.
Then there are also Prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of
beneficial bacteria in the gut. They’re the fuel for Probiotics, which can be thought
of as the workers in the gut — live microorganisms that have been linked with all
kinds of health benefits. Probiotics need Prebiotics (their food source) to thrive.
So, what are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the goods. They are the end result of all
of the hard work done by the Probiotics.
Why are Postbiotics important these days? Because they help you maintain a
healthy immune system and they support a healthy digestive system.
The research indicates Postbiotics can improve overall health and relieve symptoms
related to a whole range of diseases from Atopic Dermatitis to Irritable Bowel
Disease. Preliminary research has also shown that certain Postbiotics can help prevent
Type 2 diabetes, possibly by helping insulin work more effectively. Postbiotics
may also play a role in making metabolites more potent and thereby contributing to
overall gut health.
Postbiotics are known to trigger your immune system, activating an anti-inflammatory
response. Studies in patients with ulcerative colitis also seem to indicate that
fermented bacteria [like Postbiotics] improved gastrointestinal functioning.
WHERE DO I FIND POSTBIOTICS?
Basically, if you’re eating Prebiotic-rich foods that Probiotics feed on, you’ll end
up with Postbiotics. In other words, try Prebiotic-rich foods such as:
- Unripe bananas
- Apples and legumes
- Whole wheat, oats, barley, cocoa and flaxseeds
- Greek yogurt and kefir
- Fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, tofu and kimchi
If you don’t love these foods, or have a hard time fitting them into your diet,
speak with Dr. Weisz about a supplement.
SOURCE: Shortsleeve, Cassie, You Know About Probiotics, But What About Postbiotics?, myfitnesspal.com website, September 11, 2020