Prebiotics are a kind of dietary fiber that function a meals supply for helpful micro organism within the intestine. They’re largely categorized as soluble fiber (slightly than insoluble fiber), which implies they move by way of the higher a part of the GI tract undigested and are fermented by the resident micro organism within the colon.
The primary perform of prebiotics is to selectively promote the expansion and exercise of helpful micro organism (equivalent to Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) whereas inhibiting the expansion of much less fascinating micro organism. This helps keep a wholesome stability of intestine microbiota, which is essential for numerous points of well being—together with digestion, nutrient absorption, immune perform, and even psychological well-being.*
Consuming prebiotic-rich meals or taking prebiotic dietary supplements (e.g., fiber powders that comprise inulin, resistant starch, or different prebiotic sources) will help assist the expansion of helpful intestine micro organism, improve digestive well being, bolster immune perform, and extra.* It is price noting that particular person responses to prebiotic fibers might fluctuate, and it is necessary to progressively introduce them into the weight-reduction plan to keep away from digestive discomfort in some people.
