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Prebiotics and Probiotics – #2 of 5

AXOS FOS MOS Prebiotic Fibers XOS

Prebiotics Feed Probiotics – 
Confused about prebiotics and probiotics? You're not alone. The names are almost identical, but they're very different things. Here's a simple explanation:

1. Prebiotics are plant food fibers that you eat
2. Probiotics are good bacteria that live inside you

Both are the subject of intensive study right now. And the more we learn, the more we discover that both are important to your health, starting at birth.
 
Sources of Prebiotics
Prebiotics are plant fibers. Almost all plants have some prebiotic fibers, though most have only small amounts. The most plentiful sources are, in order: chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion greens, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, wheat bran and banana. Oats and barley also provide good amounts of prebiotic fibers.
 
Born Into Bacteria
It's believed that babies have no bacteria until they leave the womb, though that point is debated. As babies are born, they come into contact with mom's bacteria in either the birth canal, or through skin contact afterwards if born by caesarian. Consensus is, natural birth is by far the best way, as specific bacteria needed for digestion of milk are provided in abundant supply from mom along this path.

Our First Prebiotics
Once baby's arrived, he or she begins to gather a lifetime of bacterial species. Through mouth and nose primarily, but also from contact with their skin. Breastfeeding not only provides good probiotic bacteria from mom, but also needed prebiotics which are found in breast milk. After 3 to 6 months or more of breastfeeding, baby will begin to diversify their prebiotic fiber sources as other foods are introduced to their diet.
 
How Many Are There?
As adults, each of us has approximately 100 trillion probiotic bacteria in our guts. That's 10 times as many bacterial cells as there are human cells in our bodies. So cell wise, we're 90% bacteria. Some 1,000 species of bacteria make up the blend in us, yet it's believed that 99% belong to only 30 or 40 species. Jury's out on what the other 900+ species do, but among them may be what is considered "keystone" species that are small in number, yet critical to our health.
 
Feeding and Fermentation
In maintaining the healthy function of your gut, it's important that you give your probiotic bacteria proper nourishment. They can thrive when a good supply of prebiotic plant fibers are available in your diet. But if your meals are low in prebiotic fibers, your gut and immune system can suffer. Prebiotic plant fibers like the 4 in ProBiotein (FOS, MOS, XOS, AXOS plus Beta-glucan) survive undigested through your stomach and small intestine, to be fermented in your large intestine. This fermentation provides important nourishment to your probiotic bacteria.
 
Healthy Bacteria for Better Health
Good or “probiotic” bacteria do good things. They help regulate your immune system, digest your food, create energy and even synthesize vitamins. They create short chain fatty acids (SCFA), support intestinal villi and maintain proper permeability of your intestinal wall. They also release “signaling” molecules that travel from your gut to your brain. The SCFA are crucial to your liver and the wall of your large intestine. They may also increase mineral absorption, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, stabilize glucose levels, suppress cholesterol synthesis, and keep levels of immune system agents and antibodies normal.

Take ProBiotein daily. Eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Exercise.

* The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease.


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