What's the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Prebiotics serve as "food" for probiotics, helping to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Foods containing prebiotics often contain fiber and other nutrients. Despite promising results, further studies are needed to determine whether prebiotics are associated with other specific health benefits. If you don't eat foods containing prebiotics, you can still have a healthy digestive system by following a balanced diet.

Common prebiotics include :

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or fructosans: Short chains of fructose found naturally in foods such as garlic, onions, bananas or artichokes.Inulin, a frequently used FOS, is recognized for its positive effect on intestinal flora.
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS): These come mainly from dairy products and are often used in infant milks to promote the development of a balanced microbiota.

Inulin is one of the most frequently used types of FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides).

What are the most important functions of prebiotic fibers for our bodies?

Absorption of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium in the colon.
Reducing calcium loss, which would otherwise endanger bone tissue, leading to osteoporosis.
Lower blood lipid levels, especially triglycerides.
Stimulation of immunity, as intestinal flora act as activators and regulators of immune functions. Maintaining a healthy intestinal mucosa reduces the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Protective effect against colon cancer through the formation of short-chain fatty acids (butyric, propionic, acetic), which represent the main energy source for colon cells, stimulating their renewal and specialization while inhibiting their carcinogenesis.
Reduced constipation, with improved stool consistency and easier evacuation. Fiber determines both stool weight and stool hydration.
Reduced bloating, with less gas and less odor.

Prebiotics are nutrients that nourish the good bacteria in your body. By taking remedies containing prebiotics, you can improve your digestive health, boost your immune system and even promote healthy weight loss. It's a simple, natural way to optimize your overall health, without the undesirable side effects of chemical drugs. So why not try remedies containing prebiotics today and give your body the boost it needs?

The difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics: Understanding their complementary role

Probiotics and prebiotics are two essential concepts for digestive health, although they perform distinct but complementary functions in maintaining intestinal balance.

Probiotics are live micro-organisms (beneficial bacteria or yeasts) which, when administered in adequate quantities, provide health benefits to the host, notably by restoring or maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiota. They are found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut, as well as in dietary supplements.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible substances, mainly dietary fibers, which serve as a nutritive substrate for probiotics. They promote the growth and activity of good intestinal bacteria (such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and contribute to the proper functioning of the intestinal flora.

In other words, prebiotics "feed" the probiotics, enabling them to proliferate and perform their beneficial functions in the digestive tract.

The benefits of prebiotics for overall health

By promoting the growth of good intestinal bacteria, prebiotics :

Improve digestive health: they restore the balance of intestinal flora and promote digestion.
Boost immunity: By maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier, they protect against infection and inflammation.
Help control weight: By positively influencing the microbiota, they help regulate metabolism and limit fat storage.
Contribute to mental health: A balanced microbiota is associated with better regulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, thus boosting mood and stress management.

How can prebiotics be incorporated into the diet?

Prebiotics are naturally present in many fiber-rich foods. Here are just a few examples:

Vegetables: garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory.
Fruits: green bananas, apples, citrus fruit.
Cereals: Oats, rye, barley.
Pulses: Lentils, chickpeas.

In case of deficiency or increased need, dietary supplements containing prebiotics are available in powder, capsule or tablet form.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: An Indispensable Alliance

Prebiotics play a key role in the nourishment of probiotics, promoting their growth and beneficial activity within the intestinal microbiota. By acting as a natural fuel for good bacteria, they improve not only digestive health but also immunity, metabolism and overall health.

Incorporating prebiotic-rich foods or suitable supplements into your diet is a simple, natural approach to optimizing your well-being, without the side effects associated with chemical treatments. For optimal intestinal health, combine prebiotics and probiotics in a balanced diet.

What probiotic-based products can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a comprehensive range of probiotic-based products and other digestive solutions to support intestinal health and boost immunity. Here are the main categories available:

To maintain and rebalance digestive flora, probiotics offer an effective solution for improving intestinal comfort and digestion.
To strengthen the immune system, targeted probiotics stimulate the body's natural defenses and help combat external aggression.
To nourish and promote the growth of good bacteria, prebiotics work in synergy with probiotics to optimize intestinal balance.
For lactic ferments, specific food supplements support thebalance of intestinal flora and contribute to better digestion.
To improve the digestive process, digestive enzymes facilitate the breakdown of nutrients and reduce the discomfort associated with difficult digestion.

These probiotic-based products and digestive solutions, available on Soin-et-Nature, help to improve digestive comfort, boost immunity and preserve overall health in a natural, targeted way.