PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS

Prebiotic are non digestible food substances that promote the growth of good bacteria like - bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. Most of the prebiotics comprise of carbohydrates, specially oligosaccharides and soluble fibers. However there are certain non carbohydrate prebiotics also. There are short chain prebiotics (eg: oligofructose) and long chain prebiotics (eg: inulin). These prebiotics are fermented in the colon and this acts as an energy source for the bacteria to thrive. Dietary source of prebiotics are soyabeans, raw oats, raw chicory root, raw atrichoke etc. Prebiotics have potential effects on mineral absorption, immune effectiveness (breast milk contains oligosaccharides that helps development of proper immunity in infants), reduce risk of colon cancer, hypertension. Only caution to be exercised is that you should not be fooled by commercials proving that the food is prebiotic. Always remember -- Prebiotic are a component of the food and not the food itself.

Probiotics are live microorganisms like bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. It is usually consumed in the form of fermented food like yogurt. Probiotics are available as dietary supplements (including capsules, tablets, and powders) and in dairy foods (such as yogurts with live active cultures). Although the FDA has not approved any health claims for probiotics, they are used for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions such as infectious diarrhea, diarrhea associated with using antibiotics, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease). Probiotics are also being used for preventing tooth decay and for preventing or treating other oral health problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis.