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Prebiotics are substances that are food for the beneficial microorganisms that inhabit our body. Today, doctors are sounding the alarm: according to statistics, every second inhabitant of the metropolis has a lack of prebiotics in the body.
And the consequence of this is dysbiosis, colitis, dermatitis, joint problems and many other unpleasant health problems that are much easier to prevent than to cure.
Most often, when problems with intestinal health arise, we are advised to use special preparations containing beneficial bacteria identical to the natural intestinal microflora (probiotics), which, in theory, should help restore the health of internal organs.
However, such drugs do not always work. Sometimes patients do not notice much difference in their condition before and after treatment. This is where our faithful friends, the prebiotics, enter the scene.
Prebiotic Rich Foods:
General characteristics of prebiotics
Prebiotics are carbohydrates, or sugars, that enter our body along with food, dietary supplements and medications. There are 2 main groups of prebiotics: oligosaccharides and polysaccharides.
Most of the prebiotics belong to the first group of low molecular weight carbohydrates – oligosaccharides, which are found in vegetables, herbs, cereals, milk and dairy products.
The group of polysaccharides is represented by such useful substances as pectin, inulin and vegetable fiber. We find them in vegetables, fruits, bran and grains.
All prebiotics have the following properties:
- safe for health;
- broken down and metabolized in the large intestine;
- are essential substances to stimulate the growth of healthy microflora.
The most popular semisynthetic prebiotics today include lactulose, which restores the intestinal flora and is used as directed by a doctor for formula-fed children. It is also indicated for adults with a lack of beneficial bacteria in the body.
Unlike probiotics, prebiotics act on the body more slowly, but the result of their use is more persistent. In some cases, doctors recommend the complex use of prebiotics along with probiotics.
Daily requirement for prebiotics
Depending on the type of prebiotics used, their daily requirement is determined. So, for example, the body’s need for plant fiber is about 30 grams per day, lactulose is taken in order to restore the intestinal microflora, starting from 3 ml per day. The permissible amount of lactose for an adult is 40 grams per day.
The need for prebiotics is increasing:
- with reduced immunity;
- low absorption of nutrients;
- constipation;
- dysbacteriosis;
- dermatitis;
- intoxications of the body;
- arthritis;
- infectious diseases of the urinary system.
The need for prebiotics decreases:
- in the absence of enzymes in the body necessary for the breakdown of prebiotics;
- with individual intolerance and allergic reactions to these nutritional components;
- with existing medical contraindications, due to identified extraneous diseases. For example, garlic and garlic tincture can cause heart problems in people with a predisposition to heart attacks.
Digestibility of prebiotics
Prebiotics are substances that are not processed by the body in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and only with the help of the beta-glycosidase enzyme, their preparation and assimilation by lacto-, bifidobacteria and lactic acid streptococci begin in the large intestine.
Useful properties of prebiotics, their effect on the body:
Prebiotics are metabolized by the body to form lactic, acetic, butyric and propionic acid. At the same time, there is an active growth and development of beneficial microflora and suppression of harmful ones.
The body gets rid of the growth of populations of staphylococci, clostridia, enterobacteria. Putrefactive processes are suppressed in the intestines and beneficial bacteria multiply successfully.
Thus, there is a healing of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, joints and skin. There is an active regeneration of the colon mucosa, which leads to getting rid of colitis.
Interaction with other elements
The use of prebiotics increases the absorption of calcium, which increases the strength of bones, their density. Blood cholesterol levels are normalized, and the synthesis of bile acids is optimized. Magnesium, zinc and iron are better absorbed.
Signs of a lack of prebiotics in the body:
- frequent skin inflammations (acne, acne);
- constipation;
- indigestibility of food;
- colitis;
- bloating;
- frequent colds;
- skin rashes;
- inflammation of the joints.
Signs of excess prebiotics in the body
Usually, there is no excess of prebiotics in the body. Most often they are well tolerated by the body. In rare cases, individual intolerance to some of them may appear, while skin irritation is observed, and some other manifestations of allergies.
Factors affecting the content of prebiotics in the body:
The general health of the gastrointestinal tract and the presence of the necessary enzyme betaglycosidase affect the content of prebiotics in the body. The second factor is good nutrition with the inclusion of the required amount of prebiotics.
Prebiotics for beauty and health
Clear skin, healthy complexion, no dandruff, energy – this is what those who prefer healthy foods containing prebiotics gain. A gradual decrease in body weight is possible due to the full absorption of nutrients from food and a decrease in unhealthy appetite.