In the world of gut health, we’re no strangers to buzzwords. From probiotics to prebiotics, these terms have found their way into everyday conversation. Just as we were getting comfortable with them, a new term has been making waves in the wellness space – synbiotics. Unlike many health trends that come and go, synbiotics deserve the attention they’re receiving. They are a powerful new player in gut health science but something our team have already been ahead of the curve on when it comes the Biomel Complete Gut's unique formulation. But before we dive into the benefits of synbiotics, it’s crucial to understand the key players: pro and prebiotics. What are they, and why is the combination of the two – synbiotics – so beneficial?
Live bacteria are widely recognised for their role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and microorganisms that live in our digestive system. Different strains of friendly bacteria can have varying benefits. For example, certain strains may support digestion, while others are thought to influence gut barrier function or the balance of gut bacteria. Research has also linked live bacteria to wider health benefits, including improved digestion and support for the immune system.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not live bacteria. Instead, they are types of dietary fibre that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Think of prebiotics as the energy source that helps good bacteria grow and thrive. Prebiotics can be found in many everyday foods, such as onions, leeks, bananas, and asparagus. However, the amounts in food are often small, and most people in the UK don’t consume enough fibre overall. This is why incorporating more fibre into your diet is highly recommended for overall gut health. When prebiotics are consumed, they encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, which may help improve the balance of gut microbiota. This can create a healthier environment in the gut, reducing the available space for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Here’s where things get interesting. A synbiotic refers to a combination of beneficial live cultures and prebiotics that work together in a mutually beneficial way. When paired correctly, the prebiotic helps the probiotic survive and function more effectively as it travels through the digestive system.
This synergistic relationship can mean greater support for the gut microbiome than taking probiotics or prebiotics on their own. For a product to be considered synbiotic, the combination of prebiotic and probiotic must have been shown to enhance each other’s effects. For example, some research suggests that specific prebiotic fibres, such as chicory root fibre, can enhance the growth and activity of common probiotic strains such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.
1. Enhanced survival: One of the biggest challenges with beneficial live cultures is ensuring they survive the acidic environment of the stomach. When paired with a complementary prebiotic, beneficial bacteria have a better chance of surviving and reaching the gut.
2. Better gut balance: Synbiotics support the balance of bacteria in the gut by introducing beneficial bacteria and helping them flourish. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
3. Targeted gut support: Different combinations of prebiotics and live cultures may offer tailored benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting a healthy immune system.
4. A comprehensive approach: By combining live cultures and prebiotics, synbiotics provide a more advanced way to support gut health.
Supporting your gut doesn’t have to be complicated. Choosing products and foods that include both beneficial cultures and prebiotics, like Biomel Complete Gut, makes it an easy all-in-one solution to gut health. The combination is designed to deliver both the beneficial bacteria and the fibre they need to thrive.
When looking for synbiotic foods in the kitchen, choose food pairings like your favourite yoghurt or Biomel Natural Coconut Gut Health Drink with oats. The yoghurt provides the live bacteria, while oats contain prebiotic fibre (beta-glucan) to feed the bacteria. Another delicious synbiotic food pairing is pickles and hummus. Naturally fermented pickles offer your gut live bacteria, and chickpeas in hummus are rich in prebiotics.
Synbiotics represent an exciting development in gut health science. By combining probiotics and prebiotics in a way that enhances their mutual benefits, synbiotics provide a more effective way to support the gut microbiome.
While live cultures and prebiotics each play a valuable role in gut health, combining them as a synbiotic can take your gut care to the next level. Whether through your diet or supplements, introducing synbiotic support into your routine can help ensure your gut gets the comprehensive care it needs.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463098/
https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)04406-9/fulltext
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/star.201000099
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31952249/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31060892/
*At Biomel, your well-being is our top priority. While we take great pride in our expertise in gut health and overall wellness, we understand that every gut is unique. The content we provide is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness, or replace the advice of your GP. We strongly encourage you to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. Rest assured, we are here to support you throughout your journey, so you are never alone. Our in-house nutritionists will always be here to support you on your journey to optimal gut health.
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