Meet Postbiotics The New Players In Overall Health

Gut health has become one of the most talked-about topics in recent years. By now, many of us are familiar with probiotics (the beneficial bacteria that support digestion) and prebiotics (the nutrients that probiotics feed on). But there's a new term joining the gut health conversation: postbiotics. Postbiotics may offer powerful benefits for digestive health.

What Are Postbiotics?

Postbiotics (from post, meaning after, and biotic, meaning produced from living organisms) are the end-products or by-products of probiotics. In other words, they are created when probiotics metabolize certain prebiotics. Postbiotics can have significant health benefits for the gut.

Various types of postbiotics are produced in the body. Some examples include:

1. Lipopolysaccharides

2. Indole

3. Branched-chain amino acids

4. Short-chain fatty acids

5. Phenolic compounds

6. Lipids

7. Peptides

8. B-group vitamins

How Do Postbiotics Support Overall Health?

i) Short-chain fatty acids aid digestion and support the normal functioning of the intestines.

ii) Postbiotics promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.

iii) They may help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals who are overweight or obese.

iv) Postbiotics support immune function, reduce harmful inflammation, and help protect gut cells.

v) Some postbiotics may help reduce blood pressure.

vi) Postbiotics such as exopolysaccharides, which have a carbohydrate structure, can increase stool volume.

vii) They aid in the absorption of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

viii) Certain postbiotics may play a key role in cancer prevention. ix) Postbiotics may help treat conditions such as lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, gut microbiota imbalance, weakened immunity, and bacterial translocation. They may also support treatment for alcohol-induced liver disease, colitis, diarrhea, and intestinal injuries.

Tips to Increase Postbiotic Content in Your Gut Include more fermented foods in your diet, such as: Buttermilk, Yogurt, Kefir, Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Tempeh, Miso, Sour cream, Cheese