What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics in regard to gastrointe

Question

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics in regard to gastrointestinal tract function? Name 3 ways probiotics provide benefits to the body. Would you consider taking probiotics? Why or why not? (This must be a personal statement about your preferences, not a recommendation for any other student. Providing nutrition recommendations without the proper credentials is analogous to practicing without a license.) What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics in regard to gastrointestinal tract function? Name 3 ways probiotics provide benefits to the body. Would you consider taking probiotics? Why or why not? (This must be a personal statement about your preferences, not a recommendation for any other student. Providing nutrition recommendations without the proper credentials is analogous to practicing without a license.) What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics in regard to gastrointestinal tract function? Name 3 ways probiotics provide benefits to the body. Would you consider taking probiotics? Why or why not? (This must be a personal statement about your preferences, not a recommendation for any other student. Providing nutrition recommendations without the proper credentials is analogous to practicing without a license.)

Explanation / Answer

Our gastrointestinal tract is the home for a large number of bacterias. And these bacteria are known as gut flora or gut microbiome.

So, Probiotics contains bacteria mostly of Bifidobacter species or Lactobacillus species. These bacteria have a well-established role in enhancing human health and immunity. The most probiotic formulation has the live form of these bacteria which should be able to live in the gut pH and retain their activity.

We take this bacteria as probiotic to :

Prevent or cure diarrhea: It is studied that Bifidobacteria can prevent the spread of rotavirus, which is mainly responsible for causing diarrhea.

Prevent lactose intolerance: Most of the humans are lactose intolerant because of the decline in the activity of lactase enzyme after weaning. So, probiotics can help these people to cope up lactose intolerance as the bacteria in probiotics contain Beta-galactosidase enzymes, which can hydrolyze lactose present in the gut.

Prevent cholesterol deposition: The probiotics help to reduce cholesterol level using the bile salt hydrolase enzyme by deconjugation of bile salt. They convert cholesterol into coprostanol and thus by producing short-chain fatty acids.

PREBIOTICS

Prebiotics are oligosaccharides that cannot be digested by our body. They are administered to provide food to our gut microbiota. The normal growth of the gut microbiota helps us to maintain our bowel movement and digestion and many more. When prebiotics and probiotics are taken together this is termed as microbiome therapy.

I would recommend taking prebiotics because it will help us to live healthier in this busy world. But again we should first check the type of probiotic we are consuming. If someone is allergic to some bacteria he/she should avoid probiotic which contain that bacteria. In all cases, you should first take the recommendation.

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