What is Probiotic?

Pobiotics are living microorganisms like bacteria and yeast that, when taken in adequate quantities, have positive effects on one's health. The gastrointestinal system and general health may benefit from these microorganisms. A healthy balance of microorganisms in our gut is encouraged by probiotics. Trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, reside in our gut and are vital to immunological health, nutrient absorption, and digestion. Probiotics could be obtained from food such as yogurt, kimchi and tempeh. 

What is Prebiotics?

Dietary fibres known as prebiotics work as a food supply for the good bacteria in the gut. They are indigestible materials that do not break down or absorb in the digestive system. Instead, the gut microbiota, a varied collection of bacteria living in the intestines, ferments them when they reach the colon. These prebiotics help to increase the amount of probiotics in the body. Examples of food that could be prebiotics are oats, chia seeds and any food that is high in fibre. 

How Prebiotics and Probiotics can Improve Your Mood!

Probiotics are good microorganisms that can improve many aspects of your health, including your mental wellness. Even though research on the direct link between probiotics and happiness is still ongoing, evidence points to a number of potential processes by which probiotics may affect mood and increase sense of well-being.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Pobiotics may aid in lowering anxiety and stress, which can enhance happiness. It has been demonstrated that some probiotic strains can control the body's stress response and lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Probiotics may indirectly increase mood and general happiness by reducing stress.

Inflammation and Immune Function

Chronic inflammation in the body has been connected to a number of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Probiotics have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can assist in immune system regulation. Probiotics may indirectly enhance immunological health and a pleasant mood by lowering inflammation and enhancing immune function.

Nutrient Absorption

Probiotics promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food. They can increase the bioavailability of specific vitamins and minerals that are important for mood control, such as magnesium and B vitamins. Probiotics can indirectly enhance ideal brain function and help to a better state of mind by encouraging proper nutrient absorption.

Prebiotics Food in Love Earth

Psyllium Husk

A dietary fibre called psyllium husk is made from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. Although psyllium husk is not normally categorised as a prebiotic, its soluble fibre content gives it prebiotic-like characteristics. Fibre that dissolves in water and expands into a gel in the digestive tract is referred to as soluble fibre. For the good bacteria in the stomach, this gel-like substance can serve as a food supply, fostering their activity and growth. In this way, psyllium husk's soluble fibre may have prebiotic benefits. Pyllium husk absorbs water when swallowed and expands, creating a gelatinous mass in the gastrointestinal tract. This gel-like substance can aid in promoting regular bowel movements, relieving constipation, and softening stool. Additionally, the gel may have a little bulking effect that could help the colon get rid of waste and toxins.

While psyllium husk does not significantly ferment in the colon like certain particular prebiotics do, it indirectly supports a healthy gut microbiota through its capacity to enhance gut health and control bowel movements. Psyllium husk can encourage regular elimination and create an environment that is favourable for good bacteria, which can help maintain a healthy gut ecosystem.

Click here to buy Love Earth Psyllium Husk

Oats

A form of fibre found in oats called beta-glucan has prebiotic qualities. A soluble fibre called beta-glucan can be fermented by good bacteria in the stomach, which helps them multiply and function. Oats can therefore be regarded as a source of prebiotics. Oats' beta-glucan is fermented in the colon by particular gut bacteria when it reaches there. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, acetate, and propionate, are created during this fermentation process. These SCFAs maintain the health of the cells lining the colon, improve mineral absorption, and enhance overall gut health, among other health advantages.

Additionally, the beta-glucan content of oats has been linked to improvements in the composition of the gut flora. It has been discovered to boost the population of some good bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are known to improve gut health. Oats can help you get prebiotic fibre and boost the development of good gut flora in your diet. Oats are a fantastic source of prebiotic fibre and can be used in baked products, smoothies and muesli. It's crucial to remember that different people may react differently to prebiotics. Consuming foods high in prebiotics may cause excessive gas or bloating in certain people. Consult with a medical expert or certified dietitian for individualised advice if you have particular dietary concerns or digestive problems.

Click here to buy Love Earth Rolled Oats

Written by: Alia Adrina Asri

Love Earth Nutritionist

Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Hons)