What are Probiotics and Postbiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy. Postbiotics are the compounds produced as a result of probiotic activity. Probiotic and Postbiotic support refers to the use of probiotics and postbiotics to help support the balance of good bacteria and healthy compounds in the gut. This can be done by consuming probiotic-rich foods or by taking probiotic and postbiotic supplements. By maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, probiotics can help support digestion, boost the immune system, and even improve mood and mental health.

The Importance of Probiotics and Postbiotics

Probiotics and Postbiotic compounds are important because they help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the gut. This balance is crucial for many functions in the body, including:

• Digestion: Probiotics can help break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. While postbiotic compounds help keep good gut flora healthy. 
• Immune system: Probiotics can help strengthen the body's natural defenses against harmful bacteria and viruses. while postbiotics compounds help boost the immune system.
• Mental health: Probiotics have been linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
• Skin health: Probiotics may help to improve the skin's barrier function, which may help to reduce the incidence of eczema. while postbiotic compounds have been shown to improve the health of skin flora.
• Weight management: Studies have shown that the gut microbiome can influence weight management, probiotics can help balance the gut bacteria which can help with weight management.

Overall, probiotics play an important role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Probiotics

The community of microorganisms that live on and in us is called the microbiome. It includes both good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria are involved in many helpful mechanisms, which include destroying disease-causing pathogens, digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and supporting the immune system. These good bacteria can be found in probiotics and contribute to our well-being.

Probiotics are combinations of live beneficial microorganisms, most of which are naturally found in the human body. Beneficial microbes are most commonly found in the large intestine of the gut as part of the gut microbiome. In addition, there are several other locations where these beneficial microbes can be found, including the mouth, skin, and urinary tract.

There are many different types of probiotics, and their benefits can vary depending on the strain of bacteria or yeast since different strains provide unique health benefits to the body. The most common bacterial probiotics belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, while the most common type of yeast probiotic is Saccharomyces boulardii.

Beneficial bacteria and yeast aid in the digestion of food, regulate the immune system and defend against harmful bacteria. Healthy bacteria and yeast also help with the absorption of nutrients and reduce inflammation.

Conversely, certain unhealthy bacteria can cause an imbalance in the gut. This imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, may result in gastrointestinal maladies, such as diarrhea and intestinal bloating. In these cases, probiotics can restore the balance of healthy bacteria and may help address the discomfort. Probiotics are often recommended to target gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

Some benefits of probiotics

• Support the body in maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria and; therefore, a healthy microbial community
• Re-establish a healthy condition after illness or distress
• Support the intestinal lining to prevent bad bacteria from entering the blood
• Enhance absorption of nutrients and improve digestion
• Promote oral health
• Support the immune system
• Reduce inflammation

Probiotics are not limited to dietary supplements but are also in several fermented foods that are rich in cultures of good bacteria. These include:

• Yogurt
• Fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut and kimchi
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Natto
• Traditional Tempeh
• Apple cider vinegar with the "mother"

Postbiotic Supplements

Postbiotics are what remain after probiotics metabolize prebiotics in your body. Postbiotics can include nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin K, amino acids, and antimicrobial peptides that help slow down the growth of harmful bacteria. Furthermore, postbiotic substances also include short-chain fatty acids, which can help healthy bacteria flourish.

Difference between probiotics, postbiotics and prebiotics

• Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds found in food that act as the food for probiotics and selectively fuel the growth of certain microorganisms. Dietary fiber is the most common prebiotic. Foods rich in fiber break down, resulting in substances that promote probiotic growth, allowing them to thrive in the gut.
• Probiotics are the living microorganisms found in certain foods that are essential for good digestion.
• Postbiotics are the waste following the digestion of prebiotics by probiotics. Healthy postbiotics contribute to a better immune system and a healthier gut.

Postbiotic Benefits

Research shows postbiotics:

• Ease asthma and allergy symptoms 
• Relieve constipation 
• Boost the immune system 
• Reduce digestive symptoms 
• Support antioxidant activities
• Promote gut health
• Improve certain metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity 
• Fight infections and can act as a biofilm buster 
• Support healthy skin and hair growth

Research continues to confirm the numerous short- and long-term health benefits of probiotic and postbiotic supplements.

Probiotic blends from Interplexus are formulated with evidence-based strains to support optimal immune and gastrointestinal health, restoration of a balanced microbiome after antibiotic use, the prevention and enhanced clearance of infections, balanced mood, and a healthy metabolism.*

Many of the health-enhancing benefits of probiotics are facilitated by postbiotic metabolites. Interplexus postbiotic supplements offer a unique array of over 400 biologically-active postbiotic nutrients, including short-chain fatty acids, peptides, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and other micronutrients to support optimal immune system function, gastrointestinal health, and a healthy metabolism.*