Understanding Terms: Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics
The concept of gut health can be confusing at times - so can shopping for gut health supplements. You may wonder… Is a probiotic all you need for improved gut health? What about prebiotics?
 
 
This article may not answer all your burning questions about gut health, but it will answer some - starting with the difference between probiotics, prebiotics and the new kid on the block, postbiotics. 
 

Probiotics

Our bodies all contain probiotic bacteria that can benefit our health in amazing ways:

  • Digestive support
  • Immune system support
  • Anti-inflammatory support
  • Skin support

Look for a probiotic made with multiple strains in a balanced formula (so the formula isn’t weighted heavily in 1-2 strains). These bacteria must also make it to your gut intact, so look for a delayed-release capsule. Genuine Health’s advanced gut health probiotics are formulated with a delayed-release capsule to deliver the healthiest, heartiest probiotics straight to your gut!

 

 

Genuine Health Advanced Probiotics 

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the “food” that keeps your probiotics alive and well. Prebiotics can provide many benefits throughout the body:

  • Digestive health
  • Immune system support
  • Bone density support
  • Weight management

Many prebiotic supplements cause gas and bloating, and there’s some evidence that they may feed both good and bad bacteria. But there’s so much more to prebiotics, that experts recently redefined prebiotics to include polyphenols and omega-3 fish oils.

Polyphenols:

Research has shown that people who consume a diet high in polyphenols have greater microbial diversity. Look for a polyphenol-rich superfood like greens+, which is made from 23 superfoods and botanicals, or fermented organic gut superfoods+, which is made from 22 polyphenol-rich superfoods and prebiotics to strengthen your gut and overall health!

Omegas:

Studies show that higher omega levels are related to greater microbiome diversity. Look for omega-3 fish oils like Genuine Health’s omega3 line that come from wild, sustainable sources!

Genuine Health Greens+Genuine Health Fermented Organic Gut SuperfoodsGenuine Health Omega-3

 
Postbiotics

Postbiotics are beneficial chemicals produced by probiotic bacteria that have fed on prebiotics. Postbiotics can include metabolites, enzymes, peptides (and more) that can provide:

  • Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant benefits
  • Immune system support
  • Heart health
  • Improved energy
  • Weight management

Postbiotics are created in your gut by your probiotic bacteria. You can also take postbiotics in fermented foods and supplements. By fermenting the 7 plant-based ingredients in fermented organic vegan proteins+, they become easier to digest and absorb (with no bloating), and new postbiotic nutrients can help to strengthen your gut!  



Genuine Health Fermented Organic Vegan Proteins+

Key takeaways:

Probiotics are your beneficial bacteria. You need them for many of your body’s functions, from digestion to immunity and mood and mental outlook. Find them in advanced gut health probiotics.

Prebiotics are the food for your probiotics. You need prebiotics because they help to keep your gut bacteria thriving, get transformed into new, powerful chemicals, and can even help to encourage your gut bacteria populations in healthy ways. Find them in greens+fermented organic gut superfoods+ and quality omega-3 fish oils like omega3, and be sure to eat a wide variety of plant foods.   

Postbiotics are beneficial chemicals formed by your gut bacteria or through the fermentation process. There are many different types of postbiotics that perform a variety of functions in your body. Find them already being made in your gut (cool!) or in fermented organic vegan proteins+ and fermented organic gut superfoods+.

Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics are all important for gut health! They each provide unique benefits to your health, and work together to give you a complete approach to gut health.

 

Laurence Annez

Laurence Annez
Laurence Annez is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Health Coach, specializing in PCOS and women's hormones. She also holds a degree in Creative Writing and has extensive experience writing on health and wellness topics. Laurence's mission is to inspire and motivate individuals to take control of their own health and reach their ultimate health goals.

 

 

 

Geuine healthGut healthPostbioticPrebioticProbiotics