|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles
> Probiotics /FOS |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
PREBIOTICS / FOS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
More and more we are understanding the importance of 'good bacteria' in our gut... |
|
PREBIOTICS / FOS |
|
|
| Onion & garlic are both food sources of Prebiotics. |
|
|
A balanced gut flora helps to promote health absorption and digestion, and significantly improves and regulates our immune function. What many people do not know is that FOS, or 'prebiotics', can help to naturally increase our production of 'healthy bacteria', no live cells required. |
Prebiotics are defined based on 3 criteria; 1) The (food)source must be non-digestable and resistant to gastric acidity, hydrolysis by intestinal digestive enzymes, and gastrointestinal absorption. 2) It must be fermentable 3) should, in a selective way, stimulate growth and/or metabolic activity of intestinal bacteria, which it does at the expense of pathogenic bacteria.
Two specific fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin and oligofructose, are considered by Marcel Roberfroid, the man who both discovered and named prebiotics in 1995, to be the only sources to fully meet his definition of prebiotics.
Although a food cannot be considered a prebiotic, certain foods can be a rich source of prebiotic or have higher prebiotic potential. Foods with a high inulin content, for example include Jerusalem artichoke, onion, garlic, and chicory root. These foods are said to selectively increase the production of both the lactic acid producing bacteria (Lactobacillus species) and the bifidobacterium species of 'beneficial' bacteria. FOS is a form of fibre, meaning it also has the added benefit of being able to regulate blood sugar, applicable not only to individuals with diabetes or prediabetic, but helpful for those looking to control cravings and weight gain. Fibre has also been shown to help to lower cholesterol.
A synbiotic diet is one that is high in both prebiotic and probiotic foods/supplements. Pre and probiotics when taken together enhance each others' effects. This is why many companies are now including prebiotic fibre/FOS/inulin in with the live cells of a probiotic. Prebiotics can be taken this way, in capsule form, or in powder. Some companies are now combining these rich prebiotic substances with protein, multi mineral combinations and greens to increased overall health. |
PREBIOTICS / FOS – QUICK
FACTS
|
|
FOOD SOURCES |
·
Jerusalem artichoke, onion, garlic, chicory root. |
INDICATIONS
|
·
(GI) Inflammation or other immune imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, malabsorption, blood sugar imbalance, high cholesterol. |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
|
·
Unknown. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
·
probiotic supplements, other soluble and insoluble fibres, like flax. |
|
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Remember when increasing fibre it is also important to equally increase water intake. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|