Biotics: Prebiotics, Probiotics, Postbiotics & Synbiotics

Probiotics - Probiotics by definition are “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” live bacteria that, benefits the host by altering the microflora.

Prebiotics - Prebiotics by definition means “substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit”.

In simple terms these are are supplements that contain non digestible ingredients which actually stimulate growth activity of the bacteria.

Postbiotics - Postbiotics are “preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. These are non viable bacterial products / metabolic byproducts from probiotic microorganism which incur health benefits to the host.

Synbiotics- These are a combination of prebiotic and probiotic delivered together to a body.

The role of biotics

1. Help balance the digestive flora and aids in digestive process.

2. They are very effective in treating diarrhea

3. These are very effective in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory disease like irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis etc.

4. Having probiotics helps people with lactose intolerance.

5. Some research show that probiotic helps with controlling mental issues like anxiety, depression.

6. Probiotics also help in reducing LDL cholesterol and also by lowering blood pressure.

7. These help in reducing weight and tackle obesity .

Most of the fermented foods contain probiotic naturally like curd, kombucha, sourdough bread, idli, kimchi, paneer, temphi etc.