In addition to eating on time, choosing easily digestible foods, and consuming freshly cooked meals, eating foods containing beneficial microorganisms called “Probiotic” is another option to help take care of our digestive system. It’s not just Probiotics that we should get to know, but also Prebiotics, an important duo partner… that will help make your digestive health care more effective.
Probiotic and Prebiotic: Similar names… but not the same thing
When talking about Probiotics, some people may have heard of them before, but when encountering the term “Prebiotic,” many might get confused and think they are the same thing or have the same meaning.
What is Probiotic?
Actually… Probiotic is the name for small microorganisms that help produce substances that fight or eliminate harmful microorganisms. They are naturally found in the human body, but certain factors may reduce these microorganisms, affecting the digestive system’s function. Some people therefore need to supplement by consuming foods containing these microorganisms.
What is Prebiotic?
Prebiotic is a non-living substance that the body cannot digest or absorb in the small intestine, so it is passed on to the large intestine… where it is broken down by microorganisms called Probiotics. Simply put, Prebiotic is the food for Probiotics that helps Probiotics grow better.
Did you know? Probiotics should be taken together with Prebiotics
Because Prebiotics are good food beneficial for Probiotics, these two should be taken into the body together to allow Probiotics to work at full efficiency. Foods that contain Probiotics, as we often hear, include milk, yogurt, or pickled vegetables. Foods high in Prebiotics include garlic, cabbage, avocado, and bananas.
So how is this Probiotic microorganism… good for the digestive system?
After knowing the food sources rich in these two beneficial things, many people might wonder… why do we need these microorganisms? Here are the good properties of Probiotics that you will receive:
- Solves digestive system problems such as diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic ulcerative colitis
- Stimulates the digestive system by producing various enzymes
- Helps maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay
- Prevents allergies and helps stimulate the immune system to reach a balanced state
- Helps reduce blood pressure
- Prevents bacterial infections
The digestive system is as important as other systems in the body. We should take care of it while it is still healthy because if neglected until abnormalities occur, remember that you cannot see your internal health. By the time you realize it… it may be severe and too late to treat effectively.
