Did you know you carry about a trillion bacteria inside your body? Among these, the good or friendly bacteria in the body act like guards to keep away the harmful disease-causing bacteria. For instance, the good bacteria in the vagina prevent the growth of pathogens (disease-causing bacteria) by maintaining an acidic environment.

Excessive use of antibiotics, increased consumption of junk food and certain genetic factors may decrease the number of good bacteria leading to an imbalanced gut and weak immune system. But don’t worry! Probiotics and prebiotics are here to help you get back your lost friends—good bacteria.

What are probiotics and what do they do?

In 1907, Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian biologist, proposed that harmful microbes could be replaced with beneficial ones, thus giving rise to the term probiotic from the Greek word ‘pro’ meaning promoting, and ‘biotic’ meaning life.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that have health benefits and help prevent certain health conditions. Probiotics may contain bacteria (lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, etc.) and yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii. Probiotics may be helpful in:

• Reducing digestive problems: Probiotics reduce the risk of diarrhea by 60%.
• Maintaining gastrointestinal health: Probiotics help improve stomach and intestinal disorders. They improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Reducing serum cholesterol: Certain strains of probiotics help decrease serum cholesterol.
• Reducing lactose intolerance symptoms: Probiotics alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

What are prebiotics and what do they do?

Prebiotics are plant fibres that your body can’t digest but gut bacteria can. Prebiotics are breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the friendly bacteria, helping them grow in the lower digestive tract. Besides providing food to bacteria, prebiotics.

Are probiotics and prebiotics the same?

No. While both probiotics and prebiotics help maintain a healthy colony of microorganisms and are good for your gut, they work via different mechanisms. The food components of prebiotics provide nutrients to the bacteria (probiotics) and create an environment that helps them flourish.

How to incorporate probiotics and prebiotics into your daily life?

You can quite easily incorporate this amazing duo into your daily life through food and supplements.

• Food: Probiotics can be obtained from yoghurt or fermented foods. Although the strains of probiotics in yoghurt are beneficial, only a few strains are present in it. This does not provide the full benefit as compared to supplements. Additionally, yogurt may contain added sugar that can cause more harm than good. On the other hand, prebiotics can be incorporated by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Supplements: Probiotic and prebiotic supplements are typically better than food-based sources as they incorporate beneficial bacteria in your gut in the required quantities. They help restore balance, boost immunity, and reduce the severity of allergies. The most important points to consider while choosing supplements are their quality and efficacy. The bacteria should reach your gut safely through your stomach acids.

What sets Velbiom supplements above the rest?

• A dose of Lactogut floods the gut with good bacteria and helps ensure the proper working of your gut.
• Lactogut and Lactogut Kidz probiotics are now clinically proven in India to treat atopic eczema.
• Lactogut Kidz is a pre and probiotic sachet that helps children build strong immunity naturally.
• All our products contain site-specific strains that are safe for everyone.

To conclude, probiotics and prebiotics are true companions that work together for the smooth functioning of the digestive and immune systems. With a daily top-up of probiotics, you will be able to nurture your body on a regular basis.

All our products are free from artificial preservatives.