Probiotics have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their potential health benefits, particularly for gut health. However, there are still many misconceptions and myths surrounding probiotics, postbiotics, and their effects on our health. In this article, we aim to debunk three common myths and provide clarity on the truth about probiotics and postbiotics.
Myth #1: All Fermented Foods are Rich in Probiotics
Many people believe that consuming fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut provides a steady supply of probiotics. However, according to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), most fermented foods are not sources of probiotics. In order to be considered probiotic, a microbial strain must be researched and proven to provide a health benefit. Additionally, many fermented foods no longer contain live microbes by the time of consumption due to processes like pasteurization. To ensure you are consuming probiotics, look for products with specific, clinically-tested microbial strains and colony-forming units (CFUs) listed on the label.
Myth #2: Microbes Must Be Living to Be Good for You
While probiotics are living microbes that must be consumed live to impact health, postbiotics are a new category of biotics that do not require live bacteria. Postbiotics are defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that still provide health benefits. These postbiotics contain beneficial compounds or structures within them, eliminating the need for live bacteria to ferment fiber in the digestive tract. Postbiotics are derived from live bacteria that undergo processes to terminate cell viability while retaining their beneficial molecules.
Myth #3: All Probiotics are Equal and Do the Same Thing
Not all probiotics or postbiotics are created equal. Each microbial strain has different properties and provides specific health benefits. While some strains may help with digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea, others may aid in reducing infections or providing immune support. It is essential to look for products containing identifiable microbial strains backed by scientific research to ensure you are getting the health benefits you seek.
If you are interested in a science-backed postbiotic for immune support, consider IMMUSE (LC-Plasma). This postbiotic has been shown to provide comprehensive immune support at the cellular level and is backed by numerous clinical studies. IMMUSE is derived from a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma, which has been heat-treated to become a stable postbiotic. This postbiotic can easily be incorporated into functional foods and beverages without viability issues.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between probiotics and postbiotics, as well as debunking common myths, can help you make informed decisions about your gut health. Remember to look for products with specific microbial strains and scientific research backing their health benefits to ensure you are reaping the full benefits of probiotics and postbiotics.