Postbiotics – also known as metabiotics, biogenics, or simply metabolites- are soluble factors (metabolic products or byproducts), secreted by live bacteria, or released after bacterial lysis providing physiological benefits to the host. Recently, postbiotics have emerged as a group of beneficial compounds that can help improve your health. They have been linked to a number of health benefits for the gut, the immune system, and various other aspects of health. Postbiotics are byproducts of the fermentation process carried out by probiotics in the intestine. In other words, as probiotics feed on prebiotics, postbiotics are produced. Indeed, Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds the probiotic bacteria produce when they consume prebiotics.
Interestingly enough, they are, indeed, responsible for multiple important health-boosting functions in our gut. Some examples of postbiotics include organic acids, bacteriocins, carbonic substances and enzymes. They result naturally from the existence and survival of microorganisms living in our gut, though they can also be added directly through therapeutic processes. Yogurt, Soft Cheeses, Kefir, Sourdough bread, Buttermilk, and Pickles are some of the sources of postbiotics in food.
Health Benefits of postbiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics have to do with keeping your digestive system healthy and regular, among several other health benefits. Although, postbiotics are much less widely known than both prebiotics and probiotics, recent research suggest that they have an equally important role, if not more important, in maintaining and improving our health. In fact, many of the health benefits that have been attributed to prebiotics, may indeed be due to postbiotics.
Postbiotics may help to decrease blood sugar and prevent obesity, Supports probiotics, Treats Diarrhea, antimicrobial properties, Support Immune System, and Reduces Inflammation.
