L.A. Lifestyle - Nutritional Products

Probiotics is a term that was coined by two professors in Belgium in 1995. Prebiotics are generally defined as ‘consisting of non digestible food fibers, which stimulate the growth and activity of certain bacteria in the intestines. In order to be effective, a prebiotic must escape digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, so it can be released in the lower tract, and then used by beneficial microorganisms in the colon such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Prebiotics consist mainly of oligosaccharides, sugar molecules of three to six chains and soluble fiber. Oligosaccharides coat mucus membranes and are found in plants, saliva and breast milk. There are more than 130 different combinations of oligosaccharides in breast milk alone, which explains why breast-fed babies are healthier, due to being provided with natural ingredients that help fight off harmful organisms.

Examples of some Prebiotic substances:

•    Inulins
o    Belong to the fructan carbohydrate group, and are found naturally in garlic, onions, leeks, bananas and artichokes
•    Oligofructose
o    About 30-60% as sweet as sugar, it is used to help brown baked products
•    FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)
o    Derived from sugar cane, these are found naturally in foods such as onions, leeks, some grains and honey
•    Fiber Gums
o    Often used in yogurt to create a thicker consistency

Prebiotics are plant-based bacteria that can help regulate blood sugar, optimize nutrient intake, reduce allergic reactions and even aid in weight loss. Prebiotics have been shown to increase the absorption of Calcium and Magnesium, and may also help inhibit the growth of lesions in the intestinal tract. Preliminary research also suggests that prebiotics may help improve the immune function and provide resistance to certain infections. Prebiotic carbohydrates are found naturally in bananas, berries, asparagus, garlic, wheat, oatmeal, barley, onions, collard greens, spinach and legumes (lentils, kidney beans, white beans, black beans, chickpeas). Prebiotics can be found in many foods currently available in stores, such as yogurt, weight loss products, soymilk, infant foods and formulas, supplements and sports nutrition products. Continual research is being conducted to see how much we can benefit from these substances.