Prebiotics
Prebiotics are compounds consisting of fibres & natural sugars, which are found in foods such as berries, beans, legumes and oats. Prebiotics can improve gut health by increasing beneficial microorganisms such as “good” bacteria, which work within the gastrointestinal tract to help with digestive issues like constipation.
How often should you take prebiotics?
A prebiotic supplement should help to fill in the gaps where a patient's diet may be lacking. They should be taken every day, preferably at the same time. However, it is also recommended to take prebiotics at least two hours before or after any other medications a patient may be on.
What is the most effective prebiotic?
Our top 5 selling prebiotics are as follows:
- BioCare Prebio Nutripowder.
- Lamberts FOS (Fructo-Oligosaccharides).
- A.Vogel Original Molkosan Prebiotic Drink.
- Viridian Complete Fibre Complex with FOS.
- Optibac Probiotics Bifidobacteria & Fibre Sachets.
Who should not take prebiotics?
At the time of writing, the argument for and against prebiotics for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) sufferers continued. Some research concluded that a prebiotic supplement may actually worsen IBS symptoms by causing further bloating, flatulence and/or constipation. Other research however, suggested that a patient with IBS may benefit from prebiotics when administered in low levels. If you personally suffer with IBS or are unsure whether prebiotics are suitable for you, please consult your GP before using them.