You have probably been hearing about probiotics, prebiotics, and how they make the gut healthier. Now, postbiotics are emerging on the scene. What does all this mean? I'll go back a step and tell you a little about the backstory.
> Microbiome: Your body has at least as many bacteria and other microorganisms as human cells. You hear about the ones that cause sickness a lot; even more so now that we are in the midst of a pandemic. But, many of these "germs" are benign, and some are actually helpful. For example, if you are on antibiotics for long enough, you may get a fungal infection: the antibiotic kills the good bacteria, too, so they aren't there to fight against the fungus. And, some of the "germs" can also digest your food and give off "waste" that's good for you.
Your collection of good germs is a little different from anyone else's, both in types and in relative numbers. In fact, they are about as unique to you as are your fingerprints.
> Probiotics are good germs in your food. They usually don't take up permanent residence, but they can help you while they're with you. Advertising for some foods (for example, yogurt) boasts about having probiotics. Because your gut microbiome is unique, eating these foods helps some people more than others. The same is true for pre- and post-biotics.
> Prebiotics are substances in food that promote the growth of probiotics, commonly, some types of the fiber in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. In other words, prebiotics are foods for probiotics.
> Postbiotics are compounds made in the food (by the biome) before you eat it. This is most common in fermentation, such as in sauerkraut, some kinds of pickles, sourdough bread, and some dairy products. Sometimes, the compounds outlive their producers. For example, when sourdough bread rises, the yeast in it make it fluffier, and a special type of bacteria make it sour. When the bread is baked, the yeast and bacteria die in the heat, but the changes they made are still there, the bread tastes great, and some people can digest the bread more comfortably.
If your have concerns or questions about what this means for you, talk to your doctor or a dietitian.
Meanwhile, enjoy a variety of foods, follow public health guidelines - And Stay Healthy!
