Prebiotics and Probiotics

It is responsible for various functions such as protection, balanced immune response, nutritional benefits, and metabolic regulatory functions that affect the entire body. Not to mention that the intestine is responsible for a large part of the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter considered the magic of well-being.

We host about 100 trillion bacteria in our gut, and the large intestine harbors more than 400 different species of bacteria, representing 35-50% of its content. And when there is an imbalance in the microbial flora, we reach DYSBIOSIS.

Your immune system weakens, and you become susceptible to various dysfunctions, the permeability of the intestinal wall increases, the passage of toxins into your body increases, which should receive nutrients but receives toxic waste, and your cells begin to duplicate with deteriorated matter.

Disorder in the intestinal flora, foods poor in vegetable fibers, and low water intake also contribute to “CONSTIPATION,” leading to a distended abdomen, headache, flatulence, and susceptibility to the proliferation of intestinal fungi. The consumption of fast food, insufficient water intake, irregular meal times, lack of physical exercise, associated with modern life, are the main causes of intestinal constipation.

The best treatment option for constipation is a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fiber, with an intake of 2 liters of pure water per day, regular physical exercise, and not forgetting to heed the urge to defecate, which is not always done.

A PREBIOTIC is an undigested food ingredient that stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These foods are not absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, so they enter the colon to provide nourishment for the resident beneficial bacteria.

Benefits: stimulates intestinal motility, increases the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and iron, reduces the formation of gallstones, decreases the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol, offers protection against cavities, in addition to anti-inflammatory action.

These are the two prebiotics found in chicory, escarole, garlic, banana, tomato, onion, wheat, barley, rye, asparagus, artichoke, leek, raw carrot, tomato, onion.

Soluble Fibers - fibers are considered soluble when they dissolve in water and include: Pectin, found in apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, carrots. Gums and mucilages, found in vegetable secretions and seeds.

Prebiotics combine the characteristics of soluble fibers, arriving intact in the intestine and forming a gel, which slows gastric emptying time, increasing satiety, in addition to the extra benefit of being bifidogenic.

This type of fiber also promotes the balance of intestinal function, increases stool bulk, and stimulates peristalsis.

They include: Lignin, present in mature vegetables, wheat, fruits, and seeds, such as strawberries, and in flaxseed, where studies have shown phytoestrogenic activity, capable of mimicking estrogen, a basically female hormone, in its receptors. Cellulose, found in broccoli, carrots, celery, whole wheat flour, bran.

This content is part of Clínica Revitalize's commitment to translating science into accessible clinical practice — without losing rigor or depth.