Aimon Kopera MD
The community of micro-organisms outside the body is called a microbiota, and it includes trillions of microscopic, non-human organisms from bacteria to viruses. The entire collection of all the genes in a specific group of microbiota is known as the microbiome.
Scientists have found that the composition of a bacterial community of microbiota plays a key role in determining human health, despite it being outside the human genome.
Food ingredients that can alter microbiota and optimize its health effects are known as prebiotics. Prebiotics work because they resist digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. There, they are fermented by intestinal bacteria. And, selectively, these prebiotics stimulate the growth and activity of bacteria associated with health and well-being.
Scientists are finding prebiotic dietary fibers known as inulins play a key role in the prebiotic effect. Dietary fiber can slow down the release of glucose after digestion. Since humans lack an intestinal enzyme to degrade glucose, with inulin’s prebiotic effect, it is metabolized by lactobacillus and bifidobacteria microbiota in the colon.
Scientists are discovering this action of slowing down the release of glucose by dietary fiber may be key to proper control and management of weight. Together with data that correlate obesity with differences in gut microbiota composition, research suggests that unhealthy microbiota is a key factor in weight gain and perhaps related morbidities.
In conclusion, prebiotic consumption might help weight loss and co-morbidities by improving or normalizing microbial imbalance.
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