What are the benefits of eating prebiotics?
First, reduce constipation.
This effect has been well proved to be the effect of dietary fiber. Many prebiotics are carbohydrates fermented in the large intestine. Intestinal gas is produced by fermentation to increase intestinal volume, thus shortening the residence time of digests in the intestine. To some extent, it helps to relieve constipation.
Second, lower the intestinal pH value.
This effect is due to the shift of new metabolism from protein fermentation (ammonia production, high pH) to more carbohydrate fermentation (acid production). Some intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and IBS (acute intestinal syndrome) are characterized by high intestinal pH value. Lowering pH can reduce (not cure) the occurrence of these diseases. This is beneficial to patients.
Third, regulate bacterial balance.
Prebiotics can help restore the intestinal bacterial balance after being disturbed by antibiotics, diarrhea, stress or other drugs (non-antibiotics). Restore balance by selectively stimulating specific flora. May exist in many different flora. This stimulation can be direct (selected bacteria grow on prebiotics) or indirect (some bacteria release substances beneficial to the growth of other bacteria).
In this case, both selective stimulation and metabolic changes play a role.
Fourth, affect the blood lipid concentration.
It is said to be beneficial to some monosaccharides, but the secondary effect has not been confirmed.
Verb (abbreviation of verb) prevention of intestinal cancer
This effect has not been confirmed. However, there are many indications that many protein fermented products will increase the risk of rectal cancer. So reducing protein fermentation can reduce the risk. In addition, carbohydrate fermented products may reduce the incidence of rectal cancer.
Similarly, the best risk reduction effect is achieved by changing metabolism rather than some bacteria.
Sixth, enhance immunity.
Prebiotics themselves have no effect on the immune system. But it may affect the immune system by changing intestinal colonies. Stimulation can be beneficial or useless. The beneficial effect means that the immune system is activated to resist pathogenic bacteria. Useless effect refers to the allergic reaction that stimulation may cause.
Seven, infant health care
The intestinal flora of children under four years old is very unstable. Many oral pathogens can interfere with microbial colonies. Substances that can stabilize colonies can be considered as prebiotics. Studies have pointed out that some commercial monosaccharides can change colonies and lower pH value, thus playing a stabilizing role.