These days we understand far more about gut health—and how significant an impact it has on our body, mood, and overall wellbeing. If you’re having digestion issues (or anything else) perhaps it’s time you think about trying a probiotic or prebiotic.
What are pre- and probiotics?
Dr Adrian Weingart is a dentist, medical doctor, and microbiome specialist. “Prebiotics are non-living substances that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut,” he explains. “In contrast, probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria, that positively impact gut health.”
Growing awareness of the importance of gut health means many consumers are now going beyond picking up yogurt, and now seeking out supplements to support their gastrointestinal system.
The best time to take prebiotics and probiotics
“Prebiotics, like fiber, can generally be taken at any time of day, preferably with a meal,” says Dr Weingart. Probiotics, however, should be taken on an empty stomach or between meals. “This is because stomach acid is less concentrated on an empty stomach, which can improve the survival of probiotic bacteria,” he explains.
The benefits of combined pre- and probiotic supplements
According to Dr Weingart, a combined supplement is a good option. “Combination products that contain both prebiotics and probiotics are very useful as they have synergistic effects on gut health,” he explains. Prebiotics can promote the growth of probiotics, enhancing their effectiveness. “We recommend taking combination supplements on an empty stomach first thing in the morning,” he adds. “This approach supports better absorption and effectiveness of the microorganisms the supplements contain.”
If you’re a fan of taking apple cider vinegar or lemon water in the morning, there’s no need to worry about these impacting the effectiveness of your supplements. “The effectiveness of synbiotics is not significantly impacted by acidic drinks, as the bacteria is designed to survive the stomach and exert its effects in the intestine. Synbiotic products can be consumed alongside acidic drinks without any concerns.”