Synbiotic
This is a lecture given by Dr. Felizardo N. Gatcheco, a pediatric gastroenterologist , at Fili Hotel Nustar in Cebu City.
He talked about Immunity and that the factors affecting this are the following:
– chronic stress
– poor diet
– physical inactivity or excessive exercise
– nutrient deficiency
– poor personal hygiene
– substance use
– impaired microbiota
– lack of sleep
– and environmental toxins.
Furthermore, Dr. Gatcheco emphasized that there are 8 ways to improve immunity and these are the following:
– taking nutrient rich diet
– having quality sleep
– by staying hydrated
– limiting sugar consumption
– doing daily exercise
– proper hand washing
– minimizing stress
– and by taking natural supplements
Supplements are something that complete or enhance something else when added to it. And, Dr Gatcheco said that the supplements in focus are the following:
1. Probiotic
2. Prebiotic
3. Polyphenol
4. Lactoferrin
Probiotics are live microorganisms which when given at the correct dose will provide health benefits to the host.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganism in the intestine.
Polyphenols are naturally found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea and dark chocolates. Polyphenols act as antioxidants that reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar level, decrease risk of heart diseases, prevent blood clots, protect against cancer, promote healthy digestion, promote brain function and encourage growth of good bacteria.
Lactoferrin is a supplement that is iron binding milk protein that helps in balancing iron levels in the body. This lactoferrin modulates lipid metabolism leading to better regulation of satiety mechanism and fights the tendency to adipose tissue accumulation. More-so, lactoferrin supports growth of good bacteria in the digestive system.
So, prebiotic plus probiotic = Synbiotic. And, synbiotic has great roles in our health.
These are the following:
– prevents colon cancer
– reduces cholesterol
– helps in anti allergic behavior
– helps in antibiotic associated diarrhea
– decreases blood pressure
– improves immune function
– prevents infection
– reduces inflammation
– helps in mineral absorption
– anti carcinogenic
– and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.
So with these learnings and in order to be healthy, let us take prebiotics, probiotics , polyphenols and lactoferrin.