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WTFiber? Prebiotic FAQs.
Have you ever wondered about the buzz around prebiotics and why they are essential for your health? With increasing interest in gut health, prebiotics have taken center stage as a vital component of a healthy diet. Whether you're familiar with the term or just beginning to explore its benefits, understanding its role and impact on your health can lead to transformative improvements in your digestive and overall health.![Text only image reads: All health begins in the gut. Kristin Hirano, MS, RD, CN, CD CEO & Founder JUST BETTER BRANDS](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2305/3001/files/2_ea99443f-fef5-4803-9fb9-61b6972072f7_1024x1024.png?v=1721261204)
The following are frequently asked questions about the basics of prebiotics. Discover how they can benefit you and your family—and stay tuned for future installments in this series, where we will share more WTFiber FAQs!
Today, let’s explore frequently asked questions about prebiotics and how they improve health.
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What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth of healthy gut microbiota.Common sources of prebiotics include foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains, and fiber supplements like just better.® Prebiotic Fiber.
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What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
The key difference between prebiotics and probiotics lies in their roles and nature:
- Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements. They directly introduce healthy microbes into your gut, helping to build and maintain a thriving microbial community. This community supports various aspects of your health, including digestion, immune function, and the gut-brain connection.
- Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that serve as nourishment for the beneficial bacteria already residing in your gut. Think of prebiotics as the fuel that keeps your gut’s beneficial bacteria thriving and active. By feeding these good bacteria, prebiotics help to sustain a balanced and healthy gut microbiome, ensuring that your gut flora can effectively support your digestive health.
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How do prebiotics benefit my health?
Prebiotics offer several health benefits, including:
- Enhanced Gut Health: Prebiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora by feeding beneficial bacteria, which is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Improved Immune Function: A healthy gut microbiome boosts your immune system and helps fight off infections.
- Better Digestive Health: Prebiotics can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements by enhancing the overall efficiency of the digestive system.
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Yvonne S.: This is the easiest and effective way to get prebiotic fiber into my diet. I have recommended and purchased it for friends and family who had complained of digestive issues. They all love it too.
Liz L.: I've been taking JustBetter for a couple of years now and I find that it helps my stomach process food better and just a happier digestive system!
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Reduced Inflammation: Prebiotics play a crucial role in reducing systemic inflammation, which is a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
By fostering a healthy gut microbiome, prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs, including butyrate, acetate, and propionate, help to regulate the body's immune response and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This reduction in inflammation can lead to improved overall health and a lower risk of developing chronic diseases.
Additionally, a balanced gut microbiome can strengthen the gut barrier, preventing harmful bacteria, toxins, and other foreign particles from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammatory responses. Thus, incorporating prebiotics into your diet not only promotes gut health but also contributes to reducing systemic inflammation.
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Weight Management: Prebiotic fiber can play a significant role in weight management by regulating appetite and metabolism. Prebiotic fiber helps you feel full faster and stay full longer, which reduces overall food intake and supports your weight loss efforts.
Additionally, prebiotics balance blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that often lead to sugar cravings. By promoting stable blood sugar, prebiotics help decrease these cravings and contribute to healthier eating habits.
Prebiotics have been shown to reduce insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are critical factors in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing metabolic disorders. Adding prebiotics to your healthy weight plan can be a transformative strategy for effective and sustainable weight management.
Chantelle H.: I have just started taking it, and I have already lost some weight.
Janet H.: I have had Bariatric surgery, and this product helps me feel full, keeps my cholesterol down, and keeps my system running well! Love it!
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How much prebiotic fiber do I need?
The recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, including prebiotic fiber, is typically around 25 to 30 grams for most adults. This amount includes both soluble and insoluble fibers, which are essential for maintaining overall health.
👉🏽 Unfortunately, only about 3% of Americans meet this recommendation, with the average intake being around 10 grams per day.
👉🏼 This significant gap means that 97% of us are falling short of the necessary fiber intake to support optimal health.
To achieve the recommended daily intake, it’s important to incorporate a variety of fiber-rich foods into your diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are excellent sources of fiber.
However, for many people, reaching the ideal fiber intake through diet alone can be challenging due to busy lifestyles, food restrictions, and dietary preferences. This is where supplements like just better.® Prebiotic Fiber can play a crucial role.
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is an excellent way to boost your fiber intake. It is completely dissolvable and flavorless making it simple to add to any food or drink without altering the taste or texture.
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber is also gentle on the digestive system, earning it a Low-FODMAP friendly status. This means it is well-tolerated by sensitive tummies, with no bloating or gas.
By including just better.® Prebiotic Fiber in your self-care routine, you can effortlessly increase your fiber intake to meet the recommended levels, supporting better digestive health, improved immune function, and strengthening the gut-brain connection.
🌿 JBB Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best dietary plan for your specific needs and to ensure you are getting the appropriate amount of prebiotic fiber for your health goals.
Can children take prebiotics?
Yes! EVERYONE needs fiber!
Prebiotics are beneficial for children as part of a balanced nutrition plan. They support growth and development by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Foods like bananas, oats, and apples are good sources of prebiotics for children.
At JUST BETTER BRANDS, we understand busy lifestyles can sometimes prevent everyone in the family from getting the fiber they need for optimal health. just better.® Prebiotic Fiber helps simplify your gut health needs!
Add just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to the foods you and your family love: mac and cheese, yogurt, oats, dips, spreads, smoothies, juice, milk, and more. Make EVERYTHING fiber-rich!
Check out this handy chart from Cleveland Clinic!
Learn more about raising gut-healthy families in our previous blog post, Fiber-Rich Kids: Building Healthy Habits Early.
![A daily fiber intake chart for children with sourced data from the Cleveland Clinic blog post entitled, How Much Fiber Do Children Need? Children 4 to 8 years: 25 grams of fiber Toddlers 1 to 3 years: 19 grams of fiber Girls 9 to 13 years: 26 grams of fiber Girls 14 to 19 years: 26 grams of fiber Boys 9 to 13 years: 31 grams of fiber Boys 14 to 19 years: 38 grams of fiber](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2305/3001/files/11_13087a25-831a-489a-94bc-d4c07c7c6d28_600x600.png?v=1721262724)
💡 Remember to talk with your child’s healthcare provider before making significant changes to their nutrition plan.
Dawn M.: I didn’t fully understand the role fiber played in nutrition when my kids were young. It took an illness for us to take a closer look at what we were eating and how we were not coming close in terms of fiber intake. just better.® makes it easy to reach the recommended intake! So if you’re like I was and a little late to the fiber party, just get started now—today, it will be one of the best decisions you’ll make for your family all year!
Conclusion
Including prebiotics in your healthy living routine provides remarkable benefits that extend well beyond gut health. From supporting better digestion and strengthening your immune system to aiding in weight management and reducing inflammation, prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut, prebiotics help create a balanced and thriving microbiome, setting the foundation for optimal health and vitality.
At JUST BETTER BRANDS, we are committed to simplifying gut health. Join our community of gut-healthy super fans and experience the difference of just better.® Prebiotic Fiber today. Don't forget to share your success stories and feedback with us—we love hearing from our just better.® family!
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