Synbiotics is a mix of good bacteria (probiotics) and fibre (prebiotics). Put simply, fibre are food for the bacteria so that they can grow strong and multiply once they have reached the intestine.
In your intestine there are about 100 trillion bacteria belonging to around 1000 different species/strains. That is ten times more bacteria than the number of cells in your body, so in that respect you are actually more a bacterium than a human being. Together, these microorganisms create our microbiome – in other words our gut flora. The gut flora should remain stable among healthy adults, however, it can be affected negatively by for example stress, illness, antibiotics, and an unhealthy diet. A balanced gut flora is crucial for several bodily functions, for instance, about 70 percent of our immune system is located in the gut.
A healthy gut flora and good health in general rests on three foundational pillars – diet, exercise and stress management. These three components are connected, as for example regular exercise can help alleviate stress, and a calmer mind can aid in maintaining healthy habits. A varied diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables should be the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. For those who want an extra boost, supplementing with fibre and bacteria can be a good alternative.
In order for our good gut bacteria to flourish we need to provide them with the right food. A diet consisting of generous amounts of raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, as well as reducing the amount of meat in the diet, provides a healthy foundation for your gut flora.
Daily movement can help us maintain a healthy weight, lower stress levels, and it can also contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle. 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week where the heart rate is raised and we get warm, is the minimum recommendation for general health.
It is no news that our mental state can affect our physical health – especially when it comes to stress. To manage stressful periods in life, we can apply methods such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and walks in nature.
In order to strengthen the gut flora it can be a good alternative to complement the diet with supplements. However, a healthy diet is usually sufficient and should be prioritized.
Synbiotic is a food supplement based on over 20 years of clinical studies. After isolating and screening about 500 types of lactic acid bacteria, four bacterial strains were selected and patented – Lactobacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The four strains belong to species of bacteria which are a natural part of the intestinal flora. These bacteria can also be naturally found in food.
The supplement combines the four bacteria with four types of plant fibre: pectin from citrus fruits, inulin from chicory root, resistant starch from corn, and beta-glucan from oats. These four fibres work as fuel for the bacteria which allows them to thrive. Synbiotic is produced in Sweden.
Synbiotic is available in three versions – Synbiotic15 Daily, Synbiotic40 Enhanced and Synbiotic Gut-Brain. Synbiotic15 Daily contains 15 billion lactic acid bacteria and 4 grams of fiber per dose and is suitable for strengthening and maintaining a good gut flora. Synbiotic40 Enhanced is a stronger version containing 40 billion lactic acid bacteria and 8 grams of fiber per dose. Synbiotic40 Enhanced is therefore suitable for those who have a severe imbalance in the intestinal flora or in cases where the body is stressed and needs an extra boost. Synbiotic Gut-Brain contains 40 billion lactic acid bacteria and 4 grams of fiber per dose and also contains vitamins B6, B9 and B12 that contribute to normal psychological function.
