Prebiotics

Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics are carbohydrates that act as food for the good bacteria. Prebiotics are not destroyed, digested or absorbed in the upper GI tract and therefore reach the gut where our good bacteria reside and hence contribute fully in promoting their effectiveness.

Prebiotics provide a natural way of increasing the number and activity of the beneficial bacteria already resident in the colon. This is because they feed the beneficial bacteria that are naturally present in the body.

Most medicines that we use today treat existing ailments - they serve a reactive role when we are in poor health. Preventative initiatives tend to play more of a minor role because benefits are not readily noticeable. One field that has been attracting growing discussion with regards to improved health is the science of probiotics and prebiotics.

How Do Prebiotics Work?

Though beneficial, the gastric acid in the stomach and the secretions in the small intestine can destroy many of the probiotics ingested, and may result in insufficient numbers reaching the colon to make any meaningful difference.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a 'food source' for the beneficial bacteria that are resident in the gut rather than actual live bacteria. Prebiotics are not destroyed or digested in the small intestine and therefore reach the colon where our good bacteria reside and hence contribute fully in promoting their effectiveness.

Prebiotic Benefits

• Increase in levels of good bacteria
• Reduction in levels of bad bacteria
• Increase in mineral absorption (for example, calcium)
• Control or prevention of occasional diarrhoea
• Relief from occasional constipation, particularly in the elderly
• Provision of up to 10% of daily energy requirements
• Increase in bioavailability of minerals (for example, calcium and magnesium).

These benefits result in an improved gut balance with a positive effect on the body's natural defences. This in turn leads to enhanced gut health and general well-being.

Bimuno is a prebiotic and the product of an intensive eight year research programme focusing on developing a product which ensures that the good bacteria naturally present within your gut, grow at a much faster rate than harmful bacteria and so displace them.

The result of this research was the development of a second generation galacto-oligosaccharide prebiotic (Bimuno) which specifically targets and feeds your beneficial bacteria, energising your immunity boosting Bifidobacteria, whilst reducing the levels of harmful bacteria.

Try Bimuno to improve your digestive health and help boost your body's self-defence. Used as an everyday supplement to your diet, Bimuno prebiotic helps maintain a healthy gut balance with a positive effect on your body's natural defences. Bimuno is available in the UK from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco Pharmacies, as well as your local pharmacy. You can also purchase Bimuno on-line by clicking here.