best prebiotic foods

Best Prebiotics

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
10 minute read

best prebiotic supplement 2020Ever wonder why you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous? Or cramps in your gut when struggling with some monumental life decision?

You experience these sensations because of what’s happening in your gut. And the connection between your brain and your gut.

More and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits that come from using the best prebiotics and probiotics.

Which should come as no surprise. Especially once you realize that 90% of you is composed of microbiota cells with 10 million microbiota genes. Harboring over 100 trillion good gut bacteria.[i]

Definition: ‘microbiota’ is the actual bacteria and ‘microbiome’ is the bacteria and their genes.

Your microbiome has 10-times more cells than regular human body cells. 150-times more than the number of human genes. 1,000 microbiota species and over 7,000 strains.[ii]

Your intestines are home to about 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, fungi, and archaea (collectively known as your microbiome).[iii]

Your gut microbiota is linked to your brain through a system that involves your vagus nerve, your immune system, and various neurotransmitters.[iv]

And decades of research have found that of 1,000 species of bacteria residing in your gut, the primary species of beneficial bacteria are the bacterial groups Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.[v]

See my #1 Rated Prebiotic Supplement Here

Prebiotics and probiotics: which is best?

One option for enjoying the health benefits that help support your microbiome is to choose a probiotic supplement.  Ideally, selecting a supplement containing the exact Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains your body needs.

The challenge however in selecting the right probiotic supplement is by identifying the few strains of bacteria in your gut that require support.

So, even if you guessed correctly, probiotic supplements are degraded by cold, heat, light, and time. And then once you swallow the capsule, must survive the acidic gastric environment in your digestive system if they’re to reach your small intestine so you experience the benefits.[vi]

Another problem is trusting probiotic supplement labels. Which typically state the number of colony forming units (CFU) in each capsule. In other words, the number of live bacteria in each capsule.

CFU ranges from millions to 50 billion or more per serving. The thing is manufacturers are not required to list how many ‘live’ probiotics are included in the total CFU. Half the bacteria could be dead. There’s no way to tell for sure.

And if you’ve guessed incorrectly by sending a mix of billions of probiotic bacteria of different strains into your system, you can experience constipation, bloating, gas, or an upset stomach.

A better idea is to help the native Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus already in your gut. And support them with quality prebiotic supplements. Support the built-in intelligence your microbiome has had from the beginning.

Prebiotics are available in food as soluble fiber. Or as prebiotic supplements if you don’t get enough fiber in your diet.

best prebiotic foodsWhat are prebiotic foods?

Foods with prebiotics contain soluble fiber that pass through your upper intestinal tract undigested.

As prebiotic fiber passes through your small intestine to your colon, they’re fermented by your existing gut bacteria.

The beneficial bacteria in your gut feed on this fermented prebiotic fiber. Helping these healthy bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate.[vii]

Prebiotics like inulin and oligofructose occur naturally in foods such as leeks, asparagus, chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, wheat, oats, and soybeans.[viii]

Is apple cider vinegar a prebiotic?

The word “vinegar” comes from the French vin aigre which means sour wine.

The sourness of vinegar comes from acetic acid.

When making apple cider vinegar, yeast digests the sugars in apples and converts them into alcohol. A bacteria called acetobacter turns the alcohol into acetic acid.

This fermentation process produces the “mother” which are the strands you see floating around in the bottom of apple cider vinegar. The mother is a combination of yeast and bacteria.

The mother in apple cider vinegar is a probiotic supplement. Not a prebiotic supplement.[ix]

What are prebiotics used for?

Prebiotics are non-digestible soluble fiber that probiotics (your healthy gut bacteria) can use for food. The best prebiotics are found in foods and supplements.

But prebiotics do more than only benefiting gut health issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and colon cancer.

The best prebiotics also help boost cognition, learning, memory, and mood.

Prebiotics help support your immune system, heart health, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, improve calcium absorption, and skin health.[x]

By boosting soluble fiber intake and supporting your microbiome, prebiotic supplements help provide gut health benefits that no other supplement can.

Prebiotics and digestive supplements

Prebiotic supplements can support gut and digestive health. As well as protect against Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, and colorectal cancer[xi].

A randomized, double-blind trial was conducted with 105 patients suffering from functional bowel disorder (FBD).

Half of the group was given 5 g of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) per day for 6-weeks. The other half received a placebo.

By Day 43, digestive tract disorders decreased by 43.6% in the sc-FOS group compared to only a 13.8% decrease in the placebo group.

The researchers concluded that regular consumption of sc-FOS may improve digestive tract comfort in those not undergoing medical treatment.[xii]

Another study at Imperial College Healthcare in London investigated the efficacy of using prebiotics to improve the symptoms of people dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

44 IBS patients were given either 3.5 g per day of a prebiotic, 7 g per day of a prebiotic, or 7 g per day of a placebo.

IBS symptoms were monitored weekly for 12-weeks and scored according to a 7-point Likert scale. Changes in fecal microflora, stool frequency and form, anxiety and depression scores were also monitored.

Patients using both 3.5 g and 7 g per day of prebiotic supplements showed a significant improvement in fecal bifidobacteria, stool consistency, less flatulence and bloating, and improved anxiety and depression scores. The placebo had no effect.

The researchers concluded that the prebiotic intake (trans-galacto-oligosaccharide) was highly effective in alleviating IBS symptoms. And the findings suggest that the prebiotic fibers has potential as a therapeutic agent in IBS.[xiii]

Another study was conducted to assess the effects of a prebiotic in 10 patients with Crohn’s Disease.

Patients with active Crohn’s Disease received 15 g of a Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) prebiotic for 3 weeks. Disease activity was measured using the Harvey Bradshaw index.

FOS significantly reduced Crohn’s symptoms. The patients showed an increase in fecal bifidobacteria concentration, and an increase in dendritic cells.

The researchers concluded that the prebiotic FOS decreased Crohn’s Disease activity and warranted further investigation.[xiv]

prebioticsPrebiotics and immune system health

Everything you eat and drink ends up passing through your digestive system. Both the good and the bad. Your gut health is your first line of defense against bad bacteria.

70% of your entire immune system resides in your gut.[xv]

Bifidobacteria are the dominant species of beneficial bacteria in your gut.[xvi] And are a critical species providing protection for a healthy gut microbiome.

Bifidobacteria help colonize the protective mucus layer of your gastrointestinal tract. Preventing bad bacteria from crossing the barrier into your bloodstream.[xvii]

Several studies show the potential of bifidobacteria to prevent and/or treat colorectal cancer. And have demonstrated protection against carcinogens, protection against DNA damage from carcinogens, and inhibit cancer growth.

This species of good bacteria is also used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders. Including diarrhea,[xviii] colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[xix]

The prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) have been shown to increase bifidobacteria numbers.[xx] And decrease the numbers of bad bacteria including E. coli and enterococci.

In one study, 8 g per day of the patented oligofructose prebiotic supplement Orafti® Synergy1 for 8 weeks improved the immune response of an influenza vaccine.[xxi]

A mixture of the prebiotics oligofructose and inulin can improve antibody response supporting viral vaccines for things like influenza and measles.[xxii]

Studies have also shown the improvement of antibody response of an influenza vaccine following Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation. And the side effects from the influenza vaccine were reduced.[xxiii]

What is the best prebiotic for weight loss?

For millennia, people have noted that high-fiber foods were more filling than low-fiber foods. And clinicals trials over 50 years ago were using prebiotic supplements as an aid to weight loss.[xxiv]

Research at leading universities show adequate daily intake of dietary fiber and prebiotics significantly enhances weight loss.[xxv]

In fact, several large clinical studies demonstrate that prebiotic consumption reduces the risk of gaining weight or developing obesity by approximately 30%.[xxvi]

Studies which include people from across ethnic and racial groups show that those who have higher levels of fiber consumption maintain less weight than those with the lowest fiber intakes.

One study at the Université Catholique de Louvain in Brussels demonstrated young people supplementing with the prebiotic dietary fiber oligofructose significantly increased the feelings of satiety and reducing hunger between meals.[xxvii]

Another study at the University of Calgary in Canada showed that overweight children supplementing with inulin FOS were able to lose weight.

The researchers concluded that obese children who supplemented with inulin FOS significantly reduced body weight, percent body fat, percent trunk fat, and reduced inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6).[xxviii]

Prebiotics and insulin resistance

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone in your gut which inhibits food intake, is involved in weight loss, stimulates insulin secretion, and reduces blood sugar.[xxix]

Reduced levels of GLP-1 can result in insulin resistance and prevent weight loss.[xxx]

Prebiotic supplementation increases levels of GLP-1 in your gut. Which results in changes in appetite sensation, helps control heat, and reduces insulin resistance.[xxxi]

best prebiotic supplement for weight lossWhat is the best way to take prebiotics?

One of the most effective and proven soluble-fiber prebiotics is sourced from chicory root. And is called Inulin FOS (FructoOligoSaccharides).

Inulin is a long-chain storage carbohydrate derived by water extraction from chicory root. The short-chain Oligofructose or Fructose-Oligosaccharide (FOS) is derived from inulin with an enzyme that also naturally exists in chicory root.

I use and recommend the patented Orafti® Synergy1 because it provides Inulin and FructoOligoSaccharides which passes through your system undigested to your large intestine.

Once there, Inulin and FOS are fermented in your gut by bacteria like bifidobacteria. Which leads to an increase of bifidobacteria.

This fermentation also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetate, propionate, and butyrate.[xxxii]

This prebiotic supplement is available in capsule form made by Performance Lab®.  And is called Performance Lab® Prebiotic.

The prebiotic fiber Orafti® Synergy1 is also used as a functional fiber in various food products.  It has a mild, sweet flavor that easily mixes with foods like ice cream, baby food, cereals, chocolates, and baked goods.

You can take Performance Lab® Prebiotic right along with your other supplements with a glass of water.

And because this organic prebiotic fiber blend is sweet with no aftertaste, you can open the capsules and mix them with your favorite drink.

Nootropics Expert Recommendation

Nootropics Expert Tested and ApprovedThe best prebiotic supplement using the patented Orafti® Synergy1 is Performance Lab® Prebiotic.

Performance Lab Prebiotic-best prebiotic

Performance Lab® Prebiotic is the cleanest, premium quality Orafti® Synergy1 prebiotic supplement available today.

This prebiotic provides 2 grams of Orafti® Synergy1 per dose in 3 vegan-friendly capsules.

It comes in NutriCaps® capsules made from fermented tapioca also infused with prebiotics.

No “other ingredients” except organic rice powder used as flow agent during encapsulation.

I use and highly recommend this premium prebiotic supplement to help grow beneficial gut bacteria.

Get Performance Lab® Prebiotic

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Kelly, J. R., Clarke, G., Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2016). “Brain-gut-microbiota axis: challenges for translation in psychiatry.” Annals of epidemiology26(5), 366–372. (source)

[ii] Anglin, R., Surette, M., Moayyedi, P., & Bercik, P. (2015). “Lost in Translation: The Gut Microbiota in Psychiatric Illness.” Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie60(10), 460–463. (source)

[iii] Latalova, K., Hajda, M., & Prasko, J. (2017). “Can gut microbes play a role in mental disorders and their treatment?.” Psychiatria Danubina29(1), 28–30. (source)

[iv] Mayer E. A. (2011). “Gut feelings: the emerging biology of gut-brain communication.” Nature reviews. Neuroscience12(8), 453–466. (source)

[v] Gibson, G. R., & Roberfroid, M. B. (1995). “Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics.” The Journal of nutrition125(6), 1401–1412. (source)

[vi] Corcoran, B. M., Stanton, C., Fitzgerald, G. F., & Ross, R. P. (2005). “Survival of probiotic lactobacilli in acidic environments is enhanced in the presence of metabolizable sugars.” Applied and environmental microbiology71(6), 3060–3067. (source)

[vii] Slavin J. (2013). “Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits.” Nutrients5(4), 1417–1435 (source)

[viii] van Loo, J., Coussement, P., de Leenheer, L., Hoebregs, H., & Smits, G. (1995). “On the presence of inulin and oligofructose as natural ingredients in the western diet.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition35(6), 525–552. (source)

[ix] McDonald E. “Debunking the health benefits of apple cider vinegar” University of Chicago Medicine Forefront August 23, 2018 (source) (Retrieved 10-07-2020)

[x] Davani-Davari, D., Negahdaripour, M., Karimzadeh, I., Seifan, M., Mohkam, M., Masoumi, S. J., Berenjian, A., & Ghasemi, Y. (2019). “Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland)8(3), 92. (source)

[xi] Davis, C. D., & Milner, J. A. (2009). “Gastrointestinal microflora, food components and colon cancer prevention.” The Journal of nutritional biochemistry20(10), 743–752. (source)

[xii] Paineau, D., Payen, F., Panserieu, S., Coulombier, G., Sobaszek, A., Lartigau, I., Brabet, M., Galmiche, J. P., Tripodi, D., Sacher-Huvelin, S., Chapalain, V., Zourabichvili, O., Respondek, F., Wagner, A., & Bornet, F. R. (2008). “The effects of regular consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on digestive comfort of subjects with minor functional bowel disorders.” The British journal of nutrition99 (2), 311–318. (source)

[xiii] Silk, D. B., Davis, A., Vulevic, J., Tzortzis, G., & Gibson, G. R. (2009). “Clinical trial: the effects of a trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome.” Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics29(5), 508–518. (source)

[xiv] Lindsay, J. O., Whelan, K., Stagg, A. J., Gobin, P., Al-Hassi, H. O., Rayment, N., Kamm, M. A., Knight, S. C., & Forbes, A. (2006). “Clinical, microbiological, and immunological effects of fructo-oligosaccharide in patients with Crohn’s disease.” Gut55(3), 348–355. (source)

[xv] Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L, Di Cara G, Frati F. “Allergy and the gastrointestinal system.” Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 2008;153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):3-6. (source)

[xvi] Hidalgo-Cantabrana C., Delgado S., Ruiz L., Ruas-Madiedo P. Sanchez B., Margolles A. “Bifidobacteria and Their Health-Promoting Effects” American Society for Microbiology June 2017 vol. 5 no. 3 (source)

[xvii] Izquierdo, E., Medina, M., Ennahar, S., Marchioni, E., & Sanz, Y. (2008). “Resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions and adhesion to mucus as probiotic criteria for Bifidobacterium longum strains.” Current microbiology 56(6), 613–618 (source)

[xviii] Guandalini S. (2011). “Probiotics for prevention and treatment of diarrhea.” Journal of clinical gastroenterology45 Suppl, S149–S153. (source)

[xix] Aragon, G., Graham, D. B., Borum, M., & Doman, D. B. (2010). “Probiotic therapy for irritable bowel syndrome.” Gastroenterology & hepatology6(1), 39–44. (source)

[xx] Menne E, Guggenbuhl N, Roberfroid M.” Fn-type chicory inulin hydrolysate has a prebiotic effect in humans.” Journal of Nutrition. 2000;130(5):1197-1199. (source)

[xxi] Lomax A.R., Cheung L.V., Noakes P.S., Miles E.A., Calder P.C. “Inulin-type β2-1 fructans have some effect on the antibody response to seasonal influenza vaccination in healthy middle-aged humans.” Frontiers in Immunology. 2015;6:490 (source)

[xxii] Firmansyah A., Pramita G., Carrie Fassler A., Haschke F., Link-Amster H. “Improved humoral immune response to measles vaccine in infants receiving infant cereal with fructooligosaccharides.” Journal of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology in Nutriton 2001;31:A521 (source)

[xxiii] Langkamp-Henken B., Bender B.S., Gardner E.M., Herrlinger-Garcia K.A., Kelley M.J., Murasko D.M., Schaller J.P., Stechmiller J.K., Thomas D.J., Wood S.M. “Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors”. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 2004;52:3–12 (source)

[xxiv] Haber, G. B., Heaton, K. W., Murphy, D., & Burroughs, L. F. (1977). “Depletion and disruption of dietary fibre. Effects on satiety, plasma-glucose, and serum-insulin.” Lancet (London, England)2(8040), 679–682. (source)

[xxv] Anderson, James W Baird, Pat Davis, Richard H Ferreri, Stefanie Knudtson, Mary Koraym, Ashraf Waters, Valerie Williams, Christine L. “Health benefits of dietary fiber” Nutrition Reviews, Volume 67, Issue 4, 1 April 2009, Pages 188–205 (source)

[xxvi] Anderson J.W. “Dietary Fiber and Associated Phytochemicals in Prevention and Reversal of Diabetes” Ch. 7 Nutraceuticals, Glycemic Health and Type 2 Diabetes (source)

[xxvii] Cani, P. D., Joly, E., Horsmans, Y., & Delzenne, N. M. “Oligofructose promotes satiety in healthy human: a pilot study.” European journal of clinical nutrition60(5), 567–572. (source)

[xxviii] Nicolucci A.C., Hume M.P., Martinez I., Mayhengbam S., Walter J., Reimer R.A. “Prebiotics Reduce Body Fat and Alter Intestinal Microbiota in Children Who Are Overweight or With Obesity” Gastroenterology Volume 153, Issue 3, September 2017, Pages 711-722 (source)

[xxix] Drucker D. J. (2006). “The biology of incretin hormones.” Cell metabolism3(3), 153–165. (source)

[xxx] Holst J. J. (2002). “Gastric inhibitory polypeptide analogues: do they have a therapeutic role in diabetes mellitus similar to that of glucagon-like Peptide-1?” BioDrugs: clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy16(3), 175–181. (source)

[xxxi] Cani, P. D., Lecourt, E., Dewulf, E. M., Sohet, F. M., Pachikian, B. D., Naslain, D., De Backer, F., Neyrinck, A. M., & Delzenne, N. M. (2009). “Gut microbiota fermentation of prebiotics increases satietogenic and incretin gut peptide production with consequences for appetite sensation and glucose response after a meal.” The American journal of clinical nutrition90(5), 1236–1243. (source)

[xxxii] Boets E., Deroover L., Houben E., Vermeulen K., Gomand S.V., Delcour J.A., Verbeke K. “Quantification of in Vivo Colonic Short Chain Fatty Acid Production from Inulin.” Nutrients 2015 Oct 28;7(11):8916-29 (source)

Subscribe to the Nootropics Expert newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest developments in the nootropics space.

Head First 2nd Editon

The Award Winning Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements.

Head First 2nd Edition

NEW! Eliminate Brain Fog, Low Energy, Moodiness, Difficulty Sleeping, Memory Loss or Anxiety. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Walmart and more...



Where to Buy Nootropics

Wondering where to buy the best nootropic supplements? Well, you’re in the right place. Because here you will find the nootropic supplements that I personally use and recommend. Each supplement has a link to the company store and product that I use. I also include a link to my full review for each supplement here […]

The Definitive Guide to Nootropics

Nootropics can help increase your memory, boost learning ability, improve your mood and assist overall brain function. If you’re new to nootropics, or wonder about the difference between a nootropic and a smart drug, then this page is for you. Here you’ll find the definition of a nootropic, how to pronounce the word “nootropic”, the […]

The Most Comprehensive Nootropics List

This is our big list of the most popular Nootropics in use today. Here you’ll learn what each nootropic is, what it does and suggested dosages. What is this List of Nootropics About? Nootropic supplements are cognitive enhancers aiming to improve brain function. Whether you are looking to treat mild cognitive impairment, improve mental focus, or biohack […]



Free Secrets of the Brain 3rd Edition

Get “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” 92 nootropics to help you plan your Nootropic Stack when you sign up for my newsletter:

Join The Discussion - 12 comments

José
May 1, 2023

Hi David! In my country it’s not easy to access Performance Lab. But I did found a German brand called Beneo. And bought from them their Orafti GR prebiotic in powder form. But with no “Synergy” . Would you recommend this one as well?

    David Tomen
    May 1, 2023

    Jose, if it contains the branded form Orafti® Synergy1 it should be a good prebiotic. It’s the one I use from Performance Lab and it works great!

      Jose
      June 12, 2023

      Thanks for your answer. But I’m still wondering if there is any difference between the Orafti®GR and the Orafti®Synergy1. Since the first one is the only one sold in my country.

        David Tomen
        June 16, 2023

        Jose, they appear to be the same ingredient according the supplement facts label.

Bruce
June 29, 2022

Hello David, I am a client of Performance lab thanks to you but I have some doubts that I would really appreciate if you could help me,
I prefer to open the capsules of Performance Lab® Prebiotic and mix them with coffee and coconut oil, it is my favorite way to take it, But I am afraid I am not taking advantage of its benefits,
according to your experience is it possible that it will reach my large intestine even if I open the capsule?

Lastly, I would like to know how many times a week you consume probiotics like this? Thank you

NewRhythm Probiotics 50 Billion CFU

    David Tomen
    July 1, 2022

    Bruce, the prebiotic is soluble fiber. So it’ll make it to the part of your intestine where it’s needed.

    The probiotic dosage depends entirely on why you are using it. If you are on my list you may recall that probiotic was dosed at 900 CUFU per day and not 50 CFU which this supplement is. If you were using the dose recommended by the manufacturer it would be daily.

Sandra
May 25, 2022

Hi David! I bought 3g per dose of FOS from Jarrow formulas. What do you think? I want to quit probiotics.

    David Tomen
    May 25, 2022

    Sandra, since I began using the Performance Lab Prebiotic which contains the same patented ingredient as the Jarrow supplement I’ve stopped using probiotics. Because I have found the prebiotic to be far more effective.

Carlos
May 24, 2022

Hi David how are you?,
I just wanted to know if this brand is a good option to get Inulin FOS prebiotics? (I can’t get Performance Lab® Prebiotic due to customs problems in my country)
Thank you

Jarrow Formulas Prebiotic Inulin

    David Tomen
    May 24, 2022

    Carlos, that is an alternative because I believe they use the same patented inulin-FOS ingredient.

Malik
October 4, 2021

Hi David! I heard sodium butrayte enhances fear extinction? What brand do recommend for sodium butrayte. Thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.