Prebiotics: a key player for Beauty from Within
Prebiotics: A key player for Beauty from Within
Topical treatments are popular for achieving glowing, healthy skin, but true beauty starts from within. The connection between gut health and skin health, known as the gut-skin axis, plays a vital role. One of the key contributors to this relationship is prebiotics. But what are prebiotics, and how do they impact skin health?
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that beneficial gut bacteria use as fuel, providing health benefits to the body. Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics support a balanced gut environment, promoting overall wellness (1).
Unhealthy Gut Microbiota can lead to Bad Skin
A healthy gut supports various organs, including the skin. The gut microbiome can communicate directly with the skin via the gut-skin axis. Imbalances in the gut can lead to inflammation, often visible as skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea (2).
Prebiotics Boost Skin Health Through Several Mechanisms of Action in The Gut
Prebiotics enhance skin health on several levels:
- Reducing Inflammation and Toxins
Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. This helps reduce inflammation-related skin conditions such as acne (3).
Additionally, a balanced gut maintains skin barrier function, protecting against harmful pathogens. Improved toxin processing and elimination also result in clearer, brighter skin, while toxin build-up can lead to dullness and blemishes (4). - Supporting Skin Hydration and Elasticity
By reducing inflammation, prebiotics aid in collagen production, an essential protein for skin elasticity. A balanced gut also enhances the skin’s moisture retention, leading to increased hydration and elasticity (5). - Lowering Stress Levels
The gut microbiome interacts with the brain via the gut-brain axis, helping to manage stress, which, in turn, may reduce stress-related skin issues (6).
Prebiotic Supplements can be an Excellent Solution to Supporting Healthy Looking Skin
In conclusion, achieving healthy, radiant skin involves more than just topical care; it starts from within. By nourishing the beneficial bacteria in our gut, prebiotics play a crucial role in promoting a balanced microbiome, which positively impacts skin health. From reducing inflammation to supporting hydration, elasticity, and stress management, prebiotics offer a holistic approach to skincare. Embracing this inside-out approach helps foster lasting skin health, revealing natural beauty that shines from within.
WEBINAR: Longevity and Healthy Aging
WEBINAR: Longevity and Healthy Aging
ft. AstaPure® and Actiful®
Whether you’re a product developer in the wellness industry, a healthcare provider, or simply interested in how to live a healthier, longer life, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and actionable knowledge.
Why watch?
- Market Trends: Explore the latest data and industry shifts in the healthy aging market, including consumer preferences and growth opportunities.
- Longevity Science: Gain insights into the latest scientific research on aging, longevity, and wellness.
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Top 3 ways MicrobiomeX® supports your immune system
Top 3 ways MicrobiomeX® supports your immune system
Last updated: October 18th, 2024
Understanding the connection between gut microbiota and the immune system is expanding rapidly, along with the demand for science-backed products that support immunity. MicrobiomeX® is a nutraceutical ingredient derived from citrus flavonoids that enhances immune function by promoting a balanced gut microbiota. It works by stimulating butyrate production, increasing SIgA antibody levels, and reducing intestinal inflammation.
The connection between gut microbiota and immune system
Moreover, these bacteria produce important molecules such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that are involved in improving immune function and lowering gut inflammation.
What is MicrobiomeX®?
MicrobiomeX® is a citrus flavonoid-based ingredient designed to enhance immune function and strengthen gut defenses. Developed by BioActor in collaboration with Maastricht University and Wageningen University, its health benefits have been validated through clinical, ex-vivo, and in-vitro studies.
Clinical research across diverse populations has shown that MicrobiomeX® directly supports gut health and immunity by being metabolized by the gut microbiota and positively influencing its composition—a process known as the Flavobiotic® effect. This ingredient is standardized to contain two key citrus flavonoids, hesperidin (>85%) and naringin (>5%), with immune-boosting effects demonstrated at doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg in a dose-dependent manner.
Three ways MicrobiomeX® supports your immune system
If you are considering including MicrobiomeX® in your formulation, you should know this:
1. MicrobiomeX® positively changes the microbiota composition helping stimulate the production of butyrate.
When health-promoting bacteria are present in the gut, they help protect your gut wall from pathogens and bad microorganisms. MicrobiomeX® has been shown to help the growth of beneficial microbiota in the gut, for example strains that belong to the phylum Firmicutes.
Not only helps MicrobiomeX® with maintaining a protective layer against bad microorganisms, but it also promotes butyrate-producing strains such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium leptum and Roseburia. This results in higher levels of butyrate [2].
This is beneficial, mainly because butyrate inhibits nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Dysregulation of NF-κB is often seen in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This means, that by increasing butyrate levels in the gut and consequently inhibiting NF-κB MicrobiomeX® helps lower inflammation in the gut [3].
2. MicrobiomeX® increases Secretory Immunoglobulin A
After four weeks of daily 500 mg MicrobiomeX®, fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) significantly increased in healthy elderly.
Why is this good news?
IgA is the antibody that is the most produced by the body and it is primarily found in the gastrointestinal system, where it plays a big role in keeping your intestinal microbiota in check. IgA directly binds to pathogens such as bad bacteria and viruses and neutralizes them.
Neutralization of pathogens stops them from colonizing the mucosal layer of the gut wall and infiltrating the cells of the gut to cause illness. This protection mechanism is known as ‘immune exclusion’ and makes SIgA a key factor in your immune system.
3. MicrobiomeX® lowers gut inflammation
MicrobiomeX® intake is shown to lower calprotectin levels, an indicator of chronic inflammation.
Typically, older people and people with irritable bowel syndrome or leaky gut syndrome have chronically increased levels of calprotectin [4].
Gut inflammation leads to a lesser functioning gut barrier, which makes it easier for pathogens to infiltrate your body. MicrobiomeX® has been shown to decrease fecal calprotectin, indicating it lowers gut inflammation and thus, your gut health benefits from this product.
Moreover, MicrobiomeX® was shown to be able to lower NF-κB levels in a co-culture study with Caco-2 cells line and macrophages. NF-κB is a proinflammatory transcription factor involved in the production of inflammatory chemokine such as TNF-a, which accordingly was shown decreased in the same study.
The bottom line
There are several ways your gut helps to fight against pathogens that cause disease. It is good to boost your immune system and the citrus flavonoids in MicrobiomeX® offer a way to support your immune system naturally.
How a healthy microbiome boosts your immune system
Unlocking the power of your gut: how a healthy microbiome boosts your immune system
Last updated: October 4th, 2024
Did you know that your immune system’s performance is intricately tied to the health of your gut microbiome? In this article, we delve into the fascinating connection between your gut microbiome and immune system. Discover the key role of the gut microbiome in immune function and learn about the dietary components that can nurture a diverse and thriving gut ecosystem.
A symbiotic relationship: gut microbiome and immune system harmony
The human body is a complex ecosystem housing trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. Among these, the gut microbiome stands out as a vibrant community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (1).
This intricate network collaborates to maintain a balanced blend of beneficial microorganisms, protecting us from potential invaders.
Recent advancements have highlighted the gut microbiome‘s dynamic involvement in our well-being, extending beyond passive existence.
This intricate web of microorganisms actively influences various bodily functions, including bolstering the development and efficacy of the immune system. Our immune system, in turn, maintains a delicate equilibrium, defending against pathogens while avoiding autoimmune responses (2).
Microbiome’s immune-boosting strategies
Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
At the heart of the gut microbiota’s influence on immunity lies the production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) through dietary fiber fermentation in the large intestine (3).
These SCFAs, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, play a pivotal role in maintaining gut balance and modulating immune responses. They orchestrate immune cell functions, like regulatory T cells and antigen-presenting cells, and stimulate cytokine and chemokine production, bolstering immunity.
Furthermore, SCFAs can directly quell pathogenic activity by suppressing virulence-related genes, curbing potential threats.
Fortifying the barricade: tight junctions
The gut’s tight junctions act as gatekeepers, upholding the integrity of the intestinal barrier (4). Inflammation or infections can disrupt these barriers, allowing undesirable substances to escape into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses (5, 6).
SCFAs step in as allies here, contributing to the assembly of robust tight junctions within intestinal cell walls. This reinforcement prevents the escape of harmful toxins from the gut, bolstering the gut wall’s ability to shield against infections (5).
When this symbiotic relationship thrives, the immune system guards us against infections. However, an unbalanced microbiota composition might trigger inflammation and chronic diseases (1, 5).
Strategies to help the gut ecosystem flourish
A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is universally recognized as vital for our health (7). Research highlights that such diversity empowers immune responses against infections while reducing autoimmune responses. Conversely, a low-diversity microbiome is linked to chronic inflammation and an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.
To nurture a flourishing and diverse gut microbiome, prioritizing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is very important.
Choose for a spectrum of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. These foods, rich in fiber, prebiotics, and nutrients, provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria.
1. Fiber: the gut’s aid for immunity
Fiber’s role in gut health is crucial, as it bolsters microbiome diversity. A diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains enhances gut bacteria abundance and diversity. This, in turn, augments immune function, reducing chronic disease risks (8).
2. Prebiotics: fuel for beneficial bacteria
Prebiotics, a specific type of fiber, serve as sustenance for our beneficial gut inhabitants. Foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains are brimming with prebiotics, nurturing a thriving microbial community.
3. Water: hydration and gut motility
Staying hydrated is crucial for optimal gut function. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper gut motility and prevents constipation. Adequate hydration supports the movement of food through the digestive tract, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive and contribute to a healthier gut.
4. Probiotics and postbiotics: allies for immunity
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi harbor probiotics—live bacteria conferring health benefits. Additionally, postbiotics, metabolic by-products or components produced during fermentation, like SCFAs, amplify the benefits. Consuming these products directly ingests these components, bolstering health.
5. Synbiotics: Uniting Prebiotics and Probiotics
Synbiotics, the blend of prebiotics and probiotics, synergistically promote gut health. Examples include yogurt with inulin or fructooligosaccharides and kefir with galactooligosaccharides.
6. Reducing stress levels
Besides diet-related strategies, there are other ways to help your gut stay healthy. Stress can negatively impact the gut-brain axis and disrupt gut health. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing can have a positive impact on both your mental well-being and gut health.
Cultivate your gut for immune resilience
In summary, the gut microbiome directly impacts the immune system’s effectiveness. A thriving and varied gut ecosystem protects us against infections and chronic problems, while an imbalanced one heightens vulnerability. By embracing a well-rounded diet full of fiber, prebiotics and fermented foods, we can nurture our gut microbiome, supporting overall health.
