If you're interested in your gut (like us), you've probably come across the term postbiotics, which excitingly are now available in bio-available liquid form for the first time in the UK.

The science of some postbiotics—including what they are, how they function, and whether or not taking them as a pill is worth it—is still emerging. 

There's a lot that scientists don't know yet. We'll get into that later. But before we go into what we know about postbiotics, let's first cover the basics of microbiome research so you can understand what we're talking about.

Introducing Your Gut Microbiome

The microbiota of our digestive system is made up of communities of different microorganisms—primarily bacteria and yeasts—that dwell in the lining of our gastrointestinal tract. This microbiome develops and fluctuates throughout our life.

Our first microbiota are acquired during the birth and breastfeeding phases of our early development. Into early childhood, our biome develops through the foods we consume. Genetics also has a role.

The gut microbiome usually stabilises in adulthood, although it can also be altered by certain lifestyle choices such as diet, as well as disruptions like stress, travel, antibiotic use, and some prescription medications.

In a healthy microbiome, most of these microbes are good for us or neutral.

Our bodies are home to a wide variety of microbes that keep us healthy. They perform functions that we can't do by ourselves, such as digesting specific foods and generating required nutrients.

Beneficial microbes compete for space in our bodies, keeping undesirable ones in check. Disruptive occurrences may cause yeast infections or other issues caused by an overgrowth of these not-so-desirable bacteria (SIBO).

We have communities of microbes just about everywhere in our bodies, with the most influential to our overall health in our guts.

We can help manage the environment we create in our guts by eating certain foods or taking supplements.

Postbiotics

The field of postbiotics is still developing. Most scientific study on postbiotics has been published within the last decade - using the latest in scientific understanding.

We already know that fermented foods are beneficial to the gastrointestinal system. Research into postbiotics may help us discover why.

Postbitics may be better tolerated than probiotics. When you consume probiotics, you increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body.

Some people may not tolerate probiotics well, so postbiotics may be a more suitable alternative.

The effect of taking postbiotics is more systemic, with the gut being an important but not the only organ influenced. Once they are ingested, postbiotics work to support different functions within our bodies.

Postbiotic Effects on Health

We know that some bacteria produce chemicals that act as neurotransmitters or control inflammation in our body, suggesting that these particular strains may be useful for controlling mood and pain levels.

Some strains may also contain enzymes that break down gluten and casein (the protein found in dairy), making them suitable for those diagnosed with celiac disease or lactose intolerance.

Research so far has indicated positive results with certain illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bowel dysbiosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, diarrhea, constipation, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or yeast infections. For instance, in one study, patients with IBS reported feeling significantly better after taking postbiotics for nine weeks compared to the placebo group.

Other research indicates that postbiotics may support the immune system by increasing cytokine production in white blood cells in response to bacteria found during an infection. This helps us fight off the bad guys without overreacting and causing unnecessary inflammation when they're no longer needed.

Antibiotic Side Effects and Postbiotics

Bacteria are essential to good health - so why are antibiotics so dangerous? Antibiotics have saved hundreds of millions of lives. They're a miracle treatment that gives us a second chance on days when we think it may be over for us.

However, antibiotics have side effects because they work by directly killing bacteria, including both the bad and the good ones. We can help reduce these side effects by taking probiotics as well as postbiotics as soon as possible after taking antibiotics. In one study, patients who took antibiotics and then immediately consumed probiotics had significantly better scores of wellbeing compared to those who only consumed antibiotics, suggesting less severe gastrointestinal issues from antibiotic use.

Where can I get postbiotics?

The postbiotic production process is still being developed, with some forms starting to become available in the UK. 

Clincial studies are showing that they have been found to improve digestive health for the whole family, help calm digestive upset, support bowel regularity, help support abdominal comfort and reduce occasional bloating (often described as bloated stomach). 

While the science is still emerging, we believe postbiotics can promote a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive system and help support a healthy gut barrier and gut immunity.