What is the Difference Between Postbiotics and Probiotics? What are their Features and Functions?

The difference between postbiotics and probiotics stands out with their effects on intestinal health and digestive health. The intestines are known as the second brain of the body and secrete a large part of the serotonin production. Postbiotics, unlike probiotics, are more durable and have a faster effect, while offering many advantages in terms of improving the digestive system and mood.

Definition and Functions of Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms used to support intestinal health. These beneficial bacteria, which live in our bodies, especially in the intestines, support digestive health and the immune system. In addition, the intestines not only manage the digestive process, but also act as the body's second brain. It is called. One of the most important reasons for this is that the intestines secrete approximately 90% of the body's serotonin production.

Serotonin is a natural chemical secreted by our intestines that is effective in many functions such as mood, stress management and sleep patterns. Regular use of probiotics supports this production, helping to improve both the digestive system and mental health.

Probiotic Sources: Which Foods Contain Probiotics?

Probiotics are extremely important for balancing intestinal flora and providing positive effects on overall health. However, the most natural way to get probiotic support is to consume probiotic-rich foods. So, what foods can you get probiotics from? Here are the most delicious ways to get probiotics naturally:

1. Fermented Dairy Products

Fermented dairy products, one of the cornerstones of Turkish cuisine, are intestinal-friendly with their rich probiotic content. Fermented dairy products are among the most common probiotic sources. They can be easily added to your daily nutrition routine because they are both delicious and easy to find:

- Yogurt: Yogurt, which contains live probiotic bacteria, is an excellent source for supporting intestinal health. You can get maximum benefit by choosing natural and unsweetened yogurt.

- Kefir: It is a fermented milk product that facilitates digestion and strengthens the immune system. It is especially effective against intestinal problems.

- Ayran: Although its probiotic content is relatively low, it supports the digestive system when consumed regularly.

2. Fermented Vegetables

Fermented vegetables are an option that is rich not only in probiotics but also in vitamins and minerals:

- Pickled Cabbage: Pickled cabbage prepared using natural methods contains intestinal-friendly bacteria and supports digestion.

- Pickled Cucumber: Pickles made with natural fermentation method are beneficial in terms of probiotics. However, pickles fermented with salt instead of vinegar are a more effective source of probiotics.

- Pepper and Carrot Pickles: These pickles, which decorate the tables with different tastes, are also beneficial in terms of probiotics.

3. Fermented Cereals and Pastry Products

Fermented grains used in Turkish cuisine are an effective option for intestinal health:

- Sourdough Bread: Sourdough bread made with traditional methods contains probiotics and facilitates digestion.

- Tarhana: Tarhana, an indispensable part of Anatolia, is a soup base that is rich in probiotics.

4. Cheese Types

Some types of cheese frequently consumed in Turkish cuisine may also contain probiotics:

- White Cheese: White cheese made using traditional methods is rich in probiotics.

- Kashar Cheese: Kashar cheese that has gone through the ripening process can also be a healthy source of probiotics.

5. Turnip Juice

The world-famous drink of Adana cuisine, turnip juice is a naturally fermented drink. It contains probiotics and is a delicious complement to the table.

What is Postbiotic? How is it different from Probiotics?

When it comes to supplements used to support gut health, most of us first think of probiotics. However, in recent years, postbiotic supplements have started to come to the fore in the health world in addition to probiotic supplements. So what is postbiotic and how is it different from probiotics? You can continue reading our blog post to learn the basic differences between these two concepts and why postbiotics are so important.

What is Postbiotic?

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic microorganisms as a result of metabolic activities in the intestines. In other words, while probiotics act as beneficial microorganisms, postbiotics are valuable bioactive compounds that emerge during this process. These bioactive compounds consist of substances that are critical for health, such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, and antibacterial peptides.

Properties of Postbiotics:

- They are not alive: Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not contain living microorganisms. This allows them to have a longer shelf life and be more resistant to factors such as stomach acid.

- Fast acting: Postbiotics have direct bioactive effects in the intestine.

- Durable: It is more stable against environmental factors such as temperature, storage conditions and stomach acid.

Differences Between Probiotics and Postbiotics

Probiotics and postbiotics are two different concepts that complement each other when it comes to supporting gut health. Here are the main differences between these two types of supplements:

1. Microorganism Status

Probiotics: They are live microorganisms that must colonize the intestines.

Postbiotics: Bioactive compounds produced as a result of the metabolic activities of living microorganisms, not living microorganisms.

2. Effects and Functions

Probiotics: Increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and suppress harmful bacteria. It also indirectly supports the production of serotonin.

Postbiotics: Contains bioactive molecules formed as a result of the activities of probiotics. These molecules strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation, increase serotonin production and directly improve intestinal health.

3. Durability

Probiotics: They are vulnerable to factors such as temperature, humidity and stomach acid.

Postbiotics: They are much more resistant to environmental conditions and can reach the intestines without being affected by stomach acid.

4. Purposes of Use

Probiotics: Used to enrich and balance the intestinal flora.

Postbiotics: Support the process of balancing the intestinal flora, while offering faster and more direct effects such as reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system and repairing the intestinal barrier. 

Properties of Postbiotics

Postbiotics are critical not only for intestinal health but also for the overall health of the body. Here are the main benefits of postbiotics:

- Strengthens the intestinal barrier: Prevents harmful substances from passing from the intestines into the blood.

- Reduces inflammation: It prevents chronic diseases by reducing inflammation in the intestines and body.

- Supports the immune system: It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

- Regulates and reduces inflammation: It balances the inflammatory response by activating immune cells (e.g. macrophages) in the intestinal wall.

- Strengthens the intestinal barrier: It helps repair intestinal cells damaged by chronic inflammation, making the body more resistant to infections and toxins.

- Reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases: By keeping the excessive reactions of the immune system under control, it can alleviate the severity of autoimmune diseases.

- Increases serotonin production: It improves mood and sleep patterns by supporting the production of the happiness hormone in the intestines.

- Regulates the digestive system: It helps relieve discomfort such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

In Which Situation Should Postbiotics and In Which Situation Should Probiotics Be Used?

• Postbiotics: It is preferred to strengthen the intestinal barrier, regulate the digestive system, reduce chronic inflammation and increase the effect of probiotics. It is also a safe alternative in cases where probiotics cannot be used. In short, it is an effective option in all cases.
• Probiotics: Used to enrich the intestinal flora, support the digestive system and suppress harmful microorganisms.

Therefore, we recommend our Kiperin Postbiotic Supplement to support your intestinal health and balance your digestive system .