What Are Postbiotics and Why They Matter

What You Should Know About Your Microbiome 

It's no secret that the human body is impressive. But did you know that trillions of living microorganisms are working behind the scenes to keep you healthy?
 
Your body's microbiome is a delicate system of "good" and "bad" microorganisms. They work together to maintain your health. If the balance between good and bad microorganisms is imbalanced, you'll feel it. 

The organisms in your microbiome are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Every person has a different combination of microorganisms, so your microbiome is unique. This uniqueness makes treating problems with your microbiome difficult. 

Postbiotics are a byproduct of probiotics when they eat prebiotics. Their goal is the same: maintain your microbiome.  

Postbiotics achieve their goal with more control and fewer risks compared to probiotic supplements.  

Factors that affect your microbiome. For most people, their microbiome is a stable balance. Your unique microbiome, age, diet, and environmental factors can influence your microbiome's stability. You can use probiotics and postbiotics to restore your microbiome's balance. 

Don't forget that microorganisms in your microbiome are living. Postbiotics are substances produced by your microorganisms while they go about their business. These substances are not live microorganisms, but they are still beneficial to your microbiome. 

Other names for postbiotics. You may see postbiotics referred to by different names.
Some of these names include: 

• Para probiotics
• Non-viable microbial cells
• Fermented infant formulas (FIFs) 

What Are the Benefits of Postbiotics? 

• Support your immune system. 
• Prevent inflammation.
• Have anticarcinogenic qualities. 
• Are antimicrobial and prevent infections.
• Can lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
• Can support oxytocin formation, which helps heal wounds and supports birthing functions. 

One of the benefits of postbiotics compared to probiotics is the risks involved. Since postbiotics don't contain microorganisms, there's a lower risk of complications from adding new bacteria to your microbiome. 
 
Probiotics are safe for most people. But people with weak immune systems, severe illness, or recovering from surgery can get an infection from probiotics.

Practical benefits of postbiotics.
The production of postbiotics is more economical than probiotics.

Postbiotics:

• Have a long shelf-life
• Are easily stored
• Are easily transported
• Aren't as sensitive to cold temperatures
• Can be more reliably produced