The Science
De-mystifying gut health with the basics on biotics.
What does it truly mean to “stay healthy”?
According to Hippocrates, who famously stated “all disease begins in the gut,” the health of one’s gut directly correlates to their overall health—meaning it’s considered a cornerstone of well-being and can influence the health of one’s brain, immunity, and metabolism and more.
Many of us have heard terms like ”microbiome,” “probiotics,” “postbiotics,” and have taken supplements to fortify our guts, or eaten foods like kimchi, yogurt or skyr aiming to nurture our digestive system. This is all well and good, but may not have a significant impact on our ever-evolving gut flora.
The complex and intricate nature of the gut ecosystem, along with the varied functions of biotics, can seem overwhelming. However, understanding the science behind a healthy gut shouldn’t feel like rocket science. So, then the question becomes, “how do you care for your gut?”.
The Gut’s Importance
The reason caring for one’s gut is so important is because it influences so much of the whole body. A well-nurtured gut can support the integrity of the gut lining and enhance nutrient absorption, which in turn may help prevent gastrointestinal disorders and is linked to improvements in certain metabolic conditions.
In addition, 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, meaning it is pivotal to fighting infection and modulating the immune system. This is to say nothing of the mounting research that illustrates the importance of the gut-brain axis, and how much gut health can influence physical and mental wellbeing.
The gut is clearly important, and we’re here to help set the record straight on how to care for it. But to understand the principles of SkyrBiotics®, one must first understand the fundamentals of biotics—what they do, how different they can be from each other, and what kind we use in our products.
What are
Biotics?
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics—generally referred to as “biotics”—are all related to gut health, each with distinct roles and functions. Not all biotics are created equal, however, and understanding the specific strains is paramount to unlocking their varied health benefits.
Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as "Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host" by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2002. However, the term "adequate amounts" underscores the necessity of specific quantities, as demonstrated by research, to have certain health-promoting properties.
Different strains have different functionalities. For instance, a probiotic strain renowned for its immune-boosting properties may not necessarily aid in digestive health. Hence, the importance of knowing the specific strain and its associated benefits.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are defined as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit” by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics in 2016. They are, in essence, food for your gut's microflora.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics can for example be probiotic strains that have undergone heat treatment, deliberately rendering them inanimate—they’re what’s in SkyrBiotics®! Scientific research is then conducted to conclusively demonstrate their important health benefits. In 2019, ISAPP provided a comprehensive definition of postbiotics as “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host.” This reaffirms the importance of understanding the specific strain and its demonstrated health benefits.
Navigating the realm of probiotics and postbiotics requires more than just recognizing the terms—it necessitates discernment of the strains and their diverse functionalities. Choosing the right biotic strain aligns with specific health goals, ensuring that the benefits obtained are tailored to individual needs.
Our Ingredients
We leverage our SkyrBiotics® Ingredient, measured to a functional dosage to ensure optimal delivery of their magical properties to your gut.