Probiotic Drinks

Coke and Pepsi used to be the only two competitors in the cola wars. However, today's supermarket coolers are overflowing with cans that all advertise as a healthy alternative to your soda addiction.

Prebiotic sodas are among the more recent options; these so-called "productive" beverages, which mix carbonation with plant-based carbohydrates, have been connected to a variety of advantages, including improved immunity and intestinal health.

Probiotic and prebiotic beverages are becoming increasingly popular. The drinks are formulated with chemicals that are believed to promote intestinal health.

According to experts, probiotic and prebiotic drinks may help you meet your daily fiber requirements, enhance digestion, and promote immune function. Some, on the other hand, have a high sugar content and may induce digestive troubles such as bloating and gas.


According to a study in July 2021's Food & Beverage Insider, "widespread growth is anticipated" in the prebiotic food and drink sector, and the availability of a number of appealing, colorfully packaged products including Poppi, Olipop, and Health-Ade seems to support this claim. But can these drinks really provide higher health benefits? 


What differentiates probiotics and prebiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms, generally bacteria, that maintain the balance and health of our gut.

Prebiotics are a sort of fiber that we are unable to digest. They act as food for the probiotics, promoting their growth and health in our gut.


One thing to keep in mind is that, while both prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial to general health, they do not have to be consumed at the same time. Both are beneficial to the gut microbiota in different ways. Prebiotics provide food for [existing] gut microbiota, whereas probiotics provide an additional dose of healthy bacteria.

Are there any advantages to ingesting probiotics and prebiotics in sodas since they both serve to maintain our digestive system's health and balance?

2019's Foods journal released a research on the subject. According to Laura Cochrun, MPH, RDN, headquartered in Washington, DC, "some of the prebiotic sodas on the market contain up to 8 to 10 g of prebiotics, so the dosage is appropriate to support claimed benefits." Prebiotics are present in smaller amounts in other prebiotic drinks on the market. The label should be examined.


For instance, Poppi's makers claim that the beverage's prebiotic properties—which, according to the business, are responsible for glowing skin, weight loss, and lower cholesterol, among other benefits—come from apple cider vinegar and the fibers present in the "mother," a mixture of healthy bacteria and yeast that is produced as a byproduct of fermenting apple juice. 

However, a can of Poppi has no detectable fiber. According to Linsenmeyer, even the prebiotics found in pure apple cider vinegar (ACV) are little compared to the prebiotics found in complete meals. According to a USDA investigation, a medium apple has roughly 5 g of fiber, compared to zero grams in a tablespoon of ACV.


Other fiber-rich sources, such as chicory root, sunchokes, and other nonsoluble fiber sources, are used in other brands, such as Olipop, which offers 9 g of fiber in each can. While preliminary research published in the journal Nutrients in 2017 suggests that such fibers may be good sources of prebiotics, additional research in people is required to discover what, if any, particular health advantages they may offer.


Why is there an increasing interest in probiotic and prebiotic sodas?


Health tips

For starters, more individuals are becoming aware of the significance of gut health.

As people become more aware of the importance of gut health and the function of the gut microbiome in general well-being, there is a surge in interest in items that promise to support gut health.

Second, the popularity of these drinks stems from their ease of use.

They are an appealing alternative for customers who wish to enhance their gut health without making large dietary adjustments since they are a pleasant method to add beneficial microorganisms and dietary fibre into one's regimen.


The dangers of consuming probiotic and prebiotic Sodas:

Consuming these beverages has both health advantages and possible dangers for health. They may help with digestion and immunological function by increasing antibody production.

Some studies even show that they may improve mood and mental health by increasing the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin.

According to a 2016 research published in the Nutrition Bulletin, probiotic use may be beneficial for a variety of health issues, including gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory bowel disease.

These drinks might cause stomach problems, including:

  • Acid reflux
  • Bloating 
  • Gas 
  • Diarrhea

Furthermore, some of these drinks have a high sugar content, which can lead to heart disease, some malignancies, type 2 diabetes, and being overweight.


Ways to Improve Your Gut Health

You may be hesitant to consume probiotic and prebiotic beverages since it is unclear how healthy they are. There are alternative strategies to boost your gut health.

A diet high in fiber and low in processed sugar and high-fat meals is essential. Fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut may help to enhance the gut microbiota.

The Mediterranean diet, which is concentrated on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, has been associated to a great variety of health advantages, including the avoidance of many diseases; hence, you may support your general health by following such a dietary pattern. 

You might also want to check out our article: How To Snack Smart And Make Gut Healthy Snacks