You've likely heard about prebiotics (the food for good bacteria) and probiotics (the live beneficial bacteria themselves), but there's a third player in gut health that's gaining attention: postbiotics.
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when probiotics feed on prebiotics. Think of them as the valuable byproducts of bacterial fermentation - including short-chain fatty acids, peptides, enzymes, and other bioactive metabolites that support your health even after the bacteria that created them are no longer alive.
Unlike probiotics, postbiotics don't need to survive the journey through your digestive system because they're already the end result of bacterial activity. This makes them incredibly stable and effective.
It might be faster to learn from Simon Mills...
If you have 2 minutes of your time, here is where Simon talks about postbiotics.
1:42:24 Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics
The Health Benefits of Postbiotics
- Gut Health: Support intestinal barrier function and reduce inflammation
- Immune Support: Help regulate immune responses
- Metabolic Health: May help with blood sugar regulation and weight management
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body
Foods That Become Postbiotics: Foodcraft's Fermented Selection
The best way to get postbiotics is through fermented foods, where beneficial bacteria have already done the work of creating these powerful compounds. Here are some exceptional options from our FoodCraft collection:
Traditional Fermented Staples
Organic Fermented Soya Bean (Natto) - This traditional Japanese superfood is rich in postbiotic compounds and vitamin K2. Our 100g portions are perfect for incorporating this powerful fermented food into your daily routine.
Fermented Onion Koji Umami Paste - 200g - This 200g jar contains concentrated prebiotic, probiotics and eventually postbiotic goodness from the fermentation process, adding both flavor and health benefits to your meals.
Lacto-Fermented Vegetables
Our lacto-fermented pickles are treasure troves of postbiotics:
- Lacto-Fermented Organic Cucumber Pickles (250g) - Crisp, tangy, and loaded with beneficial compounds
- Lacto-Fermented Organic Jalapeno Pickles (150g) - Add some heat while boosting your postbiotic intake
- Lacto-Fermented Hot Sauce (MAX HOT, 150g) - For those who like their postbiotics with a kick!
Fermented Breads
Our sourdough breads undergo long fermentation processes that create beneficial postbiotic compounds:
Specialty Fermented Products
KYONO ODASHI Fermented Dashi Powder (50g) - This traditional Japanese seasoning brings umami flavor and postbiotic benefits to your cooking.
Learn to Make Your Own
Want to create your own postbiotic-rich foods? Join our Traditional Japanese Fermented Veggies: NukaZuke Class and learn the ancient art of fermentation that creates these beneficial compounds.
The Bottom Line
While prebiotics feed good bacteria and probiotics are the bacteria themselves, postbiotics are the beneficial end products that directly support your health. By incorporating fermented foods like those in our Foodcraft collection, you're getting a direct dose of these powerful compounds.
Start small - add a spoonful of fermented vegetables to your meals, enjoy a slice of our sourdough bread, or experiment with our fermented seasonings. Your gut (and overall health) will thank you!
Ready to explore the world of postbiotics? Browse our full collection of fermented foods and start your journey to better gut health today.
