The Differences Between Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Release Date: 05/16/2026
The Differences Between Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
The relationship between prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics is symbiotic, meaning they work together to support and maintain optimal gut health Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in your intestines Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that directly contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced when your body digests prebiotics and probiotics; they’re also produced during the fermentation process Prebiotics fuel the growth of probiotics, which in turn produce...
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Study Finds Linoleic Acid May Directly Influence Cancer Growth
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Linoleic acid (LA), a ubiquitous omega-6 fat in Western diets, may directly influence aggressive cancer growth by activating specific cellular pathways, according to recent animal research High levels of LA, found predominantly in ultraprocessed foods, vegetable oils, and many packaged snacks, may contribute to cancer risk The research shows that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in animal models thrive on LA because it appears to trigger mTOR signaling, a pathway linked to rapid tumor growth To support cellular health, consider reducing your daily LA intake by less than 5 grams per...
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High Use of Anticholinergic Drugs Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Common medications with anticholinergic effects — including certain allergy drugs, sleep aids, and antidepressants — interfere with acetylcholine, a chemical your nervous system uses to regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other automatic body functions A large study following 508,273 adults for about 14 years found that higher use of these medications was linked to significantly greater risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and strokes Researchers observed a clear dose-response pattern: the more frequently these medications...
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Dipeptides and Tripeptides: The Emerging Frontier of Collagen Science
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Standard collagen supplements get broken down to individual amino acids during digestion, but specific di- and tripeptides resist digestive enzymes, enter your bloodstream intact, and may act as signaling molecules that stimulate collagen production, fibroblast activity, and hyaluronic acid synthesis German company Gelita produces target-specific bioactive collagen peptide formulations for joints, skin, and bone, each backed by randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials The Japanese company Nitta Gelatin first identified these key bioactive dipeptides from within the collagen peptide...
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Just Like Cigarettes, Vaping Likely Causes Cancer, Major Study Finds
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
A 2026 scientific review concludes vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, shifting the conversation from uncertainty to clear concern The damage from vaping starts at the cellular level, where DNA injury, oxidative stress and inflammation build long before symptoms appear E-cigarette aerosol contains a mix of cancer-linked chemicals, including nitrosamines, toxic gases and metals released from the device itself Using both cigarettes and vaping products at the same time dramatically increases your lung cancer risk instead of reducing harm Eliminating vaping exposure, improving...
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The Foods You're Eating Could Be the Source of Your Urinary Tract Infection
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
About 10.5 million Americans visit doctors annually for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and global cases rose 66% from 1990 to 2021, totaling 4.49 billion infections worldwide Research found that 18% of UTIs in Southern California came from animal-derived E. coli, with turkey (82%) and chicken (58%) showing the highest contamination rates Contaminated drinking water is an overlooked UTI source, as uropathogenic E. coli strains have been detected in water systems but rarely monitored for urinary infections High-poverty neighborhoods experienced 21.5% zoonotic UTI rates, suggesting limited...
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Is Fiber the New Protein? The Surprising Health Benefits of the Latest Wellness Trend
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Fiber has replaced protein as the latest wellness obsession, driven by social media trends, food industry marketing and growing concern over gut and metabolic health Most adults still consume far less fiber than recommended, a gap linked to digestive problems, unstable energy, blood sugar issues and higher chronic disease risk Fiber improves digestion, heart health, mood and brain function only when the gut environment is healthy, which explains why some people feel better while others feel worse when they increase intake Adding fiber too quickly or relying on fiber added to ultraprocessed...
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CDC Adjusts Childhood Vaccine Guidelines — Here's What's Changing
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Federal health officials have reduced the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all U.S. children from 17 to 11, giving parents more room to make individualized decisions based on their child’s specific health needs and risk factors Several vaccines previously advised for every child are now categorized for high-risk groups or shared decision-making, allowing families to have more meaningful conversations with their providers The updated schedule follows a global review showing the U.S. recommended more childhood vaccines and doses than other developed nations, even though countries...
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Can Humidifiers Help Ease Your Skin Problems During Winter?
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Winter itch happens when cold air outside and heating systems inside strip moisture from your environment, causing your skin, sinuses, and sleep to suffer An article featured in The New York Times reported that humidifiers can help ease symptoms like chapped skin, nasal dryness, and poor sleep; however, they still have limitations Keep in mind that not all humidifier models work the same. If you’re hoping to ease dryness or breathe easier, the details matter — from the size of your space to how easy it is to clean Ultrasonic humidifiers may offer added benefits like quieter operation and...
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How Butyrate Fuels GLP-1 — Your Gut’s Built-In Weight Management System
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. It serves as the primary fuel for colon cells, including L-cells that produce GLP-1 When your gut produces enough butyrate, natural GLP-1 secretion works properly, supporting appetite control, insulin sensitivity, and weight regulation This butyrate-driven GLP-1 pathway represents your body’s built-in weight management system. My new book, “Weight Loss Cure; Melt Fat Naturally With Your Own GLP-1,” provides a step-by-step plan to rebuild butyrate production, restore natural GLP-1 signaling, and...
info_outline- The relationship between prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics is symbiotic, meaning they work together to support and maintain optimal gut health
- Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in your intestines
- Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that directly contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
- Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced when your body digests prebiotics and probiotics; they’re also produced during the fermentation process
- Prebiotics fuel the growth of probiotics, which in turn produce postbiotics that offer additional health benefits