As people become more aware of the importance of gut health, the terms “probiotics” and “prebiotics” are becoming increasingly popular and people are often confused between the two. While they are both important for maintaining a healthy gut, they have different roles and benefits.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system. They are found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and fermented vegetables.
When eaten, probiotics help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. This can be particularly beneficial if you have recently taken antibiotics, which can kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive problems.
In addition to promoting gut health, some studies have also found that probiotics can strengthen the immune system, improve skin health, and even reduce anxiety and depression.
What are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not living organisms. They are a type of fiber that humans cannot digest, which pass through the digestive system and into the colon, where they provide food for the good bacteria that already live there.
Some of the most common prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which are found in foods such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and garlic.
While prebiotics do not directly contribute to gut health in the same way that probiotics do, they are still important because they encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
What’s the Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics?
As mentioned, while both probiotics and prebiotics are important for the health of your gut, they work in different ways and have different benefits. Probiotics directly add good bacteria into your gut, while prebiotics feed the existing good bacteria.
Another key difference is that prebiotics are found in many different vegetables and grains, making them easy to incorporate into your diet. Probiotics, on the other hand, are found in fermented foods and can be more difficult to consume in large quantities on a daily basis.
Do You Need Both Probiotics and Prebiotics?
The answer is yes, you need both. Probiotics and prebiotics work together to maintain a healthy gut environment.
Probiotics alone cannot survive without food, therefore prebiotics are crucial to feed the good bacteria in our gut. Conversely, if you only consume a diet rich in prebiotics but have few good bacteria in your gut, these prebiotics will not be able to do their job effectively.
Final Thoughts
The gut is often referred to as our “second brain,” and it’s crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. Probiotics and prebiotics play an important role in maintaining a healthy gut environment, however, it’s important to remember that maintaining a balanced diet is also important.
By eating a diet rich in different types of fibers and fermented foods, you can nourish both your gut bacteria and yourself and teach your children why they are important.
