Prebiotics and Probiotics- What is the difference?
Although they sound similar, probiotics and prebiotics play different and crucial roles in digestive health. Focusing on your gut health through probiotics and prebiotics can potentially increase your well-being. They work synergistically to create balance and harmony throughout the body. We are able to optimize our gut micro-biome and overall digestive health through our food choices and supplementation when needing extra support.
Gut health matters because our gut influences many other areas of our health, including physical and mental health. A healthy gut supports proper digestion and nutrient absorption from our food intake, which can provide the body with the energy needed to grow and repair. The gut and the brain work closely together and are linked through the gut-brain axis through the central nervous system. This can directly influence moods and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Within your digestive system lives trillions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea (single-cell organisms) that are unique in their roles. They work hard at maintaining the functions needed for you to thrive. One example is how they protect against harmful pathogens. This can also lead to improving immune system support, preventing illnesses and diseases.
Probiotics are the foundation. They are commonly used to manage gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and constipation. They are the living micro-organisms within the gut, also commonly referred to as the “good” bacteria. Supplying the body with adequate probiotics can restore balance of healthy microorganisms within the gut.
Probiotic rich sources:
Plain Greek yogurt
Kombucha
Miso
Tempeh
Keifer
Pickles
Prebiotics are nondigestible fibers that provide food for the “good” bacteria. Providing sustenance to probiotics is one way that they promote growth and boost the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Through this process, prebiotics produce Short-Chain Fatty Acids, which provide several additional benefits. They have anti-inflammatory properties and maintain the foundational structure of the gut lining. Another wonderful function prebiotics provide in an increased rate of nutrient absorption, specifically for calcium and magnesium.
Prebiotic rich sources:
Whole grains
Chia seeds and Flaxseed
Almonds
Beans
Eggplant
Asparagus
Artichoke
Psyllium Husk
With an increase in popularity, prebiotics and probiotics are becoming widely available across health food stores and pharmacies. To ensure the highest quality product and care, we recommend consulting with your provider if you think you may benefit from increasing prebiotic and probiotic intake through diet and supplementation if necessary.