Probiotics vs Prebiotics - Should you be taking them?

You may have heard the buzz around implementing probiotics and prebiotics into your daily routine for better gut health. If you have been wondering whether or not this is something you should be doing, this article will provide you with the information you know if they are right for you.

What are Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Probiotics are “live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” Put simply: Probiotics are good bacteria (and sometimes yeasts) that offer health benefits.

So how do probiotics work?

The main job of probiotics, or good bacteria, is to maintain a healthy balance in your body. Think about maintaining your body in neutral. When you are sick, bad bacteria invades your body and increases in number. This makes you feel out of balance or sick. Now the good bacteria work hard to fight off the bad bacteria to bring back the balance within your body and make you feel better again – Well done probiotics!

Prebiotics are special plant fibers that help the healthy bacteria grow in your gut. This makes your digestive system work better. You can say that prebiotics are the food source for probiotics.

Prebiotics are found in carbohydrates that your body can’t digest. So they go to your lower digestive tract, where they then act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.

Bottom line: Without prebiotics there’s no food for the probiotics. 

That means the probiotics can’t do their job effectively, which leads to problems in your gut microbiota.

The Benefits

Probiotics and prebiotics can provide your body with powerful benefits…

The probiotics may improve digestive health, mental health like reducing depression for example, gastrointestinal health and heart health. Plus, evidence suggests they may even give you healthier-looking skin.

The prebiotics have many links to the benefits of probiotics. They may support a healthy gut, offer better digestive heath, and help to lower antibiotic-related health problems. They may also improve your body’s absorption of calcium and can help process foods faster, so they spend less time in your digestive system, which help avoid constipation.

Foods To Keep Your Gut Microbiota Healthy

Prebiotic: Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, beans and legumes

Both fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes are great sources of nutrients for a healthy microbiome. They are high in fiber, which your gut loves. Here are some specific foods high in fiber that are great for your gut bacteria, and should be on your shopping list.

Probiotic: Eat fermented foods

Fermented foods have undergone a process in which the sugars they contain are broken down by yeast or bacteria. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics and may therefore improve your gut health.

The Outcome 

Your gut bacteria consist of hundreds of species of bacteria which all are extremely important for many aspects of your health. The best way to maintain a healthy gut microbiota is to eat a varied diet with a range of fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and fermented foods.

Bonus tips...

• Try trading milk for kefir or yogurt in a smoothie!

• Add tempeh to your favorite stir-fry recipes!

• Serve sauerkraut as a side dish or try adding it in a soup!

• Experiment with kimchi. Add it to your rice or make delicious fritters or pancakes out of it!