Probiotics and prebiotics are both important for gut health, but they work in different ways to support the digestive system and your overall health. If you know how they work, it can help you choose the right foods or supplements for your body.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They help break down food and may also help with stomach problems such as wind, bloating, and diarrhoea. Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. They are also available in pills, powders, and drinks as dietary supplements. These contain live microbes that are similar to the helpful ones already living in your gut.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are not living microbes; instead, they are types of fibre that your body cannot digest. They move through your digestive system and are fuel for the good bacteria in your gut. When these bacteria eat the fibre, they grow and become stronger. Prebiotics are found in foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, and wholegrains. Like probiotics, prebiotics can be taken as supplements. Food supplements from companies such as https://www.vitortho.co.uk/ are another good way of getting prebiotics and probiotics into your diet.
What are synbiotics?
When probiotics and prebiotics are taken together, they are called synbiotics. This mix helps the probiotics grow better and work more effectively, as they have food from the prebiotics.
What does the research say?
Scientists are still learning how gut bacteria can affect different health conditions. Some early studies show that probiotics and prebiotics might help with allergies, diabetes, obesity, depression, and even gum disease; however, more research is needed to prove these effects and to understand how safe they are for everyone.
Are they safe to use?
Most healthy people can safely eat foods with probiotics and prebiotics without experiencing any side effects; however, in rare cases, probiotics have caused serious infections in very sick or premature babies. You should always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement.
