Learn What the Difference is Between Prebiotics and Probiotics

by STEFANIE DAVIS January 9, 2023

You may have heard a lot about the importance of gut health but get confused by all the supplements and foods you read that you are supposed to consume. In this article you will learn what the difference is between prebiotics and probiotics and why you need BOTH of them in your healthy lifestyle.

prebiotics

What is gut health and why is it important?

We have learned the best foods to benefit your gut health but let's learn more!

You really are what you put in your body. When it comes to your gut, the foods and supplements we ingest impact the balance in our gut called the microbiome. We have learned the bacterial balance is essential to whole body wellness. This is because when the gut is functioning optimally all the other functions of the body such as hormones, nutrition absorption and more can function well too.

So what you feed your microbiome may have a bigger impact on your health than you thought. With that said, it gives more reason to fully understand everything needed to feel your best in this area of self care.

Maintaining gut balance involves helping the microbes already there, grow by giving them the foods they like - which is the prebiotics. Also, by adding living microbes directly to your digestive system in the form of probiotics.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are plant fibers. They are essentially the "food" to the healthy bacteria in the gut. You can find them in many fruits and vegetables. Those that are complex with fiber are passed through your digestive system and become food for the bacteria in your colon.

What are the best foods that provide prebiotics?

Some of the best places to find them are in whole grains such as oats, bananas, onions, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, apples and dandelion greens. You can get prebiotics through food and supplements.

What makes probiotics different than prebiotics?

They are different because they contain live organisms in the form of strains of bacteria that ADD to your microbes in your gut. An easy way to remember the difference is that prebiotics FEED your microbiome and probiotics ADD to it.

What is the most common way to consume probiotics?

Yogurt is the most common way to consume it, but you can also take supplements. You can read about foods that are great for your gut in our article to learn more.

What are the health benefits of prebiotics and probiotics?

They are known to primarily support a well functioning immune system and healthy digestion. They also are known to be supportive in helping reduce inflammation in the body and easing irritable bowel syndrome.

Now you understand a little bit more about prebiotics and probiotics and why they are BOTH so important to maintaining wellness. If you are considering supplements it's important to use high quality options.

Highlands Organic Market carries an array of options as well as fresh organic fruits and vegetables and whole grains. We love helping you find the best foods and supplements that meet your needs!