Prebiotics and probiotics are both pretty big topics in nutrition. They sound similar, but they play different roles in our health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and probiotics are food for these bacteria. We'll explain all you need to know about prebiotics vs. probiotics!
What are Probiotics & Prebiotics?
Probiotics-
These are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. They can provide numerous health benefits such as balancing the friendly bacteria in your gut, preventing diarrhoea, improving some mental health conditions, and even keeping your heart healthy.
Prebiotics-
These substances come from types of carbs (mostly fibre) that humans can't digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fibre. Prebiotics can reduce the inflammation and symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, prevent colon cancer, and lower some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Why is Gut Bacteria Beneficial?
The good bacteria in your digestive tract helps protect you from harmful bacteria and fungi. This good type of bacteria can aid in immune system functions, improve symptoms of depression, and help address obesity, among other benefits.
Which Foods Are Prebiotic?
You can go out and buy prebiotic supplements, but remember that many foods naturally contain them. Prebiotics are types of fibre found in vegetables, fruits and legumes. Humans are not able to digest these types of fibre, but your good gut bacteria can digest them.
Foods High in Prebiotic Fibre…
Legumes, beans, pea, oats, bananas, berries, asparagus, garlic and many more!
Which Foods Are Probiotic?
There are also many probiotic foods that naturally contain helpful bacteria. A high quality, plain yoghurt with live cultures can be a fantastic addition to your diet if you want to add beneficial bacteria. Fermented foods are another great option as they thrive on the naturally occurring sugar or fibre in the food.
Foods High in Probiotics…
Yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha tea, some types of pickles, other pickled vegetables and many more!
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With over 40 billion CFU of viable bacteria per serving, our Complete Probiotic Complex is one of the strongest on the market. This premium probiotic formula combines 15 powerful bacteria strains. It helps to repair, restore and replenish gut health.