As gyms made their buzz in the world, lots of health-related terms have made their way to the colloquial. Among these many terms, two confuse the crowd much – Prebiotics and Probiotics. These two terms are often associated with gut health and digestive well-being. While they are both important for maintaining a healthy gut, they differ in their functions and benefits. So, let’s learn the difference along with a few other important things.
What are prebiotics?
Our guts are full of bacteria that serve different purposes. One of the main purposes of these bacteria is to produce enzymes that help in food digestion. These bacteria are called good bacteria. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for the friendly bacteria in your gut. These bacteria are found naturally in many foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This is why mothers and doctors ask you to eat these healthy foods.
Prebiotics, unlike probiotics, are not live microorganisms, but they help to support the growth and activity of the friendly bacteria in your gut. Here are the possible benefits linked with the intake of prebiotics:
- One of the main benefits of prebiotics is that they can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can improve your overall digestive health.
- Apart from it, these fibers also lead to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and better nutrient absorption.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. If you’ve ever heard of “good” or “friendly” gut bacteria, you surely have heard of probiotics being referred to. It is because these bacteria help keep our gut healthy by maintaining the balance of microorganisms in the gut. Probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. But don’t you worry if you don’t have access to these natural items; you can simply get them in form of dietary supplements.
Probiotics have been claimed to offer many health-related benefits. Here are a few benefits that having probiotics provide:
- Improved digestion,
- Enhanced immune function,
- Reduced inflammation, and
- Better mental health.
Probiotics are particularly useful for people who have digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So, if you suffer from poor digestion, either take these in supplemental form or through natural products.
While both prebiotics and probiotics are important for maintaining a healthy gut, it’s important to remember that they work differently and provide different benefits. In some cases, a combination of prebiotics and probiotics may be the most effective way to support your digestive health.
How to take pre and pro-biotics?
If you’re interested in adding prebiotics or probiotics to your diet, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to take care of is the source. Always remember to choose high-quality sources of these nutrients, no matter if you’re getting them from food or supplements. Taking poor quality will not only cost you financially but might also lead to several side effects. If you know your brand, you may check out free Shopify alternatives where you can easily get your health and beauty products at a lower price.
When starting, have a slower pace. It’s good to start slowly and gradually increase your intake. This is because some people may experience digestive discomfort if they consume too much too quickly. You may also consult your doctor before having these included in your diet.
When it comes to gut health, both prebiotics and probiotics are important for maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being. By incorporating these nutrients into your diet in a thoughtful and intentional way, you can support your digestive health and enjoy a wide range of health benefits.