Have you heard about probiotics and prebiotics, and are wondering what the difference is between the two?
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Living inside our body are millions of bacteria. Some are ‘good’ to ward off infection and some are, well, not so good (think staphylococci).
If the bacteria in your gut aren’t in balance, then you could experience stomach upsets and digestive issues.
Probiotics and prebiotics are formulations that can help avoid this and balance the gut and ensure the bad bacteria are kept at bay. You can get pro and prebiotics in some foods and through supplements – some you’ve probably noticed in TV commercials or in special refrigerators at your local pharmacy.
If you’re given a course of antibiotics, you might like to consider pre or probiotic supplements since antibiotic medication can cause gastrointestinal problems.
Should I take probiotics?
Think of probiotics as tiny live microorganisms that do a whole lot of good for your general health and wellbeing. These microscopic animals come in the form of yeast or bacteria.
You’ll find probiotics in yoghurt, miso, beer (go easy!), cheese, kimchi, sourdough bread, tempeh and kefir. You can also get them in supplement form.
Should I take prebiotics?
Unlike probiotics, prebiotics aren’t live animals but are instead foods that contain sugars to help good bacteria to grow and thrive.
The best sources of prebiotics are a little obscure – dandelions, chicory root, and Jerusalem artichoke. But don’t worry, you can also get them in many fruits and veg including bananas, shallots, asparagus, onions, and garlic. Legumes are also a top source.
Should I take prebiotics and probiotics?
According to science, absolutely! Using prebiotics and probiotics together is called synbiotics – and researchers say doing this can help probiotics to stay active for far longer.
So if you’re feeling unwell, have an unsettled digestive system, or are on a course of antibiotics, it can be a good idea to increase your intake of both prebiotics and probiotics.
