Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

A healthy gut is super important. If you struggle with your gut you may have played around with taking prebiotics or probiotics to help regulate and improve your gut health. Even if you have heard both these terms often, you may not fully understand the role each of them plays in improving and maintaining a healthy gut.

About your Gut

Most gut problems come from having an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in your stomach. For a healthy gut your stomach needs just the right amount of both good and bad bacteria in order to operate effectively. 

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics

Both Prebiotics and probiotics do separate tasks to help gut health. Here is the easiest way to differentiate between the two.

• Probiotics: Live bacteria found in foods and supplements that add to the GOOD bacteria in your system.
• Prebiotics: Plant fiber that acts as food for the beneficial bacteria to eat. This stimulates the growth of the good bacteria. 

Where to find Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics can be found in supplement form and in certain foods.

Prebiotic foods:

• Bananas
• Garlic
• Beans
• Onions 
• Oats

Probiotic Foods:

• Kimchi

• Miso soup
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha

In summary

Probiotic supplements are made to deliver specific species of bacteria to your gut. But, not all supplements are made of the same quality and quantity of bacteria. It is best to talk with your doctor to find the best options before starting your probiotic journey. 

Love,

Sam