Probiotics and prebiotics often get confused for one another, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re wondering ‘what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?’, we’ve got everything you need to know right here. 

Probiotics is the collective term used to describe beneficial gut bacteria. Probiotic-rich foods include the likes of yogurt, cottage cheese and sauerkraut. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the foodstuffs needed to feed these good bacteria. In order to attain and maintain great gut health, we must consume a diet rich in foods that supply us with these bacteria. Some examples of prebiotic-rich foods include: fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

What are prebiotics? Everything you need to know about prebiotics

Prebiotics are essential to our gut health, but what are they? Let’s look at prebiotics in a little more detail…

Essentially, prebiotics are the good bacteria that our gut needs to stay healthy and happy. These plant-based fibres feed the level of good bacteria in our gut. As we continue to consume this good bacteria, our gut becomes not only healthier, but stronger, too.

Where do prebiotics come from?

If you want to increase your consumption of prebiotics, look to foods with high levels of prebiotics. Some foods high in prebiotics include:

• Leafy greens
• Garlic
• Bananas
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Apples
• Walnuts
• Cocoa
• Flax Seeds
• Leeks

What are the benefits of prebiotics?

Prebiotics work in conjunction with probiotics, encouraging our levels of gut-friendly bacteria to multiply, ultimately improving the overall health and strength of our gut. The consumption of prebiotics can help reduce gas, bloating, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Prebiotics can also help alleviate the likes of skin irritation and allergies, mood swings and migraines.

What are probiotics? Everything you need to know about probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that exist within the foods that we eat. These microorganisms supply our gut with good bacteria that support the overall health and wellbeing of our gut. Probiotics are most commonly found within fermented or cultured foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and natural yoghurt.

Where do probiotics come from? 

Probiotics occur naturally within fermented foods, such as:

• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Miso
• Kimchi
• Tempeh
• Kombucha
• Natural yoghurt
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream

 What are the benefits of probiotics? 

Probiotics have been proven to support not only our gut health, but our heart health, natural immunities, allergies and more. Evidence suggests that the prolonged consumption of probiotics can help alleviate the symptoms and occurrence of digestive issues such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), as well as reducing bad cholesterol and improving digestion. Probiotics can also help minimize allergic reactions, skin conditions, asthma and more. 

Which is more important, probiotics or prebiotics?

Probiotics and prebiotics both play a crucial role in supporting our gut health and overall wellbeing. As both are advantageous to our health, it’s important that we incorporate a combination of the two into our diets.