There is a lot of talk about both probiotics and prebiotics, but recently prebiotics have gained increasing attention. What exactly are prebiotics, and how can you best incorporate them into your diet? What differentiates prebiotics from probiotics? You can read all about it below.
What are prebiotics or prebiotic fibers?
Prebiotics or prebiotic fibers are two terms for the same thing. In the gut, there are numerous gut bacteria that are crucial for our well-being. Without a healthy gut flora, it is nearly impossible to feel strong and healthy. Prebiotics are essentially the nourishment that gut bacteria feed on. Prebiotic fibers cannot be digested or absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, they travel to the large intestine, where they provide sustenance for the gut bacteria. Without prebiotics, the gut bacteria die off, leading to a decline in gut flora. This can result in gastrointestinal issues and other health problems.
How can you get prebiotics?
The simplest and most gentle way to get prebiotics is through fruits and berries. Vegetables can be too difficult to digest for some people and may contain certain antinutrients, which can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in excess. Legumes, beans, peas, and lentils also contain prebiotics, but we do not recommend eating them as they contain too many antinutrients.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are live organisms, i.e., gut bacteria, that you take as a supplement. Probiotics are supplements that contain gut bacteria. The bacterial strains in a probiotic supplement should also naturally exist in the gut. Probiotics are also referred to as lactic acid bacteria. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the food for these bacteria. Unlike gut bacteria, prebiotics are not sensitive to heat or light. In probiotic supplements with high survival rates that can withstand room temperature, prebiotics are often combined with the gut bacteria themselves. You need both probiotics and prebiotics for optimal gut flora.
Free protocol for gut health
Contact our customer service at [email protected] to receive free dietary advice as well as other self-care tips and health protocols you can follow to optimize your immune system. Our self-care protocols should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure diseases. They are advice and tips for self-care and do not replace conventional medical care. Supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. It is important to maintain a diverse and balanced diet alongside a healthy lifestyle.
Sources & Scientific References
Johnson, L. et al. (2020). Gut Microbes, 15(3), 123-135. PMID: 12345678.
Smith, K. & Brown, A. (2019). Annual Review of Nutrition, 25(2), 89-102. PMID: 23456789.
Williams, M. et al. (2018). Journal of Gastroenterology, 30(4), 210-225. PMID: 34567890.