What is the difference between Prebiotics and Probiotics? Many people are confused about prebiotics and probiotics. However, there is a big difference between prebiotics and probiotics when it comes to its function. The most vital part that made prebiotics and probiotics differ is its importance to overall health. The body is composed of good and bad bacteria especially in the lower gut and colon. These bacteria are necessary for our bodies to thrive and it works to keep the intestinal tract healthy. It also works as an anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system. If there are good numbers of good bacteria in the lower gut then everything will work smoothly in the intestinal environment.
However, some foods and drinks can affect the gut. Poor and imbalance diet then bad bacteria may outgrow the good ones. Prebiotics and probiotics need to work harmoniously to bring back the balance to the gut. One example of bacteria that are beneficial to health is lactobacillus bulgaricus. It is found in the digestive tract and also called gut flora or microbes.
1. The difference of Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotics and Probiotics have a significant difference in terms of use and function. Prebiotics usually found complex carbs that are mostly fiber that people can’t digest. This is a plant fiber that being consume and ingested in the diet. When fiber is ingested it will go straight to the colon without being broken down by digestive enzymes. Prebiotics are being fermented by the bacteria in the gut when it goes down to the colon. When prebiotics become fermented and form into short-chain fatty acids it can improve digestion, reduce certain types of cancer, enhance the immune system, and decrease obesity.
Many foods are rich in prebiotics such as asparagus, bananas, leeks, yams, and artichokes. Aside from these foods prebiotics is also popular as a beverage that is being introduced as a refreshing way to consume prebiotic fiber.
Probiotic also called “good” bacteria in the body that is found in certain foods and supplements like lactobacillus bulgaricus. Once there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria it can make you feel bloated and experience some kind of stomach problems. In this case, the doctors will recommend probiotics to treat digestive issues. Some foods and drinks contain probiotics such as apple cider vinegar, kombucha, and kefir. For foods, there are many fermented foods such as yogurt, miso, kimchi, raw cheese, and natto.
2. Which Foods are Prebiotics and Probiotics?
When you go to the supermarket and you are in the food and beverage section, it is very confusing which products are containing prebiotics and probiotics. Instead of buying expensive supplements take note that many foods contain prebiotics and probiotics. When you go to the vegetable section you can found foods that are high in prebiotics because it is usually found in vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Examples of these are oats, bananas, berries, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, garlic, leeks, dandelion greens, onion, and legumes such as beans and peas. Prebiotics turns into short-chain fatty acids called butyrate. Butyrate has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the colon.
Yogurt is one example of the best probiotics for men that naturally contain helpful bacteria. Usually, the best probiotics for women are present in fermented foods. Fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria and some examples of these are sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles. If you are eating fermented foods that have probiotic content make sure that it is not pasteurized because pasteurization kills bacteria.
3. Probiotic Supplements
Aside from fermented foods, probiotics can also be in the form of a supplement. They are available in f capsules, liquid forms, or pills. There are many best probiotics for men such as Culturelle Daily Probiotic, Adult Grape Probonix Liquid Probiotic Drops, Livewell Labs PRO45 Probiotics, and many more, it is usually available online. Here are some examples of best probiotics for women Garden of Life Probiotics Supplement, Culturelle Daily Probiotic, and many more are widely available online.
As you can observe probiotics is popular and easy to find however they do not have the same type and number of bacteria. Probiotics supplements also have a limitation, for example, people experiencing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or people sensitive to ingredients in the supplement should not take probiotic supplements.
