Billions of bacteria in your body work to keep you healthy. Prebiotics and probiotics can help to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body. What is the difference between them? Here is what you need to know about prebiotics vs. probiotics.

Prebiotics and Probiotics Differences

In simple terms, a prebiotic is a non-digestible component found in foods that can support the activity and growth of probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms that help restore balance to the gut’s bacterial population. You can find prebiotics in fiber-rich foods, such as nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. On the other hand, probiotics can be found in products like kefir and yogurt.

Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics help your body maintain healthy microorganisms. They may contain beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. These microorganisms live naturally in our bodies. Probiotics offer many health benefits, such as boosting your immune system and improving digestion.

Not to be outdone, prebiotics offer health benefits as well. Prebiotics can protect your gut from infections. In some studies, prebiotics can positively impact the health of those experiencing diabetes, osteoporosis, and colorectal cancer.

If you don’t feel “full” after eating, prebiotics can help, which is excellent when you need to control your weight. Like probiotics, prebiotics can boost your immune system. They are known to decrease harmful bacteria in the body and increase the absorption of calcium and magnesium.

Taking Prebiotics and Probiotics Together

Many people take both prebiotics and probiotics. When you use them together, that is known as microbiome therapy. If you want to take prebiotics and probiotics, you must make them a regular part of your diet.

There are many food sources of prebiotics and probiotics. You can find probiotics in many types of fermented foods. Kefir, yogurt, aged cheese, kimchi, kombucha, and pickled vegetables are excellent sources of healthy probiotics.

Plant-based, fiber-rich foods contain prebiotics. These foods include leeks, bananas, garlic, peas, artichokes, honey, whole grains, and berries.

Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements

Sometimes, you do not consume the right foods that contain prebiotics or probiotics. You may not get enough prebiotics or probiotics into your system. In those cases, you can take supplements. The Food and Drug Administration labels probiotics as a “dietary supplement.” With that, any manufacturer can market the supplements without approval from the FDA. If you want to add supplements, always choose products from reputable manufacturers.

Plus, talk to your healthcare provider about adding supplements to your diet, especially for those with underlying health issues. Some supplements could aggravate existing health conditions.

Prebiotics and Probiotics Can Be Beneficial

Adding prebiotics and probiotics to your diet is an excellent way to boost your health. When you combine them, you can provide a few extra health benefits to your body. While eating natural foods and ingredients is the best way to introduce prebiotics and probiotics to your diet, supplements can help fill those gaps. Whether you want to eat prebiotic- or probiotic-rich foods or need a supplement, head to Source Market Miami for your health needs.