What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?

When it comes to improving gut health, the first thing we think of is probiotics. But along with this there is another term called prebiotic. The confusion now is whether these two are the same, only different in name or have different functions. So let’s find out what prebiotic and probiotic are.

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Dr. Mansi Srivastava shared a video related to this on his Instagram account. Dr. Mansi Srivastava is an acupuncture specialist and clinical psychologist.

First understand prebiotics

Prebiotics are probiotics and food for the good microbes in the gut. They are fiber, oligosaccharides, resistant starch, which promote the growth or activate existing gut bacteria in the intestine. Prebiotics can be categorized by insoluble or soluble fiber, and both are healthy sources of fiber that you can get from your diet or supplements.

When the prebiotic reaches the colon after digestion, gut bacteria break down or reformat the prebiotic to keep it alive. It produces short chains of fatty acids that provide energy to colon cells, produce mucus, and aid in inflammation and immunity.

Now understand what probiotics are

The main difference between probiotic and prebiotic is their function and purpose in the intestine. But what they both have in common is that both are incomplete without each other. Probiotics are the good bacteria in our gut. These help maintain a balance of healthy gut flora. And prebiotics are the food of these bacteria by which they survive. Prebiotics help create an environment in which beneficial bacteria can thrive.

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Are both important for your gut health?

If we can answer this in one word, it is yes, both of them are very important to maintain your gut health. We already told you that your gut contains good bacteria, which help maintain the balance of your intestinal flora.

If the good bacteria in the gut are not functioning properly, your food will not be digested properly and your digestive system will suffer. If we talk about prebiotics, if you want to keep your probiotic i.e. the good bacteria of the gut alive, prebiotics are very important. These act as food for probiotics. If the good bacteria die off due to a lack of prebiotics, it can worsen your gut health.

Note the dietary sources of prebiotics

Apple

Apples are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Their fiber content, including pectin, reduces harmful bacteria and increases the growth of good gut bacteria.

Whole oats

Whole oats have a high fiber content, including beta-glucan fiber and resistant starch, which help promote good gut bacteria.

Bananas

This fruit helps to increase healthy bacteria in your stomach and reduce bloating. Banana can be eaten raw or cooked.

onion

Onions are rich in prebiotics, antioxidants and flavonoids that help prevent cancer and reduce other chronic diseases.

garlic

Garlic is an herb known to enhance flavor and nutrition in food and serves as a great source of inulin. These compounds help in the growth of good bacteria.

Here are food sources of probiotics

curd

Yogurt is one of the most popular sources of probiotics, which contains live and active bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Fermented vegetables

Probiotics are produced during fermentation in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and other fermented vegetables.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea-like drink that contains probiotic bacteria and yeast.

Tempeh

Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. It contains probiotics and is a popular plant-based protein source. It originated in Indonesia.

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