Living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a desire for many. However, knowing the ins and outs of our bodies and what’s good and bad for us can be tricky.
You may have heard of probiotics and prebiotics, but many don’t understand their differences or their effects on our health.
Read on to learn more about the differences between probiotics and prebiotics and how they can support living and maintaining a healthy life.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms, or microbes, that contain healthy bacteria called microflora that help guard against harmful microbes like germs and support gut health. According to the National Institute of Health, microflora can be defined as bacteria or other organisms that live inside the intestines and help digest food. Examples of microflora include biotin and vitamin K. Probiotics naturally live in our bodies and work to keep us healthy.
What Are Prebiotics?
Similar to how our bodies use food for fuel, probiotics need a “food” source of their own, which is the function of prebiotics. Our bodies can’t absorb prebiotics, but probiotics can absorb them. This absorption produces a chain of fatty acids that are released into our blood circulation, allowing probiotics to function optimally. Probiotics and prebiotics work in tandem to improve our gut health and can even benefit the function of surrounding organs.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Food Sources
A notable benefit of probiotics is their ability to improve our gut health. Within our intestines, there are both good and bad bacteria. Good gut health is when there’s a healthy balance between the two. The foods we eat play a major role in this balance and can determine how well our digestive system works. This makes it vital to know what foods contain probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotic foods include:
- Cheese
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Yogurt
Foods that contain Prebiotic foods include:
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Barley
- Beans
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes
There’s also the option of taking supplements; however, consuming foods that naturally contain these elements is preferred for optimal benefits. It’s most important that you consult your primary care provider before exploring either option to ensure consumption is safe for you.
Health Benefits of Probiotics
According to the National Library of Medicine, the health benefits of probiotics include:
- Aid in cancer prevention
- Enhanced immune system
- Heart health
- Intestinal health
- Prevention of diarrhea
Many primary care providers (PCPs) recommend probiotics to adults to help regulate their gut health. Talk to your PCP to find out of probiotics are right for you.
Health Benefits of Prebiotics
While prebiotics can’t be absorbed by our bodies, they still offer great health benefits. According to the National Library of Medicine, health benefits of prebiotics include:
- Enhancing absorption of healthy minerals
- Lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Preventing colon cancer
- Promoting satiety and weight loss
- Reducing inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease
It’s important that you speak with your PCP to discuss if prebiotics are right for you. There may be instances where they wouldn’t be beneficial.
Who Shouldn’t Consume Probiotics or Prebiotics
While research supports the health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, certain individuals should consult their primary care physician to learn if they’re healthy for them to consume. This includes those who have severe illnesses and compromised immune systems. The bottom line is it's always best practice to consult a medical professional before you consume probiotics and prebiotics.
Your Dedicated Health Partners
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Visit us here to request an appointment with one of our care providers or learn more about our digestive care services. We’re here to support your whole health from the inside out.
