Probiotics … Prebiotics … What’s the difference? And are they necessary for good health?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy. They work to control the growth of harmful bacteria.
What you might not be aware of is that probiotics will not make it down into your gut without the help of prebiotics.
Think of prebiotics as the food for probiotics. They are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by the human body, yet aid in the delivery of probiotics to the rest of your body. Prebiotics are food that your good bacteria needs to stay alive and flourish.
The only way probiotics will do you any good is if they are processed into your system. But without the help of prebiotics, they will never survive the stomach acid, and will never work to help you maintain a healthy digestive system. It’s important to keep healthy levels of both probiotics and prebiotics entering your system every day for good health.
The types of foods that contain probiotics are very different than the foods that contain prebiotics.
One of the very best sources of probiotics is yogurt. It is filled with good bacteria such as lactobacillus or bifidobacteria. To ensure your yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, look for “live or active cultures” on the label. Yet yogurt isn’t your only choice. Other good food sources rich in probiotics include sauerkraut, miso soup, and any food that goes through the fermentation process. Drinking kombucha or coconut kefir will also give you a healthy daily allowance.
Prebiotics occur naturally in foods such as leeks, asparagus, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, wheat, oats, and soybeans.
Because the types of foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics are very different, no food will contain both.
The two most widely accepted prebiotics are FOS – fructooligosaccharides – and GOS – galactooligosaccharides. If you read the labels on prebiotic products, you’ll see these products in some format.
Probably the most important thing to remember about prebiotics is that if your diet is right, taking a separate prebiotic supplement isn’t necessary. Some of the more advanced probiotic supplements include prebiotics in them to help keep bacteria alive and extend the products’ potency. You can get prebiotics in a variety of produce and whole grain foods, but the best way to know you are getting everything you need is to use a high quality supplement that includes both pro and pre-biotics. Thats why we love Arbonne's Digestive Plus.
This investment will pay daily dividends in the form of better health.