Probiotic Vs. Prebiotic Supplements: Difference You Need to Know

Considering the fact that about 70% of the immune system resides within the gut, it is essential to make sure it stays in good health. In the realm of gut health, prebiotics and probiotic supplements are the superheroes. 

Both probiotics and prebiotics boost the gut flora and overall well-being. However, people often need clarification about the difference between probiotics vs. prebiotics. 

In this article, we will clarify the difference between these two superheroes and how they discreetly affect human performance. Let's get started.

What is the Difference Between Prebiotics and  Probiotics

Both probiotics and Prebiotics are primarily known to enhance and build the gut ecosystem. They maintain healthy colonies of good bacteria that provide gut support and aid digestion. Despite their primary role, probiotics and prebiotics differ in several other ways.

Why is Gut Health/Gut Flora So Important

Gut health, a buzzword that's become increasingly prominent in recent years, is much more than a trend—it's a fundamental aspect of our overall health and well-being. Our gut is usually called our second brain, which carries many life-supporting processes in synergy, which means keeping gut health intact means keeping overall health intact. 

Let’s enlist a few of the reasons why gut health is so important: 

• Nutrient absorption and digestion

• Immune Function 

• Chronic disease prevention
• Body weight regulation 

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: Food sources

While supplements source you with concentrated strains of probiotics, you can also get them from your food. 

Probiotic-Rich Foods: Cultures in Your Kitchen

Probiotics are live strains of bacteria that, on moderate consumption, add a refined touch to the quality of your health, but probiotics overdose can be harmful  Incorporating probiotic-rich food can provide you with natural sources of all the strains which you would otherwise get via supplements. 

• Yogurt:Whenever you talk about probiotics, yogurt is always on the top. It is the most enriching source of good flora and other nutrients the body needs for gut health. Yogurt is also rich in fiber that relieves constipation and bloating. It is fermented milk with two common strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, which make the gut flora.  
• Kefir: it is a fermented milk that originated in the Caucasus Mountains and is made by adding kefir grains to the milk. It can colonize intestinal flora. But if you are lactose intolerant, there might be better choices.
• Kimchi: It is a fermented cabbage that roots in Korean cuisine. This staple food has an excellent probiotic effect and provides vitamins A and C. 
• Tempeh: An Indonesian dish that is made by fermenting soybeans. It is not just rich in probiotic strains but also rich in protein.  
• Cheese: Not all fermented cheese has gut-friendly strains. Cheese such as Mozarella, swiss, and cheddar, made of soft milk, have bacteria that promote gut health. 

Prebiotic Rich Food: Natural Fuel for the Gut

Probiotics often steal the spotlight that should also be given to prebiotics. But that does not make prebiotics less critical. Probiotic itself feels the importance of prebiotics in the efficiency of their action. 

In addition to supplements, there are various food sources of Prebiotics. 

• Garlic and Onions: You might confuse them as an ordinary kitchen staples. Garlic contains a high percentage of a prebiotic fiber known as inulin. Inulin serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping to maintain healthy gut flora. Furthermore, onions are rich in quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can contribute to reducing inflammation and fighting off infections.
• Asparagus: Asparagus, with its distinctive flavor and delightful crunch, is a popular vegetable that's not just delicious but also beneficial for gut health. This versatile vegetable boasts a significant amount of prebiotic fiber, particularly inulin. It is a dietary fiber, passes to the small intestine undigested and reaches the colon, where it becomes a meal for the gut flora, providing them with the necessary nourishment. 
• Barley and Oats: Barley and oats are whole grains that are staples in many diets worldwide and for a good reason. Both are rich in soluble fiber, known as beta-glucans which are known for their prebiotic effect. They, by crossing through the small intestine and undigested, reach the colon, where they act as a food source for the beneficial gut bacteria. 
• Leeks: Leeks belong to the family of garlic and onion. It is also rich in inulin, which holds the prebiotic effect. 

Probiotics Vs. Prebiotics for Weight Loss: Which Works Best 

Regarding weight loss, both probiotics and prebiotics contribute to weight management, but in a different ways. But if they are in it together, the weight loss results are quick and effective. 

Probiotics, particularly those from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, have been shown in some studies to help with weight loss by improving the balance of gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, and influencing hormones that regulate appetite and fat storage.

On the other hand, prebiotics being non-digestible fibers, creates a sense of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake. 

However, science believes probiotics hold more profound weight loss effects than prebiotics. 

Can you take Probiotics and Prebiotics Together? 

Yes, you can take probiotics and prebiotics together. The intake of both can enhance their effect manifold since they work in synergy. Probiotics and prebiotic blends are more profoundly known as “synbiotics.” 

The insoluble fiber in Prebiotics serves as a food source for the probiotic strains. By taking them together, you can ensure the gut flora has sufficient nourishment. However, It is best to take a health care consultation to avoid the side effects. 

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotics supplements are the concentrated sources of live bacteria; all purposed to enhance gut health. They are known for their significant role, ranging from digestion and immunity to mood regulation, improved heart health, and weight managment. Adding more supplements, you can achieve the proper balance of your gut flora.

Each probiotic flora has different bacterial formulation. But they all have a common purpose, i.e., boosted immunity and good gut health. 

ProbioCan: Complete Gut Support 

ProbioCan 50 Billion is an all-rounder formulation with 7-different strains, all designed to improve gut health. It builds the gut ecosystem and retains its functionality in all conditions. 

Bottom Line 

Both probiotics and prebiotics deserve applause for their health-promising effects. Where probiotics give a healthy boost to gut flora, prebiotics works synergetically with them, thus enhancing the overall effect. Both should be added to the regular diet to get the desired results.