Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics

Probiotics are bacteria present in the digestive tract which are referred to as good bacteria due to the many health advantages these microorganisms provide us with. Prebiotics are found in the plant fibres of various foods that we do not digest, but rather pass directly through the colon where they help a select group of advantageous microorganisms to grow and thrive.

Probiotics, unlike prebiotics, are not natural foods. They are all man made and they help to produce good bacteria in your system. Samples of probiotic foods are those that are manufactured via a fermentation process, like yogurt, miso, tempeh, certain soybean products and sauerkraut.

These are all man made products. If you do need to add probiotics to your system, then you will have to take a probiotic nutritional supplement. Probiotics have been useful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and intestinal issues.

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Prebiotics help to control the sugar level, provide metabolic support, help in the absorption of vitamins and minerals, act a laxative and strengthen the immune system. Samples of food sources with prebiotics are distinct unrefined raw grains, oats, barley, wheat, chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, berries, bananas, onions and asparagus.

Prebiotics and probiotics have a symbiotic relationship for the digestive health: the prebiotics offer the nutrition and create favourable situations for the probiotics to flourish, while the probiotics offer numerous health advantages due to their capacity to provide the digestive system the necessary help.

Whenever you take anti-biotics for a bacterial infection, the outcome is that most of the bacteria in your body are killed in the process. So taking a probiotic nutritional supplement after your anti-biotics will be helpful to replace the good bacteria.

Hence, both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for a healthy digestive system and a healthy body. But experts advise that both should be consumed in moderation or you might end up with certain issues related to the digestive tract.