‘Prebiotics’ and ‘probiotics’ are being used more frequently in the context of gut health. Let’s break down these terms and examine the difference between the two!
To put it simply, prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates (dietary fibre) that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. You may have heard these bacteria referred to as the gut microbiota, which performs many important functions within the body. Prebiotic rich foods can be consumed through fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes.
On the other hand, probiotics are the live bacteria that are found in certain foods or supplements, also providing an assortment of health benefits. As seen in the infographic above, you can consume probiotics through a variety of food sources such as yoghurt, certain cheeses, kimchi, pickles, tempeh and sauerkraut, just to name a few.
How does this relate to our health?
It is important to consume a variety of prebiotic foods to support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. In turn, these bacteria can aid in our immune system, protect us from other harmful bacteria and produce beneficial short chain fatty acids such as butyrate. Not to mention dietary fibre is incredibly important for the health of our digestive tract, can help the management of our bodyweight, and even improve our cardiovascular health.
Probiotic containing foods act as a means of consuming good sources of bacteria. They can help improve the ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut, which can be helpful for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
At the end of the day, it’s important to consume a variety of prebiotic and probiotic containing foods as part of a balanced diet. This will help maintain the balance between good and bad bacteria, while also supporting a healthy digestive system!