It is common knowledge that probiotics are the “good” bacteria that support digestive function. But, there is another important factor that many people are missing: prebiotics. If you want to optimize your health, then you need to look for ways to incorporate both probiotics and prebiotics into your diet.

The Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that flourish in the gut. They help to fight the “bad” bacteria and are beneficial for managing common digestive concerns, such as gas, indigestion, and bloating. A stop at the health food market will uncover a variety of probiotic products. It might be easy to pop a probiotic pill in the morning, but it won’t do you much good without another important element: prebiotics.

Prebiotics are a certain type of fiber that provides the food source for the probiotics. When prebiotics are present, probiotics can create the environment that is needed to thrive and survive. Your digestive system can’t process this indigestible probiotic fiber. But, the good bacteria ferments the prebiotics, which then feeds the colonies in the digestive tract.

Why Should I Take Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Without thriving gut flora, the body has a hard time digesting foods and extracting the nutrients that are needed for optimal health. Consuming probiotics helps to crowd out the bad bugs that lead to health problems, such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi. Additionally, enzymes are created which help with the management of many functions in the body.

Also, many people need probiotics due to the gut flora damage that was done by antibiotics. It is best to avoid antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary. Antibiotic usage destroys all bacteria in the gut, so the good bacteria is wiped out along with the bad bacteria. If antibiotics are unavoidable, then it is important to be aggressive with a quality probiotic supplement and a healthy diet to reseed the gut after taking the medication.

Consuming probiotics supports immune function by stimulating the secretion of regulatory T cells. As immune function improves, so does overall health and wellness. Natural health practitioners often make the argument that improving your microbiome is the most important strategy that can be implemented to prevent disease.

Health Benefits of Probiotics Include:

• Improved Digestion
• Stronger Supports Immune Function
• Healthier Skin
• Promotes Weight Loss
• Helps Reduced Risk of Illness and Disease
• Increased Energy

Sources of Probiotics

Do you prefer to take a probiotic supplement? Choose a trusted brand with quality probiotic strains and sources. Another option is to include fermented foods in your diet. These foods include unpasteurized yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup, kefir, kombucha, raw apple cider vinegar, and more. Whenever possible, it is best to choose organic sources to avoid the contamination of pesticides.

At the same time, it is also a good idea to avoid foods that destroy gut flora. For example, sStay away from sugars and processed foods because they feed the “bad” bacteria and make it harder for the “good” bacteria to thrive.

Sources of Prebiotics

If you are taking a basic probiotic supplement, then make sure to find natural sources of prebiotics, such as:

• Beans
• Garlic
• Onion
• Bananas
• Tomatoes
• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Radishes

Or, an easier solution is to find a probiotic supplement that includes prebiotic fiber as well. Many people love the simplicity of using a supplement that incorporates both elements to support digestive health.