PROBIOTICS VS PREBIOTICS

Frustrated dealing with uncomfortable cramps? bloating, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, or painful bowel movements? 

Have you ever had or have trouble with your digestive tract? 

Probiotics & Prebiotics just may be the solution.  

The misconception is that many people think they're similar, but in reality, they are completely different. However both aid to support your digestive system, they both have different roles in the body and come from vastly different sources. 

In this blog, I will discuss the difference between the two, where they can be found, and the most ideal time for them to be taken. 

PROBIOTICS VS PREBIOTICS

Probiotics are microorganisms, known as healthy bacteria that live in your gut.

Probiotics are essential for gut health and for us to remain healthy. They can be found in fermented foods, supplements, grain products, and many more types of foods. 

Probiotics help to regulate the good bacteria that enter the body, aiding in overall gut health and the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients from the types of foods we consume. Probiotics eat and survive off prebiotics found in our immune system. 

Prebiotics are also known as prebiotic fibers. These are the fibers your body is unable to digest. 

Prebiotic fibers help other bacteria in your body remain healthy. Prebiotics assist in moving food through your digestive system while acting as an energy source for the bacteria that are already there. 

Both Probiotics & Prebiotics enhance and regulate your gut health and microbiome. 

Do you know what the Microbiome is? 

The Microbiome is the combination of all the bacteria in your body, this also includes fungi and viruses. 

Did you know these tiny little microbes play a critical role? Your gut microbiome aids metabolic operations, defends against pathogens, regulates your immune system, produces hormones, and affects the majority of our physiologic systems daily.

PROBIOTIC FOODS

Fermented foods are a good source of probiotics. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two most common probiotic bacteria groups, although their names aren't as essential as the health benefits they provide our bodies.

Lactobacillus helps to prevent and minimize diarrhea, as well as improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and prevent infections. Bifidobacterium helps to prevent infections, reduce constipation and diarrhea, and alleviate gastrointestinal problems.

Below is a list of various probiotic-filled foods that you can introduce into your diet more frequently, these types of foods will keep your gut happier and healthier.

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Dark Chocolate 
• Sauerkraut
• Sushi      
• Natto
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Cottage Cheese & other Soft Cheeses
• Miso
• Pickles & Olives
• Sour Dough Bread  or Kvass
• Other Yeast Products

PREBIOTIC FOODS

Prebiotic fibers are derived from natural sources of food or added to the diet via supplements.

They are essentially food for bacteria and other helpful organisms in the gut when you eat them.

When ingesting prebiotics through food and supplementation, you are assisting probiotics in obtaining the nutrients they require to function properly.

Prebiotics also aid in the production of acids such as butyrate.

These short-chain fatty acids have a variety of health benefits.  Reduced bloating and constipation are two advantages of having healthy gut bacteria.

They boost mineral absorption while also promoting satiety. Prebiotics, are fantastic because of the benefits they can have on your digestion and gut health, they can also help you lose weight.

Here is a short list of various food sources that contain Prebiotics, healthy for the immune system...

• Apples
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Barley
• Berries
• Chicory
• Cocoa
• Dandelion greens
• Flaxseed
• Garlic
• Green vegetables
• Konjac root
• Leeks
• Legumes (peas and beans)
• Oats
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Soybeans
• Wheat
• Yacon root

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS?

Prebiotics and probiotics should be a component of everyones' diet and should be included in your daily supplement regimen. 

And don't forget to, 

Always, always, always, follow the directions on the supplement container to determine how often you should take it.

To receive the right amount of prebiotics in their diet, adults need to consume between 25 and 38 grams of fiber each day.

Food alone will provide you with enough probiotics and prebiotics to make a beneficial difference in your health.

 

What Are Green Superfoods and What Do They Do?
The benefits of Fruits & Greens Superfood products can be so beneficial, that many people find it easier and more convenient to give their bodies what they need through supplements.

Taking a few capsules or scoops of Fruits & Greens regularly can assist in improving your gut health.

I know I don't consume many of the foods on that list. Plus, even when I consciously incorporated several of them into my regular diet, I continued to take my SPN Fruits & Greens every day.

Also, something worth mentioning is that we included a Digestive enzyme blend in our Daily Pack, a simple daily necessary nutrient pack, because of the various advantages outlined earlier!

OVERALL PREBIOTIC & PROBIOTIC NEEDS

At SPN our goal is to provide you with useful information on a topic so you can understand how they work in your body. 

Prebiotics and Probiotics both have many different roles within your digestive system but the thing to remember is that they both provide many digestive benefits.