Prebiotic’s and Probiotic’s. Which do you need?
I’m sure you’ve heard so much talk about how you need to be taking probiotics, you’ve seen it on the shelves, you’ve seen it pop up on your feed but do you really need them? What is it for and what the heck are prebiotics? Well we are going to go over the benefits, the differences and my favorites that I am using on the daily….so let’s get into it
Prebiotics and probiotics. Which do you need? Well the short answer is both. They are both beneficial to our digestive health and together they help support a health gut microbiome. Alright then…
Probiotic’s vs Prebiotic’s What Are The Differences
PROBIOTICS are live microorganisms, typically bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome, which is crucial for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system function. Probiotics can be found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in supplement form. They can also help restore the gut flora after antibiotic use or gastrointestinal disturbances
PREBIOTICS, on the other hand, are a type of dietary fiber that serves as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. They are not live microorganisms but indigestible carbohydrates. Prebiotics help improve gut health and contribute to overall well-being. How can you get them in your diet? Onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, chicory root, and whole grains are all sources of prebiotics.
BENEFITS
Probiotic benefits include :
- Improved Digestive Health. They can help with IBS and IBD
- Help support a healthy immune system. They compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients in the gut which can help reduce the risk of infections.
- They help with vaginal health ladies! Certain strains of probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of vaginal microflora. What does that mean? They can help prevent and treat vaginal infections like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Sounds amazing right? Especially if you struggle with these.
Prebiotic benefits include :
- Improved digestive function. They can promote bowel regularity.
- Enhanced mineral absorption: Certain types of prebiotics, such as inulin and oligofructose, can enhance the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the intestines. This can contribute to improved bone health and overall mineral balance in the body.
- Some prebiotics, particularly soluble fibers, can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- They can contribute to a well-functioning immune system. They can help protect against harmful pathogens.
What I Take
Good girl probiotics has been amazing for my gut health. Where are my ladies who have struggled with infections, you know what I’m talking about. Well I have had my fair share and these have been amazing in helping keep my gut regulated and keep the bad bacteria in check.
One of my favorite ways to get prebiotics into my system is the Mamma Chia Prebiotic pouches. These are such a tasty little pick me up when I need a little mid day snack. I love the Strawberry Lemonade and these are so easy to take with you and great after a workout.
Conclusion
In summary, probiotics are live microorganisms that directly introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, while prebiotics are dietary fibers that nourish the existing beneficial bacteria. Both probiotics and prebiotics are important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, and a combination of the two work in harmony and can have amazing benefits on digestive health.
