We all need them but do you understand the difference?
If you ask most people about prebiotics they will likely correct you and state, do you mean probiotics. The reason for this is because the general public has understood probiotics for a lot longer than prebiotics. There is a significant difference between prebiotics and probiotics, including different health benefits.
Probiotics are bacteria that are live and found in dairy products such as yogurt and in supplement form. Patients who are taking antibiotics are often prescribed probiotics as a way to help combat the gastrointestinal side effects from taking the medication. While probiotics have shown to be effective in the management of some types of gastrointestinal conditions, probiotics do not have the same powers as prebiotics offer.
Prebiotics can be consumed by anyone and simply help the good bacteria that is already within the body grow faster. This means that prebiotics are good for anyone.
Simply put, prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that nourish the good bacteria that is already located in the colon or bowel. Where probiotics are used to introduce new good bacteria into the gut, prebiotics are more of a fertilizer for the good bacteria that is already there. Prebiotics can help good bacteria grow, which improves the overall good to bad bacteria ratio. The ratio of good to bad bacteria has a direct correlation to your overall well being and health.
The body does not actually digest these plant fibers itself. Instead, the fibers are used by the body in order to promote the growth of good bacteria within the gut. Recent studies of prebiotics have also shown that they can play a direct role in mental health.
People who take prebiotics daily tend to have fewer issues with depression, stress, and anxiety. In fact, during testing the saliva of individuals who consumed a prebiotic daily had less cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked to many mental health disorders.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics.......Both probiotics and prebiotics are important for overall health. When considering a probiotic or prebiotic regimen there are several facts that can be used to help you decide which is best for you.
Prebiotic Facts
- Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that helps the good bacteria in the gut grow.
- Prebiotic supplements are not affected by time, acid, cold, or heat
- Prebiotics offer a number of health benefits. Most of these benefits have been proven through research and include help with several chronic digestive disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Prebiotics nourish good bacteria that already exists in the gut.
Probiotics Facts
- Probiotics are found in dairy products and in supplement form. There are hundreds of species of probiotics.
- Probiotics must be kept alive. They are fragile and may die because of time, heat, or stomach acid.
- Probiotics may help with irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and may also help stop the recurrence of some types of bowel infections.
Both prebiotics and probiotics offer different benefits to the body. Science has proven that prebiotics can help increase bone density, strengthen the immune system, and help control weight and appetite as well as improve bowel regularity. Some studies have found that people who take prebiotics also improve their mental health.
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