PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS: What’s the Difference and how can Water Kefir help your wellbeing.
Probiotics and prebiotics are both pretty big topics in nutrition these days. Yet even though they sound similar, the two play different roles in your health.
Prebiotics are types of fibre that humans cannot digest, but your gut bacteria can. These types of fibre provide nutrients to the bacteria that support healthy digestion and immune function.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics are food for these bacteria. We’ll explain what you need to know about the two.
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Both prebiotics and probiotics are important for human health. However, they have different roles:
Probiotics. These are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements. They can provide numerous health benefits.
Prebiotics. These substances come from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fibre.
The gut bacteria, collectively referred to as the gut flora, or gut microbiota, perform many important functions in the body.
Eating balanced amounts of both probiotics and prebiotics can help ensure that you have the right balance of these bacteria to keep your gut microbiota healthy.
Why are the gut bacteria beneficial?
The good bacteria in your digestive tract help protect you from harmful bacteria and fungi.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source on bacteria in the gut confirms that a wide variety of this good type of bacteria can aid in immune system functions, improve symptoms of depression, and help address obesity, among other benefits (1Trusted Source).
Additionally, some of your gut bacteria form vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids.
Short-chain fatty acids are the main nutrient source of the cells lining the colon. They promote a strong gut barrier that helps keep out harmful substances, viruses, and bacteria. This also helps reduce inflammation and may have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer (2Trusted Source).
How does food affect the gut microbiota?
