The Difference Between Probiotic and Prebiotic

The words prebiotic and probiotic might sound similar, but there are differences among these two terms.

Perhaps not many people from the general audience. However, it might be useful to know the difference to understand the health benefits better. If a person feels like he has some mental disorders like high stress, anxiety and other problems he or she cannot deal with, there is a huge possibility it has to do with the particular issue.

Firstly, we can take a look at what is prebiotics so that it would be easier to understand the difference from probiotics described later. Probiotics are “live bacteria in yogurt, other dairy products, and pills.”[1] In most of the cases, doctors prescribe probiotics for those who are on antibiotics to help to deal with gastrointestinal side effects of this medication. They aren’t that strong because heat and stomach acid can destroy them quickly. This might lead them to become ineffective before even they have felt the body.

Get expert advice about differences between prebiotics and probiotics from a functional nutritionist by clicking HERE!

When taking probiotics, it is important to take dietary products as they help to digest them. Otherwise, this process might become challenging. Probiotics are living microorganisms. It is possible to take probiotics with supplements, and in the most of the cases, they are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus (according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension). [2] Supplements can be in the form of pills, tablets, capsules and powder. Powder forms have the most amount of probiotics. 

Additionally, researchers have also found that higher possibility for them to survive is when they are taken with liquid-based products. They also provide more live bacteria to the intestine. Less so it is regarding the freeze-dried products.

Other bacteria are prebiotic. Prebiotic is “a specialized plant fiber that beneficially nourishes the good bacteria already in the large bowel or colon”.1Prebiotics are like a fertilizer for the good bacteria that are in the stomach. Prebiotics are helping the good bacteria to live and develop. This also contributes to the overall health and wellbeing. Prebiotics aren’t digested. It is proved that people who use prebiotics on daily bases have lower problems with anxiety, stress, and depression.

Additionally, in their saliva was found a lower level of cortisol. High level of this hormone is already proved to lead to some mental disorders. You can get probiotics in supplement form as well as by consuming various food products like dairy and soy products. Important prebiotic fiber can also be found in various fruits (apples, bananas, etc.) and vegetables (beans, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.). It is said that a person should obtain at least 25 grams of fiber on a daily basis, and it’s not that easy. Thus, a person should choose to use food that has a high amount of it as chicory root. 

Another good solution is food supplements and almost without any taste thus; it is easy to be added to any food and even water. Furthermore, prebiotin prebiotic fiber is useful not only to nourish the good bacteria but also help to feel full much longer thus it is possible to avoid further health problems like weight, the level of sugar in blood and others.

Thus, a person should choose to use food that has a high amount of it as chicory root. Another good solution is food supplements and almost without any taste thus; it is easy to be added to any food and even water. Furthermore, prebiotin prebiotic fiber is useful not only to nourish the good bacteria but also help to feel full much longer thus it is possible to avoid further health problems like weight, the level of sugar in blood and others.

It is possible also to use a combination of prebiotics and probiotics as therapies known as synbiotics. With this strategy, probiotics can stay present in the body for a longer time. These both supplements have similar benefits as they allow to increase healthy bacteria and thus yeast the body. Further, these healthy bacteria can form “form a protective shield in your digestive tract”[3] The studies in this field are rather new, but they have already proven their discoveries. One of the studies was published in April 2005 article found in “FEMS Microbiology Ecology.”[4] It states that healthy bacteria also helps the immune system to respond to the threats they might be facing. They can work the best regarding the antibiotic use and fighting different infections.

Differences between prebiotics and probiotics

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There are differences between prebiotic and probiotic. However, they work together and form a symbiotic relationship. To avoid infections, help the immune system and other health issues it is worth obtaining both. Probiotics can be obtained via different supplements but prebiotics can be found also in different foods like fruits and vegetables. To determine which bacteria a person needs and how much to take is up to a physician. Simple blood tests and other examinations can easily find whatever is needed. Over a short period of time it is possible to have noticeable improvement.

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