The diffrence between prebiotics & probiotics… You may have heard the terms prebiotic and probiotic but what do they really mean and what is the difference between them? They both play vital roles in keeping the body healthy and functioning optimally.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that reside in the gut, where there is an ecosystem of bacteria working to help your body stay well. This delicate ecosystem in commonly referred to as your gut flora or microbiome.
Probiotics play an integral role in maintaining healthy gut function by supporting out immune system, aiding digestion, assisting with nutrient absorption into the bloodstream and preventing the invasion of harmful microbes.
The benefits of taking probiotics are there ability to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. An imbalance happens when there are too many bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria. This can happen from a multitude of reasons including taking antibiotics, poor diet and illness.
You can find probiotics in yogurt (with live cultures), some cheeses, some fermented foods and of course a good quality supplement. You can chat with our in-store pharmacists or naturopath to find the perfect probiotic supplement for yourself.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are the fibres that feed the healthy gut bacteria and are important in maintaining a balanced gut. Essentially, they give the probiotics the nutrients they need to flourish.
Prebiotics are found in a variety of plant-based foods including wholegrains, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, leeks, asparagus, onions, bananas, whole oats and flaxseeds. You can also find prebiotic supplements at WholeLife.
Overall, the combination of prebiotic and probiotics in your diet can be beneficial to your health and wellbeing.
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