Going Pro
Probiotics and prebiotics are both essential to supporting health. However, while they may sound similar, each has a distinct function. Read on to learn the difference between these prefixes and how the two work in tandem to cultivate a healthy gut microbiome.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the human body, particularly the large intestine, is home to trillions of microorganisms, or microbes, referred to as the gut microbiome. The majority of these microbes are beneficial and play an important role in supporting digestive, immune, and metabolic functions as well as overall health.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live, beneficial microbes that are naturally found in the GI tract. Consuming probiotics helps boost the existing population of beneficial microbes in your body and counteract the harmful kinds. In addition to helping maintain a balanced gut microbiome, probiotics can also strengthen your immune system when traveling and help replenish microbe levels after taking a course of antibiotics.
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, the benefits of probiotics include:
- Helping the immune system function properly
- Aiding digestion by breaking down food that can’t be digested
- Keeping harmful microorganisms in check
- Producing vitamins and aiding in nutrient absorption
Probiotics can be taken as an oral supplement or implemented into your diet by consuming fermented food and drinks such as:
- Yogurt and kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Kombucha
- Pickles prepared in brine
Prebiotics
Described as a “microbiome fertilizer,” prebiotics are not living microorganisms but rather the fibers that feed them. Because the body can’t fully digest these fibers, they become a source of food for beneficial microbes, promoting their growth and function and helping the gut microbiome thrive.
Prebiotics are found in high-fiber foods such as:
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Garlic
- Oats
- Bananas
- Apples
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Flaxseed and chia seeds
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
