Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

Digestive problems are one of the most common complaints that people make to their health care providers, and because of this, medical research focuses heavily on how to improve peopl's digestion and treat digestive disorders. The digestive system directly affects the immune and nervous systems, so maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important not just for absorbing nutrients, but also for maintaining overall health. When researching ways to improve digestion, many people come across the topic of probiotics and prebiotics. While much research has been done on these subjects, many people still wonder, what is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that grow naturally in the digestive tract and other systems in the body including the vagina and urinary tract. Their main function is to aid in digestion and to maintain the delicate balance of bacteria in these tracts. When pathogens and unfriendly bacteria are present, probiotics work to eliminate these attackers and bring levels back to normal. When probiotic levels are low, illnesses like yeast infections and urinary tract infections can develop. Probiotic supplements and foods are available to boost your levels and keep these infections at bay.

Unlike probiotics, prebiotics do not occur naturally in the body. Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds that come from complex carbohydrates called oligosaccharides that are commonly found in fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Since they can't be digested, they stay in the digestive tract once nutrients have been extracted from them.

But where do probiotics and prebiotics converge? Prebiotics are important in the health and maintenance of probiotics. When we consume oligosaccharides, either through foods or supplements, they promote the growth of probiotics. In fact, probiotics are so dependent on prebiotics that many yogurts also contain enriched levels of prebiotics to ensure healthy growth of these beneficial bacteria.

When people are prescribed antibiotics to treat or prevent an infection, the doctor may also prescribe a probiotic and prebiotic supplement. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in order to fight infection, included the good types that help with digestion. Taking probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain sufficient levels of these good bacteria while taking the antibiotics. Your health care provider will be able to give you more information about the connection between probiotics and prebiotics and can help you ensure you have a healthy balance of each.