What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Do you know the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Both are beneficial for the digestive microbiota or intestinal flora , but they are not the same and do not act in the same way on the body.

The work of the microbiota is essential for the production of vitamin K and some types of vitamin B , as well as for the optimal digestion of food. It metabolizes plant compounds and contributes to the prevention of infections from pathogens. It also helps to maintain a strong immune system and regulates metabolism. Prebiotics and probiotics contribute to the body having a healthy microbiota with an adequate population level.

If you are interested in taking care of your health and your body, it is important that you know the difference between probiotics and prebiotics. This way, it will be easier for you to decide how to provide them to your body to obtain their maximum benefits.

Difference between probiotics and prebiotics

Beneficial live microorganisms vs. plant fibers

Probiotics are live microorganisms that join the population that forms part of a person's intestinal or digestive microbiota.

Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that promote and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria that are part of the intestinal flora.

Probiotics and prebiotics act differently in the body

In both cases they provide great benefits, but they do so in different ways.

In the case of probiotics, their job is to improve the stability and composition of the microbial flora by becoming part of it. If you take probiotics, you are adding population to your intestinal flora. In other words, you are increasing the number of these beneficial microorganisms that live in your body and help you stay healthy.

As for prebiotics, they act as food substrates for the microorganisms that form part of the intestinal flora. Their job is to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body. If you take prebiotics, you are providing food to the microorganisms of your digestive flora. In this way, you encourage them to grow and reproduce.

Different requirements for being prebiotics and probiotics

As you can see, they are different elements and to be one or the other they must meet a series of specific requirements that are different in each case.

Probiotics are microorganisms that have been duly identified and scientifically tested from specific genera, species and strains , without elements of virulence that are potentially harmful to humans, and must be able to live in the intestine.

Furthermore, a probiotic can only be sold as such if it is in sufficient quantity to have a positive impact on the person who consumes it.

To be considered prebiotics, these substances must be able to pass through the stomach without being digested and thus reach the intestine, where they carry out their beneficial activity. In addition, they must be able to be fermented by microorganisms that are part of the human body and, thus, selectively feed the so-called good bacteria for humans, thus stimulating their activity and growth .

Diet and supplementation help you provide your body with prebiotics and probiotics. You can find this help in probiotic supplements at amixstore.com to increase the population of good microorganisms that are part of your microbiota.

The way to provide them to your body, another difference between probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are living organisms such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium , among others.

You can find them in food supplements in the right proportion so that their intake has a beneficial impact on the user. And also naturally in foods such as yogurt , kefir , kombucha , miso , sauerkraut , kimchi or tempeh , among others, in different quantities.

Prebiotics are food compounds for these beneficial bacteria. This is the case of fructans , galactooligosaccharides and some types of oligosaccharides . They are generally of plant origin, due to their high fibre content. You can provide them to your body through a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as well as including legumes and nuts in your regular diet.

Are probiotics or prebiotics better?

Now you know the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and you know that their function is different. Both are beneficial for your body and it is ideal to take both.

To improve and maintain the population of beneficial bacteria, consume probiotics. To keep this population stable, alive and reproducing properly, follow a diet rich in prebiotics.