Probiotics vs. Prebiotics – What Does Your Gut Need?

Prebiotics and Probiotics are the trending topics today, with the increasing temperature. The sweltering heat works as a catalyst for breeding bacteria and germs that often lead to episodes of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, etc. The best prevention for these problems is including prebiotics and probiotics in your diet for optimal digestion and hydration. Before you go on a shopping spree for gut health supplements, let’s understand your body’s symptoms and requirements.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are undigested fiber strands and resistant starches that act as food for gut microorganisms. The process of gut bacteria feeding on prebiotics produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial to the body for varied bodily functions. In short, prebiotics are food for the good bacteria present in our gut. Some common prebiotic ingredients are inulin and polysaccharides.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that contain good bacteria for a healthy gut. These microorganisms feed on prebiotics to diversify and multiply for a healthy digestive system. Probiotics have colony-forming properties and colonize your gut with good bacteria that aid your digestive system. Some common bacteria are Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia.

Why Do We Need Synbiotics?

A diverse gut microbiome is highly desirable, making both prebiotics and probiotics essential to the diet. Synbiotics are foods or gut health supplements rich in both prebiotics and probiotics. Our body needs synbiotics as it is the perfect blend of prebiotics and probiotics required for an optimal gut microbiome and a healthy digestive system.

Benefits Of Probiotics

• Probiotics directly impact varied functions of the body. They influence:
• Mental health
• Digestive health
• Immunity
• Reduces inflammation
• Manages skin issues
• It helps manage IBS, GERD issues, acidity
• Relieves upper-respiratory tract infections

Benefits Of Prebiotics

Prebiotics directly impact varied functions of the body. They influence:

• Nutrient Absorption
• Increases Metabolism
• Improves Digestive Health
• Strengthens Immunity
• Relieves Allergies
• Higher Energy Levels
• Weight Management

Prebiotics vs Probiotics. What Does Your Gut Need?

Now, all this knowledge is well and good, but how does one know if their body needs prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics? Mostly, prebiotics and probiotics work in partnership, which is why synbiotics are popular gut health supplements.

Still, our bodies have certain signs and symptoms that help determine what our gut lacks and what we need for a healthy digestive system. You can also try easy at-home gut microbiome test kits for a detailed report on the composition and diversity of your gut microbiome, along with guidance and insights from experts.

Symptoms Your Body Needs Probiotics

The human body contains tens of trillions of viruses. Probiotics have a symbiotic relationship with other microorganisms present in the colon, mouth, gut tract, intestines, etc. The various signs that your body needs probiotics are:

• Insomnia
• Bowel disorders
• Skin issues
• Low Immunity
• Mood swings

Symptoms Your Body Needs Prebiotics

Many times, your gut microbiome is diverse and doesn’t lack good bacteria. In such cases, your gut microbiome needs prebiotics for the probiotics to flourish. Here are some signs your body needs prebiotics:

• Food Intolerances
• Developing allergies
• Weakness
• Poor absorption of nutrients
• Frequent stomach infections

Symptoms of an unhealthy gut can also vary in every individual, so pay attention to your bowel movements, as they are the key to your gut health.

How To Balance Probiotics And Prebiotics In Diet?

It isn’t always necessary for individuals to choose supplements for prebiotics and probiotics. They are present in various readily available foods and can be incorporated into daily diet. The trick is to add foods from both categories into your diet. Ensure you add fiber-rich foods to your diet to achieve the perfect balance.

Best Prebiotic Foods

• Garlic
• Onions
• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Oats
• Apples
• Chicory Root
• Artichokes

Best Probiotic Foods

Yoghurt Kefir Sauerkraut Kimchi Miso Tempeh Pickles Kombucha

The Bottom Line

Balancing your prebiotic and probiotic intake is essential for a diverse gut microbiome. The gut microbiome, in turn, helps maintain a healthy, well-oiled digestive system. Do not change your diet entirely overnight. Diet change is a gradual process because our bodies take some time to adjust and digest rich foods. Similarly, do not expect immediate results as the digestion takes some time to show visible results. However, you can feel slight changes in your bowel movements, energy levels, overall mood, immunity, etc, in a few weeks of dietary changes.

Remember, sudden changes or overdoing might lead to opposite results. Introduce these foods gradually into your diet in small amounts. Also, avoid junk food and heavy foods for better results.

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