Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics

Here's an easy way to keep probiotics and prebiotics straight when it comes to their function in the body:

Probiotics are the good bacteria that are introduced to the gut to grow and thrive. Prebiotics are essentially food for these good bacteria.

Probiotics help keep gut bacteria balanced by limited the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics compete with the 'bad' bacteria for prebiotic food and don't allow them to multiply and cause harm to us. When there is a balanced amount of probiotics and prebiotics in the body, your digestive health is able to continue functioning at its peak performance.

Having a balance of these bacteria is beneficial to your overall health, too. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Research has also linked healthy bacteria in the gut with a healthy body weight, lowering inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar levels.