Gut health is an area of wellness that’s been getting a lot of attention lately. By now, we’re all familiar with the “good” and “bad” types of foods to eat if we want to stay fit and healthy. But what kinds of things are good for the gut?
This is a question that’s being asked more and more, and luckily, it has some simple answers. Probiotic and prebiotic are two words you’ll hear a lot in reference to gut health. They sound strikingly similar, but what are they actually?
In fact, when it comes to probiotic vs prebiotic, there are distinct differences, despite their similar-sounding names. This guide will tell you everything you need to know. Read on to find out more now.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are a kind of live bacteria that are found in certain foods or supplements. They provide numerous health benefits to the human body, which is why they’re such a hot topic these days.
You’ve probably heard of probiotic foods and probiotic supplements. These are different ways of delivering these beneficial bacteria to your gut. They include things such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and tempeh.
What Does Prebiotic Mean?
In contrast, prebiotics are substances that come from certain types of carbohydrates. They’re difficult for humans to digest and are actually used to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Prebiotic foods include things such as Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and garlic.
As you can see, both prebiotic foods and probiotic foods serve your gut in a positive way—but in two different manners. Probiotic foods deliver live bacteria into your gut, while prebiotic foods help to feed these good gut microbiota.
Why Gut Health Is Important
There’s a reason that more and more people are beginning to take notice of and prioritize gut health. It’s because gut health plays a role in so many different functions in the body. Likely even ones you might never have considered.
Gut health is linked to your mood, cognitive function, immune system, sleep patterns, and, of course, healthy digestion. When your gut is out of whack, it can throw your whole body off. Oftentimes, building a more healthy life starts with the gut.
This is why people often choose to go on detoxes—such as this one https://myvillagegreen.com/collections/detox—to restart and recalibrate their gut in a more healthy manner. Healing an unhealthy gut is a process that takes time and involves lifestyle changes and commitment. But in the end, most people find themselves feeling 100 times better when they take steps to do so.
Probiotic vs Prebiotic: Both Good for the Gut
In the question of probiotic vs prebiotic, there are distinct differences. But at the end of the day, both types of foods are doing the thing: helping to heal your gut.
If you’d like to learn more about gut health, we’ve got tonnes of articles to help. Check out the rest of our site now for further resources.