You must have heard that probiotics are extremely beneficial for the health of your gut. But many people aren’t familiar with prebiotics. Doctors say that you need abundant amounts of both probiotics and prebiotics in your diet to stay healthy. But what are they and why exactly do you need them?

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are harmless bacteria and yeast. When people hear the words ‘bacteria’ and ‘yeast’, they immediately associate them with diseases. But there are some species of these that do a world of good to your health. Probiotics are that kind of organism. They are especially beneficial for your digestive system.  

From what I have observed, yoghurt is a good source of probiotics, that are beneficial bacteria that can support your gut health. When yogurt is made, these bacteria ferment the milk, converting lactose into lactic acid.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Probiotics benefits –

• Probiotics maintain the balance of good bacteria in your gut and that is why they are vital for gut health.
• Medicines such as antibiotics kill a large chunk of the population of bacteria which probiotics can help to restore.
• They reduce your chances of coming down with diarrhoea and even if you are suffering the effects of diarrhoea or stomach infection, probiotics can reduce its severity.
• They boost psychological health.
• Probiotics can lower the level of LDL or bad cholesterol and thus protect your heart from harm.
• They can help your immune system fight off allergies.

Based on what I have seen, prebiotics are special types of carbohydrates found in various fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, oatmeal, bananas, and greens, among others. Including foods rich in prebiotics in our diet can support a healthy gut and improve overall digestive health.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

What is Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres such as garlic and onions. They are food for probiotics and good bacteria in your stomach.

Prebiotics Benefits –

• They increase your body’s ability to absorb calcium and magnesium.
• Prebiotics increase your bone density and make both bones and teeth stronger reducing the possibility of osteoarthritis.
• They can make your immune system strong.
• They can help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism.
• They satiate appetite and prevent you from feeling hungry every now and then.  
• Prebiotics can lower your blood pressure level and keep it stabilized.
• They can keep your heart healthy and strong.

Probiotics and prebiotics might sound similar but they are entirely different. However, both of them are reliant on each other. Probiotics will not survive without the food that prebiotics offer. And prebiotics is not worth anything if there aren’t many probiotics in your gut.

That is why you need both in your diet.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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