Article: Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What’s the difference & why it matters?
From yogurt commercials to supplement bottles, you have probably seen the terms prebiotics and probiotics popping up everywhere. With so much content bombarding you, you might have even ended up buying products that claim to have probiotics, prebiotics, or both. But do you actually know the difference? And why should you understand it before deciding to pick them up?
While they sound similar, they play very different roles in keeping your gut healthy. Yes, the mighty gut which has recently taken center stage in the health and wellness industry and is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Gut health has always been an essential part of our well-being. In Ayurveda, gut health has always been of prime importance, along with the food that supports it.
In this blog, we’ll understand the difference between prebiotics and probiotics and why they are important.
If you're looking for healthy skin, improved digestion, better sleep, balanced hormones, weight loss, or even a better mood, probiotics and prebiotics can be game changers for you. Knowing their importance and what happens when you don’t get enough is crucial.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
What Are Prebiotics and Probiotics?
Prebiotics -
They are the special type of fibres that your body can't digest. They don't break down in your stomach but they travel to your gut and serve as a food for the good bacteria present in your gut. They are like fertilizers that help good bacterias in your gut grow and thrive.
Probiotics -
On the other hand probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for your digestive system. These are the friendly microbes which help maintain a balanced gut by adding to the good gut bacteria.
In short, probiotics are the vehicle, and prebiotics are the fuel that keeps them running efficiently.
Best Sources of Prebiotics and Probiotics
Now that you know how important they are, where can you find them? Here is a list of common foods which contain probiotics and prebiotics
Best prebiotic foods - Flaxseeds, Bananas, Asparagus, Oats,Garlic, Onion,
Best prebiotic foods - Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickles etc
Why Do They Matter?
Both prebiotic and probiotic are essential for maintaining Gut health, they work in sync to create a powerful duo that supports better digestion and fights infections. They both contribute in improving our overall well being.
1. Better Digestion
If you struggle with digestive issues like constipation or indigestion gas, bloating or even acidity. Including probiotics and prebiotics in your diet can make a huge difference. Together they will help break down the food efficiently and thus support a better digestion and improves nutrient absorption from food.
2. Stronger immune system
70% of your immune system is in your gut. Thus a healthy balance of probiotic vs prebiotic will help maintain your gut health at its optimum. A healthy balance of bacteria helps your body to fight infections. Probiotics support immunity by keeping bacteria in check, while prebiotic help good bacteria flourish.
3. Improved Mood and mental health
Do you know that your gut and brain are closely connected through the gut brain axis. This is the reason that your gut is called your body's second brain. Studies suggest that prebiotics may help in mental conditions like anxiety, depression and even in brain fog by supporting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Prebiotics in turn will help these beneficials microbes survive and grow.
4. Healthier skin
Gut health isn't just about digestion or mental health it can have a huge impact on your skin. A balanced gut microbiome can reduce inflammation and may help in skin conditions like acne, eczema and rosacea. Probiotics help in calming the inflammation while prebiotic will help these good bacteria have the nutrients they need.
Cureveda Skin-Gut With Pre-Probiotics - It contains 24 essential herbs, natural pre- probiotics, fibre and essential antioxidants which enhances skin clarity by promoting a healthy gut. Enhances nutrient absorption, which in turn boosts skin hydration, reduces acne breakouts, and improves overall skin texture.
Benefits -
It cleanses the skin and reduces acne
Helps to hydrate the skin from within
Detoxes & rejuvenates the skin
Balances gut microbiome
Repairs skin cells
Should You Take Supplements?
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be very helpful if you have digestive issues or are on any antibiotics. Even for improving your skin conditions like acne, rosacea or inflammation prebiotic and probiotic capsules will help. But to find a right supplement which contains high quality strains is crucial also make sure that whatever you opt for is backed by research.
The benefits of pre and probiotic capsules
If you don't always get enough probiotics and prebiotics from food. Opting for prebiotic and probiotic capsules is an easy solution. These prebiotic and probiotic capsules have multiple benefits like maintaining a balanced microbiome, convenient to use and easy way to take your daily dose of gut friendly ingredients. Enhancing your skin health and also improving your mood
Cureveda Digest Elixir with fermented probiotics supports digestion naturally with a clinically proven formula that keeps your gut healthy and active. It helps in maintaining pH of the stomach to provide relief from acidity and heartburn and also supports gut motility which ensures a smooth digestion and helps in constipation and enhances enzyme efficiency for better nutrient breakdown and absorption. Eases abdominal discomfort by reducing bloating, burping, and gas, leaving you feeling light and at ease. Packed with natural probiotics that support a balanced gut flora, improving digestion and overall gut wellness.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Gut Happy
In simple terms, prebiotics and probiotics are both essential for maintaining a healthy gut. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria, and probiotics add more of them. By taking both, you’re ensuring that your gut stays balanced and healthy. Whether you’re getting them from food or pre & probiotics supplements, you’ll be helping your gut—and your body thrive. So, take care of your gut, and it will take care of you!