A lot of people mistakenly believe that probiotics and prebiotics are the same thing. They are in fact very different things that serve very different functions in the human body. While they are both necessary for good health they play very different roles although one can not function without the other.
Most people are familiar with probiotics thanks to the many yogurt commercials on TV and other media but not many people are familiar with prebiotics. Both pro and pre biotics make absorbing calcium and other vitamins and minerals easier for your body so they are a very important of your body funtions.
Understanding what each the probiotics and the prebiotics functions are will help you with getting a healthier you.
Probiotics
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that are found naturally in the body. This helpful bacteria helps is digesting foods and keeping harmful bacteria and yeasts at natural levels. Probiotics are essential in balancing the natural flora in your body.
Many foods contain probiotics like yogurts, yeast based foods and other natural foods. They can also be added to foods in the form of supplements but getting them naturally through a balanced diet is best.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are what probiotics eat! That of course is the simplest way to look at prebiotics. Prebiotics are also naturally found in food stuff like honey and fruits. They are found in the sugars of fruits and honey. They allow the natural flora in your body to be nourished and help to balance the flora in your body.
Prebiotics help in your digestive system and keep things running as they should. Prebiotics can also be taken in supplement form but are also best if taken in as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Living Together
There are some foods that contain both pro and pre biotics. There are some foods that offer a natural balance of both pro and pre biotics. Some of these foods include certain grains and fruits. Ideally a well balanced diet will include foods from all groups that represent all the biotics your body needs.
Supplements
If you feel that your diet is lacking in these good for you foods than you can add supplements to your diet that will help to balance your flora. These supplements can help you to effectively use the food that you are eating and help your digestive tract stay on track.
