Many people ask us how to know if they need prebiotics for gut health or what the difference is between prebiotic fibre and probiotics. Knowing the signs you need prebiotics can help you take early action to support your gut microbiome and overall health.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The key differences between prebiotic fibre vs probiotics

• What benefits of prebiotics you should know about

• How to know if you need prebiotic fibre or probiotics

• The 6 most common symptoms of poor gut health that suggest you may benefit from prebiotics for gut health

• How to tell if prebiotics are working

• An easy and effective way of boosting prebiotic intake

What's the difference between prebiotics vs probiotics?

The decision to take prebiotic fibre vs probiotics depends on your current gut health support needs.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help rebalance your gut microbiome. These are often helpful after a course of antibiotics or if you're dealing with bloating, gas, constipation, or other symptoms of poor gut health.

Prebiotic fibre, on the other hand, is non-digestible fibre that acts as food for the good bacteria in your gut.

In simple terms:

Think of probiotics as the seeds, and prebiotic fibre as the fertiliser that helps them grow and flourish.

Without prebiotic fibre, probiotics can’t do their job properly. That’s why benefits of prebiotics are seen as essential for lasting gut health support.

What Is Prebiotic Fibre?

Prebiotic fibre is a special type of dietary fibre that your body can't digest — but your beneficial gut bacteria love it. It helps fuel the good microbes that support digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation.

One of the most effective and research-backed types of prebiotic fibre is chicory root fibre (inulin), found in ió Gut Health Drinks.

Do I Need Prebiotics or Probiotics?

If you're wondering whether you need prebiotics or probiotics, here’s a good rule of thumb:

• If your gut has been disrupted by antibiotics or illness → Probiotics may help

• If your gut needs ongoing nourishment and balance → Prebiotics for gut health are key

• For daily natural gut health support → A combination is often ideal (but only with enough prebiotic fibre)

Fun fact:

Taking probiotics without prebiotic fibre is like planting seeds in sand — they won’t grow without the right nutrients.

Find out more by reading 'Prebiotics vs Probiotics: What's the Difference?' and 'Probiotics and Prebiotics for Gut Health'.

6 Signs You Need Prebiotics in Your Diet

You don’t need a lab test to recognise poor gut health symptoms — your body often tells you when it’s out of balance. Here are six common signs you need prebiotics:

Prebiotics go far beyond just promoting a healthier digestive system. 

Over 4,000 published research papers show the links of prebiotic fibre (particularly inulin (chicory root fibre)) with a wide range of health benefits.

Here is a list of 6 signs that you may need prebiotics:

1. Irregular bowel movements: Constipation or erratic digestion may indicate a lack of prebiotic fibre. Prebiotic fibre helps promote regularity by fuelling the right bacteria to keep things moving.

2. Frequent illness: A sluggish immune system often starts in the gut. The benefits of prebiotics include supporting your immune response by improving the composition of your gut microbiota. Check out our blog 'Prebiotics & Immune System Function' for more info.

3. Digestive issues: Gas, bloating, or food sensitivity? These are classic poor gut health symptoms. Chicory root fibre is proven to help rebalance gut bacteria and ease discomfort.

4. Skin problems: Your skin reflects what’s going on in your gut. If you're dealing with acne, eczema, or inflammation, your microbiome may be out of sync — and natural prebiotics can help reset the balance.

5. Low energy: If you’re always tired, it may be linked to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics for gut health can support energy production by improving how your body processes food.

6. Mood Swings or Low Mood: Your gut and brain are connected by the gut-brain axis. Did you know that 90% of serotonin is made in the gut? Prebiotic fibre can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety by supporting a healthier gut environment. Read more about prebiotics for gut health and mood here.

In addition to these 6 signs you may need prebiotics in your diet, did you know there is a direct link between prebiotic fibre and weight management?  You can find out more here.

How do you know if prebiotics are working?

So you’ve started boosting prebiotic intake, how can you tell if it's making a difference?

Here are some positive signs:

✅ Improved Digestion: Less bloating, better bowel regularity

✅ Increased Energy: More stable energy levels throughout the day

✅ Better Mood: Feeling calmer, more balanced

✅ Fewer Illnesses: A stronger immune response

✅ Appetite Control: Prebiotic fibre help with satiety and may assist in weight management

Want more details? Read our blog:

Prebiotics vs Weight Loss Injections: A Natural Alternative to Sustainable Weight Management

An Easy Way to Start Boosting Prebiotic Intake

Looking for a simple, delicious way to improve your gut health every day?

Meet ió Gut Health Drink

ió Gut Health Drinks deliver:

✅ 100% of your daily prebiotic fibre

✅ 20% of your daily fibre

✅ No added sugar or nasty artificial ingredients

✅ Just 21 kcals per bottle

✅ Naturally flavoured with Lemon & Lime or Strawberry

✅ Vegan Society Approved and gluten-free

Formulated with chicory root fibre (inulin), ió offers natural gut health support in a clear, refreshing drink — with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

ió Gut Health Drink are the UK's first prebiotic-infused drinks backed by science that deliver precision nutrition with 100% of your daily prebiotics and 20% of your daily fibre intake, too!

Made with soluble prebiotic chicory root fibre (inulin), ió Gut Health Drinks are completely clear, has no added sugar and is just 17 kcals per bottle.

With a splash of refreshing natural fruit flavour (Lemon & Lime or Strawberry), and no 'nasty' ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, ió is a great swap-up from other drinks and tastes great, too!

Plus, it's approved by the Vegan Society and is gluten-free.

Check out the numerous reviews regarding how ió is positively impacting people's health - and lives.

'One word. AMAZING! I'm not bloated and my stomach cramps are gone!' Alyosha P.

What Customers Are Saying:

🥳 "No more bloating or stomach cramps!" – Alyosha P.

🤩 "My digestion has improved since day one." – Isobel G.

🌙 "My energy is up and my sleep is better!" – Sigi G.

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Do I Need Prebiotic Fibre?

If you’re dealing with symptoms of poor gut health, such as digestive issues, skin flare-ups, fatigue, low mood, or frequent illness, these could all be signs you need prebiotics.

Prebiotic fibre benefits go beyond digestion, as they nourish your microbiome, support immune function, regulate mood, and more. 

Made with soluble chicory root fibre ió Gut Health Drink, delivers 100% of your daily prebiotics in a refreshing, science-backed formula.

Summary

If the 6 signs you need prebiotics in your diet, such as symptoms of poor gut health  digestive issues, low mood (such as anxiety or depression), lack of energy, skin problems, and frequent illnesses, sound familiar, it might be time to consider adding natural prebiotics to your routine. Prebiotics could be exactly what your body needs to help you feel better from the inside out.

ió provides an easy, refreshingly delicious way to boost your prebiotic fibre and dietary fibre intake.

It's not just prebiotics for gut health vs probiotics - ió is a prebiotic fibre drink that supports the growth of probiotics and creates a healthier microbiome and a happier, healthier you!