Prebiotics vs probiotics. You've most likely heard about probiotics, but what about prebiotics? And what's the difference between the two?

Prebiotics and probiotics are types of dietary supplements that have a positive impact on gut and overall health and well-being.  In this blog we will discuss what the difference is between prebiotics vs probiotics, and why they're important in gut and overall health.

We will share about:

• Prebiotics vs probiotics: Why are they both important?
• What are prebiotics?
• Prebiotic foods
• What are probiotic foods
• Prebiotics and probiotics in your diet

Prebiotics vs probiotics: Why are they both important?

There are thousands of studies proving that both prebiotics and probiotics. These studies show improved digestion, help with weight management, boost the immune system, and even support mental wellness.

Consider your gut microbiome acts like a pond. The fish in the pond are the probiotics and the special food the fish needs to eat to not only survive, but thrive, are the prebiotics.

A healthy pond is one with flourishing fish, who are also happy and healthy - because they are getting the special food they need (prebiotics).

Your gut microbiome acts in the same way - a diverse amount of healthy bacteria (probiotics) will help keep you healthier.  And this is achieved through eating a range of healthy foods -  including foods that are prebiotic and probiotic.

Prebiotics and probiotics have different roles in the body and work in different ways to achieve a common goal - a happier, healthier gut microbiome and a happier, healthier you!  

So, let's dive right in!

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics, are a special type of fibre that feeds the good bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics are not live bacteria like probiotics, but they are the essential food source for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

As mentioned above in the pond analogy, prebiotics are the key to a healthy gut microbiome, and are ultimately the cornerstone to health and wellness.

There are over 4,000 published studies regarding the positive effects of prebiotics (and in particular, chicory root fibre/inulin) of prebiotics regarding:

• cardiovascular health
• reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
• reducing the risk of obesity
• reducing the risk of colorectal cancer
• improved sleep, mood, energy and mental well-being
• improved digestive health

For further reading about prebiotics:

Check out our blogs on 'What is prebiotic fibre?', prebiotics and mood, prebiotics and weight management and prebiotics and sleep.

Prebiotic foods

Prebiotics are found in some fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, including Jerusalem artichokes, dandelion greens, bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, and oats.

However, the best source of prebiotic fibre is chicory root fibre, otherwise known as inulin.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial to the digestive system when consumed in adequate amounts. They can be found in a variety of fermented foods (see below), as well as in supplement form.

Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

When consumed, probiotics can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, illness, and a poor diet.

It is important to know that probiotics need prebiotics to not only survive, as well as thrive and grow, ultimately creating a healthier gut microbiome.

By consuming prebiotics, you can help to promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria, which can improve digestion and support overall health.

Prebiotics and probiotics in your diet

According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics eating 3 to 5 grams of prebiotics daily can benefit gut and overall health.

However, as mentioned above, chicory root fibre is the best source of prebiotics - as 68% of of this incredible plant comes from the prebiotic fibre known as inulin. 

As a comparision to chicory root fibre, onions contain 16% inulin and dandelion greens contain 25% prebiotic fibre.

Looking for an easy way to boost your prebiotic intake?

An easy way to boost your prebiotic fibre intake is by drinking ió fibrewater - the UK's first prebiotic fibre-infused water that delivers precision nutrition with 100% of your daily prebiotic intake in one bottle (4.5g to be exact!) and 20% of your daily fibre intake, too!

Not only is ió fibrewater made with naturally sourced ingredients, including chicory root fibre, and no added sugar or nasty artificial ingredients, it won the World Food Innovation Award for Best Drink Innovation.

Plus, ió is scientifically proven to increase healthy gut bacteria (probiotics) significantly, and was recently shortlisted for the Innovation of the Year Award with Glasgow Caledonian University for this exciting collaborative study (1).

On top of tasting great and supported by science, because of the chicory root fibre used in ió fibrewater it is backed by two authorised UK and EU health claims for:

• Proper gut function
• Slowing and lowering blood glucose rise

Summary

In summary, probiotics are live bacteria that can directly contribute to the balance of bacteria in the gut, while prebiotics are a special type of fibre that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and are ultimately the cornerstone to a happier, healthier gut microbiome and overall health and well-being.

Both prebiotics and probiotics are scientifically proven to be beneficial for gut health, and it's important to consume a variety of both in your diet for optimal health.

ió fibrewater is scientifically proven to increase probiotics significantly, and delivers 100% of the daily prebiotic intake and 100% of the daily fibre intake in one deliciously refreshing bottle.

Get 20% off your ió fibrewater order by using the code 'iolover20' at checkout. Click here to buy.

Therefore, instead of prebiotics vs probiotics, prebiotics supports the growth of probiotics - in harmony! And with  ió fibrewater you get the best of both prebiotics and probiotics in every refreshingly delicious bottle!

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1 - Finalists for the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 https://interface-online.org.uk/news/finalists-for-the-scottish-knowledge-exchange-awards-2023/