Probiotics Vs Prebiotics Understanding The Difference and Their Benefits

Written By Josephine Olivadoti

On 7 Jul, 2023
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With the rise in popularity of probiotics, more and more people are discovering their health benefits. When it comes to promoting a healthy gut two supplements come to mind, probiotics and prebiotics. While they may sound similar, they are completely different in their roles in supporting a healthy digestive system. With that being said, with the benefits they provide to our gut health, immune system and mental health, it’s no surprise that people are wanting to experience these benefits for themselves.

With the sea of supplements on the market, it’s hard to determine which supplements are the best ones to take in order to see the desired results. There are probiotics and prebiotics but it’s difficult to know which ones to take if you’re unfamiliar with them. If you are experiencing digestive related issues, or are looking to improve your immune function and are not sure which supplements are best for you, you may be asking, what’s the difference between prebiotic and probiotics? Here at Advanced Supplements, we have put together this blog to highlight the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and understand the benefits when taken together.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are naturally found in the body. They are essentially the living microorganisms that live in the digestive system, these tiny organisms are typically bacteria or yeast and help support the digestive system. Some of the main benefits of probiotics are their potential to promote a healthy gut, improve digestion and boost the immune system. By helping to restore the balance of the ‘good’ bacteria in the gut, they can restore a healthy balance that is disrupted by factors such as poor diet, stress or the use of antibiotics. Probiotics also help the body breakdown and absorb nutrients, support regular bowel movements and help to prevent the growth of certain harmful pathogens. 

What Are Prebiotics?

Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not the living microorganisms themselves but they are a type of fibre that acts as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Their purpose is to act as fuel for the growth for particular strains of bacteria, helping to restore balance to the gut microbiota. 

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Probiotic Foods

Although taking prebiotic and probiotic capsules are an effective way to promote this in the body. There are natural ways to get probiotics, for example from certain foods. Yoghurt contains helpful bacteria, and by adding a high quality, plain yoghurt with live cultures to your diet, you will be adding the beneficial bacteria to your body. Certain fermented foods also contain beneficial bacteria that have probiotic benefits. Specific pickles, some pickled vegetables and kombucha tea are all known for their probiotic benefits. By adding these to your diet alone or alongside prebiotic and probiotic capsules, you will see the benefits to your digestive system and immune system.

Prebiotic Foods

Just like probiotics, there are foods you can eat if you don’t just want to rely on prebiotic and probiotic capsules. As they’re a type of fibre, they are found in many fruits, vegetables and legumes. Although we as humans are not able to digest these types of fibre, the ‘good’ bacteria in your gut can. Some foods that contain prebiotics are beans, garlic and bananas. So by incorporating these foods into your diet you will be able to feed the bacteria in your gut and promote a healthy gut.

Probiotics Vs Prebiotics

Although probiotics and prebiotics sound similar, they are actually pretty different in their roles in maintaining gut health. Probiotics are the live microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast that are beneficial to the digestive system. Providing a wide range of health benefits including improved digestion, enhanced immunity and even mental well being. Prebiotics on the other hand are the food for the probiotics. Probiotics and prebiotics work best when taken together, as they need each other in order to work to provide the most benefits to your health.

The Benefits Of Combined Probiotics And Prebiotics

Taking probiotics and prebiotics together is the best way to see the most benefits of these supplements. As prebiotics can’t work without probiotics, if you are lacking probiotics it doesn’t make sense to take prebiotics on their own as they work by feeding the probiotics to help stimulate activity. Probiotics on the other hand won’t work as well without the proper environment that prebiotics provide. Therefore taking probiotics and prebiotics together is a great way to gain the most benefits from these supplements as they go hand in hand.

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Floraphage

Sold on Advanced Supplements, Floraphage is a combined probiotic and prebiotic supplement, giving you the best of both worlds by taking these supplements. Experience both the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics all in one capsule, you see the most benefits than just taking one probiotic or prebiotic on its own. Probiotics and prebiotics work together to help your health needs, prebiotics need probiotics to thrive therefore it’s important that you take these together in order to get the most out of taking these supplements. 

Floraphage contains bacteriophage; a tiny protein that eliminates specific kinds of bacterium. Floraphage works to get rid of these ‘bad’ bacteria, which triggers additional phage and prebiotic nutrients for our beneficial bacteria to consume. Floraphage avoids beneficial bacteria and only targets bad bacteria, so you can be sure that you’re in safe hands when taking these supplements. Floraphage is a combined supplement that helps to break down their cell walls releasing nutrients that allow good bacteria to flourish in the digestive system by having access to food and space. 

Syntol AMD

Syntol AMD sold on Advanced Supplements is a blend of probiotics and prebiotics that creates an environment that is inhospitable to yeast colonies and unwanted microorganisms. These prebiotic and probiotic capsules contain a blend of enzymes that help to eliminate toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. It’s a perfect supplement to help support digestive health as well as promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The strong forming probiotics found in Syntol AMD are designed to survive the digestive tracts’ harsh environment. Taking this supplement not only supports your digestion but your immune health too.

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