What Is The Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

IMARC claims that India's probiotic market will reach INR 1,147.4 million in 2023. It is supposed to grow by 17.55% between 2023 and 2024. What is driving this force? People are becoming health conscious, leading to a high demand for prebiotics and probiotic drinks. Are prebiotic and probiotic drinks the same? Is there any difference between prebiotics and probiotics? 

Probiotics and prebiotics promote healthy gut bacteria or gut microbiota. However, they both have different roles. India has an enormous market for both prebiotics and probiotics. With rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, India’s prebiotic and probiotic market is growing faster. Let’s begin understanding the difference between prebiotics and probiotics. 

Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics 

Probiotics are live bacteria that reside in some foods or supplements. It provides immense health benefits, especially to the gut. Prebiotics are high-fiber foods that allow the proper functioning of probiotics. Here is a detailed description of the difference between prebiotics and probiotics 

Criteria	Prebiotics	Probiotics
Definition	Prebiotics are fiber-rich foods that promote the functioning of probiotics foods.	Probiotics are good bacteria in food or supplements that promote gut health.
Food	Cereals, fruits, legumes, and nuts	Dairy products, soy products, beverages, and vegetables
Benefits	It provides fuel to probiotics for overall functioning.	It supports the composition of gut bacteria and may increase good bacteria and reduce bad bacteria.
Who should avoid	Research suggests that infants should avoid prebiotics.	People with chronic diseases or health issues should avoid probiotics.
Shelf life	1-2 years	1-2 years

Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics both promote a healthy gut. They are present in foods, beverages, and supplements. Experts conducted several studies and came up with certain theories, including both benefits and side effects. 

Benefits of Probiotics 

Research confirms that probiotics contain good bacteria that strengthen immune systems. Research shows that probiotics help digestion, mental health, and overall health development. Several other researchers and studies generated various theories. 

• Probiotics contain antibiotics that can reduce the risk of diarrhea by 60%. 
• Probiotics may help prevent the risk of severe life-threatening diseases. 
• Probiotics may reduce symptoms of depression and improve mental health. 
• It promotes a healthy gut system. 
• Probiotics help prevent symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

A study found that probiotics may reduce gestational diabetes, vaginal infections, eczema, and the need for antibodies. 

Benefits of Prebiotics 

Prebiotics enhance beneficial bacteria in the gut. There is a connection between prebiotics and probiotics. Research shows they promote healthy gut and digestive health and reduce severe health problems. 

• Prebiotic food and supplements may improve calcium absorption.
• It can fasten the processing of carbohydrates. 
• It supports probiotics of the gut bacteria. 
• It enhances digestion and metabolism. 

Experts suggest that prebiotics are present in your daily diet food. There is no need to take supplements. 

Are There Any Side Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Prebiotics and probiotics contain several health benefits. Experts' theory found that certain people should avoid prebiotics and probiotics. 

Side Effects of Probiotics 

• It can hurt people with weak immune systems and Crohn’s disease. 
• It can negatively affect people with serious underlying medical conditions. 
• Not enough evidence to prove its safety. 
• Scientists are still determining its long-term usage. 

Side effects of Prebiotics

• People with any severe health condition should avoid it. 
• Research shows that it may hurt infants. 
• It may increase gastroesophageal reflux. 
• Rapid fermentation can worsen IBS symptoms.

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/web-stories/can-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-help-one-age-better/ 

List of Prebiotic Foods 

You can naturally find prebiotics in food, so avoid buying prebiotic supplements. Prebiotics are fiber found in vegetables, legumes, and fruits. The research found that adequate prebiotic foods are necessary for maintaining prebiotic fiber. Here is a list of prebiotic foods you can add to your daily diet. 

• Garlic 
• Berries 
• Bananas
• Onions
• Leeks 
• Dandelion greens
• Asparagus 
• Oats 
• Legumes 
• Beans 
• Peas
• Jerusalem artichokes 

List of Probiotic Foods 

Probiotic food contains good bacteria that provide good bacteria to the gut. Curd is one prominent source of probiotic food. Fermented foods and symbiotic foods are other probiotic foods that help kill bad bacteria and promote good bacteria. Here is the list of probiotic foods. 

• Kimchi 
• Curd or yogurt 
• Kombucha tea 
• Kefir 
• Unpasteurized pickles 
• Unpasteurized pickled vegetables 
• Cheese 
• Kefir 
• Sauerkraut

Probiotic supplements are another form of bacteria that provide benefits. Should you take probiotic supplements? Do probiotic supplements have the same benefits as probiotic foods?

Probiotics are beneficial for overall health. They are available naturally, yet there is an immense demand for probiotic supplements. These supplements are easily available in the market as pills, powders, and liquids. However, not all supplements are beneficial; some have different concentrations. Excessive consumption of probiotic supplements may have a negative impact on overall health. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/gut-health/best-foods-to-improve-your-gut-health/ 

Can you Take Prebiotics and Probiotics Together?

It is normally safe to take probiotics and prebiotics together. “Microbiome therapy" describes when these two substances work best together. 

Combining both strengthens the gut and promotes good bacteria; prebiotics promote probiotic growth. Research claims that taking prebiotic and probiotic supplements as the first thing can help in better absorption and effectiveness. 

Probiotic vs Prebiotic For Weight Loss 

Probiotics and prebiotics may help with weight loss. They provide health benefits, such as better immune and digestive systems. Several studies and research have found evidence that probiotics and prebiotics aid in weight loss. 

Probiotics contain fiber, proteins, and vitamins B-group and K. They fight against obesity by releasing appetite-reducing hormones {glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY)}. They burn calories and excessive (unsaturated) fat. 

Research found that probiotics contain protein that may lead to decreased fat storage. A study found that probiotics and prebiotics may help reduce body weight and fat percentage.

Lactobacillus is a strain present in probiotics that may help reduce body fat and weight. It can reduce body weight, visceral fat mass, and waist circumference. Other strains may help maintain body weight, fat mass, and belly fat. 

Best Probiotics and Prebiotics Combination 

India has several prebiotics and probiotics supplements. They provide overall body enhancement. But do you think eating probiotics and prebiotics together is even easier and healthier? 

5 best probiotics and probiotics combination 

• Banana and Yogurt Parfait 
• Protein Bars 
• Pickled Veggie and Cucumber Salad
• Miso Dip and Green Leafy Vegetable
• Prebiotic and Probiotic Smoothies

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/stomach/the-best-supplements-for-gut-health/ 

Tips Before Taking Prebiotics and Probiotics

There are hundreds of things revolving around prebiotics and probiotics. So, before you start taking probiotic food or supplements, here are a few things to remember before taking prebiotics and probiotics. 

• Store probiotics in the refrigerator because heat can destroy them. This is not the case with prebiotics. 
• Antibodies can kill good gut bacteria; to repopulate them, add probiotics and prebiotics to your diet. 
• Before buying any supplements, check their type, quantity, and quality. Research more before buying. 
• Always check the shelf life of the product before buying. 
• It is not necessary to buy multi-strain probiotics. 
• Buy probiotics and prebiotics containing lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, boulardii, or saccharomyces. These are the most beneficial strains. 
• Don’t go for a price. Not always the expensive one is better. 

Key Takeaways 

Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health. Several foods support ideal gut functioning. Although they are interconnected, there is a difference between probiotics and prebiotics. Research claims that the combination of probiotics and prebiotics is helpful for overall health. 

Probiotics and prebiotics don’t support everyone. People with Chron's disease or any other severe illness should avoid them. Gut health is important. It controls the overall body system. Want to know whether your gut is healthy? Take the Gut Microbiome Test with Redcliffe Labs to check your digestive function and identify the cause.