Probiotics: The Beneficial Bacteria
Probiotics are live microorganisms that add to the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. They're commonly used to support digestion, regularity, and overall microbiome balance.
Prebiotics: What Feeds Them
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that your body can't digest, but the bacteria in your gut can. Think of them as food for your probiotics. Without enough prebiotics, even a good probiotic supplement has less to work with.
“Probiotics are the seeds. Prebiotics are the soil.”
Do You Need Both?
Most people benefit from getting both, either through a combination supplement or by pairing a probiotic with prebiotic-rich foods like fiber-heavy vegetables. Taking probiotics without prebiotics still helps, just not as efficiently.