Probiotics and prebiotics both play important roles in digestion, immune health, and overall wellness. But depending on your diet, symptoms, and health goals, you might favor one over the other. Probiotics and prebiotics are both highly beneficial.
See our experts by scheduling an appointment with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, on New York City’s Upper West Side. Dr. Seecoomar offers GI-related food and supplement advice.
Before you add another expensive supplement to your cart, here’s what you need to know about probiotics, prebiotics, and how to figure out what your digestive system is asking for.
Probiotics and prebiotics play different roles in your gut’s health, but both are necessary.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that support healthy gut function. They’re often called good bacteria and are already present in your intestines. They aid in nutrient absorption, digestion, and immune function. Probiotics also help our bodies fight disease-causing bacteria.
The following foods contain probiotics:
Foods and drinks that have undergone fermentation are good sources of probiotics.
Prebiotics contain fiber that helps probiotic bacteria in your gut thrive. Prebiotic fiber moves through your digestive tract until it reaches your colon, where it’s fermented and produces short-chain fatty acids that feed your body’s good intestinal bacteria.
Here is a list of foods rich in prebiotics
Foods containing prebiotics are good sources of fiber.
If your gut health is struggling, you may experience gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain. See Dr. Seecoomar at the first sign of a gastrointestinal issue to ease bothersome symptoms and avoid worsening gut health.
It’s important to note that increasing probiotic intake in your diet through foods or supplements may initially cause symptoms similar to those of poor gut health. But as your body adjusts to the probiotics during the following days and weeks, these symptoms should subside.
Probiotics and prebiotics work together, so it’s highly beneficial for your gut and overall health to consume both in your diet and/or via dietary supplements. It’s often best to get probiotics and prebiotics from a healthy, balanced diet.
Dr. Seecoomar lets you know whether you’re a candidate for probiotic or prebiotic supplements (or both) and which brands are the safest and most effective.
See Dr. Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, for a gastrointestinal evaluation by calling the office at 212-217-9961 or booking an appointment online to optimize GI tract function and gut health.
