Probiotics and prebiotics are popular supplements that help with digestion and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about these products.

What is a probiotic?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts (also called microorganisms) that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They’re found in fermented foods like yogurt, miso and sauerkraut as well as supplements.

What is a prebiotic?

Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. They’re found in certain vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Prebiotics and probiotics are often taken together for a balanced diet. They’re also in some types of probiotics.

How do probiotics work?

Probiotics colonize the gastrointestinal tract and help maintain its natural balance. They can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts, reduce inflammation and support immune function.

What can they help with?

Probiotics may help relieve diarrhea caused by antibiotics and travel, as well as chronic constipation. Prebiotics may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Probiotics may also help boost your immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent infection after surgery, treat lactose intolerance and help with vaginal yeast infections. Probiotics are available in many forms: capsules, tablets, powders, liquids and foods containing live bacteria.

Probiotics and Prebiotics Used Together

A combination of probiotics and prebiotics may be more effective than either one alone. This is because prebiotics help the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract thrive, while probiotics provide those bacteria with food. Supplements that have both probiotics and prebiotics are called synbiotics. Synbiotics may help you achieve a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive tract, which may reduce the symptoms of IBS. Seed Synbiotic is a good example of a synbiotic supplement, and you can read the full story behind it from this Seed Synbiotic review. It contains both prebiotics (inulin) and probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus).