Probiotics and prebiotics are dietary supplements that are added to food and drinks. They are also available as capsules, tablets and powders.
Probiotics are live microorganisms (or “good bacteria”) that occur naturally in the body. They can be found in some foods and in dietary supplements, especially those marketed for use by infants, children and pregnant women.
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth of “friendly” bacteria in the large intestine. Prebiotics may also be found in some foods, such as bananas and onions.
Probiotics are used to treat certain diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). They may also help prevent or treat diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics or traveling abroad where sanitation may be poor.
Prebiotics decrease symptoms of lactose intolerance by preventing common digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating. They may also help boost immunity during colds or other infections.
Probiotics and Prebiotics Are Best Used Together
The best way to get both probiotics and prebiotics is through a healthful diet. For example, eating yogurt with active cultures or taking a probiotic supplement may help improve digestive health.
Probiotics and prebiotics are best used together. Without prebiotics, probiotic supplements would be less effective because they wouldn’t have anything to grow on. In addition, your body can only absorb a limited number of probiotics at one time; therefore, having both types of supplements may help you get the most health benefits from them.
Seed Synbioticis the best way to get both prebiotics and probiotics in one supplement. Seed probiotics are a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that work together to improve digestive health. It contains the right amount of each type of supplement so that you don’t have to take more than one pill at a time.
