Probiotics vs Prebiotics: Differences, Uses, Benefits, and More

Over the past couple of decades, both probiotics and prebiotics have become incredibly popular here in the U.S. They can now be found in a variety of different food products and dietary supplements due to the growing body of evidence that they may benefit your overall health in multiple ways.

From enhancing the function of your gastrointestinal tract to fighting off the common cold, researchers have identified a number of potential therapeutic applications for pro- and prebiotics.

Before we dive into exploring the benefits though, let’s first take a look at what probiotics and prebiotics actually are and what sets them apart from one another.

Probiotics vs Prebiotics: What’s the Difference?

⫸What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that can be found in certain functional foods along with a variety of different dietary supplements. When consumed in adequate amounts, some of them reach the intestine in an active state, where they’ve been shown to have a beneficial influence on the gastrointestinal tract.

More specifically, probiotics have been shown to improve the microbial balance in your gut. Your digestive tract is actually filled with…