What Is The Difference Between Probiotics And Prebiotics ?

[pattricia 575]

I suffer from IBS ( irritable bowel syndrome) and have found probiotics quite useful, but what is the difference between probiotics and pre- biotics ? Should I be taking them both ?

[Guest]

In very broad terms:

 

Probiotics are the 'good' gut bacteria you get when you eat those probiotic yogurts and whatnot.  A word of caution about some of the health claims associated with probiotics can be found here, on the NHS web site. 

 

Prebiotics are the 'food' that the good gut bacteria feed on, and so are meant to support the growth of your good gut bacteria.  Apparently, good sources include artichokes, asparagus, bananas, wheat flour, wheat bran, leeks, onions and garlic.

 

I would be cautious about buying prebiotic supplements, as opposed to aiming to eat more prebiotic food.  Not necessarily from a safety perspective, but because, again, the health claims associated with some supplements might not pan out.

 

As ever, it's best to have a word with your doctor about whether s/he thinks supplements might be useful for your IBS.

[pattricia 575]

11 hours ago, Hecate said:

In very broad terms:

 

Probiotics are the 'good' gut bacteria you get when you eat those probiotic yogurts and whatnot.  A word of caution about some of the health claims associated with probiotics can be found here, on the NHS web site. 

 

Prebiotics are the 'food' that the good gut bacteria feed on, and so are meant to support the growth of your good gut bacteria.  Apparently, good sources include artichokes, asparagus, bananas, wheat flour, wheat bran, leeks, onions and garlic.

 

I would be cautious about buying prebiotic supplements, as opposed to aiming to eat more prebiotic food.  Not necessarily from a safety perspective, but because, again, the health claims associated with some supplements might not pan out.

 

As ever, it's best to have a word with your doctor about whether s/he thinks supplements might be useful for your IBS.

Thank you, your advice is valuable to me.

[Tacitus 11]

The real difference is..................................................a single vowel !

[pattricia 575]

On 21/03/2022 at 21:34, Tacitus said:

The real difference is..................................................a single vowel !

Of course !