Prebiotics are special plant fibers that help healthy bacteria grow in your gut. This makes your digestive system work better. Prebiotics are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They’re carbs your body can’t digest. So they go to your lower digestive tract, where they act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are thought to improve health. The most common probiotics include lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Many bacteria and other organisms live in our bodies normally. These "good" bacteria and yeasts can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases.
In addition to feeding your good gut bacteria, prebiotics can:
- Help you absorb calcium
- Change the rate at which foods cause spikes in blood sugar (the glycemic index)
- Ferment foods faster, so they spend less time in your digestive system. That helps you not get constipated.
- Keep the cells that line your gut healthy
Probiotics are sometimes taken as supplements and are also found in foods such as yogurt. They are used for many different types of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and many other conditions. Keep in mind that not all probiotics have the same effects. So, one probiotic or combination of probiotics may be helpful for certain conditions, while other probiotics are not.