What Is The Difference Between Prebiotics & Probiotics?

Word on the street is that there is a bit of confusion between prebiotics and probiotics. What the heck are they? What's the difference? Is one better than the other? Do you need both?! If you're scratching your head looking at the two, we're here to help you out.

What are prebiotics?

As you probably know, your gut is comprised of a LOT of bacteria. Prebiotics are the food source for these bacteria to help them do their jobs better. As we all know, no one’s productive when they’re hungry, including your gut bacteria.

A cool thing about the prebiotics you get from your food and drink (we think it's cool, anyway) is that they’re non-digestible fibres, which is a snazzy term that makes us sound super smart. But it really just means it passes through your system undigested, so it can quickly become a food source for all those good bacteria.

Keeping your gut microorganisms happy with prebiotics is a surefire way to keep them working hard for your overall health.

Remedy bevs with prebiotic-like effects: Sodaly, Switchel ACV and Digestion Shots.

Other sources of prebiotics: Whole grains, leafy greens, chickpeas, lentils, mushrooms and bananas.

What are probiotics?

OK, so now we now know prebiotics feed bacteria in your gut. But how does that bacteria get there in the first place? You guessed it: probiotics.

Probiotics have the super-duper important job of introducing beneficial bacteria into your gut microbiota, helping keep your gut happy. And a happy gut = a happy, healthy you.

The good bacteria, or microorganisms, can help break down the foods you eat, protect your gut from bad bacteria, amp up your energy and can even support your immune system – bloody superstars.

Remedy bevs with probiotic-like effects: Kombucha, KICK, Immune+ Shot and Energy Shot.

Other sources of probiotics: Yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh.

If you’re still not 100% on the difference, we’ve made a handy dandy cheat sheet for you below.