Both probiotics and prebiotics are important for human health. However, they have different roles. Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements which provide numerous health benefits and are known to increase gut flora population. Prebiotics come from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest which feed the friendly bacteria in the digestive system and help to maintain a healthy gut.

How Do Probiotics Work in the Digestive System?

Probiotics work in the small intestine and colon, where they join existing microbes that make up the gut microbiome and interact with other bacteria and cells. Some probiotics can produce short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the colon, which help to protect against inflammation and disease. Probiotics can also modulate the immune system by stimulating or suppressing certain immune cells and molecules.

Where Can You Find Probiotics in Foods or Supplements?

Probiotics are naturally present in some fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. These foods contain different strains of bacteria that have different effects. Some probiotic supplements also contain specific strains of bacteria or yeast that have been studied for their health benefits. Common types of probiotics include:

- Lactobacillus: A genus of bacteria that can help with lactose intolerance, diarrhea, vaginal infections, and respiratory infections.

- Bifidobacterium: A genus of bacteria that can help with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitus, eczema, and allergies.

- Saccharomyces boulardii: A type of yeast that can help with diarrhea caused by antibiotics or infections.