You have probably heard of probiotics before, but have you heard of prebiotics? Do you know the difference between the two? Well, read on to learn about how prebiotics can support your gut health.
What is a Prebiotic?
Prebiotics is another name for a variety of types of non-digestible fibre. The most well-known type of fibre, insoluble fibre (a.k.a “roughage”) is great to support gut regularity but it is not a prebiotic. Prebiotics are soluble and fermentable fibres that act as food or fuel source for the beneficial bacteria in your gut – your gut microbiota. Prebiotics can support healthy digestion, nourish the good bacteria within your gut and benefit your immune system.
How is that Different From a Probiotic?
A probiotic is a live microorganism that interacts with you (the “host") as well as your microbiota (in your gut microbiome) to produce actions that can impact your whole body. Importantly however, probiotics are not food for your beneficial gut bugs, whereas prebiotics are.
Why are Prebiotics Important?
Just as we need food for fuel, so do our gut bugs. As the fuel source, prebiotics help good gut bacteria to grow and do what they do best – support us! We need prebiotics because the health of our gut microbiota impacts our whole body health. For more information on the many roles of the gut microbiome, read this blog.
Where can I get Prebiotics?¹
Like many things that are good for your gut, prebiotic fibre can be found in a variety of nourishing foods. Bananas, nectarines, watermelon, corn, beetroot, onions, rye, oats, cashews, and legumes are just some of the common food sources of prebiotic fibre. Human breast milk is also a source of prebiotics for babies.
But, despite being widely available, many Australians are not getting enough daily fibre from food sources.² This is why alongside a balanced diet, taking probiotics with included prebiotics is a great way to help you and your family get enough fibre to support your inner health.
Prebiotics you can Take Every day
Inner Health 3-in-1 Probiotic Gummies are a great probiotic/prebiotic combination. These delicious gummies are available in natural berry flavour, or in kid-approved, natural orange flavour, both containing a combination of 2 probiotic strains and the goodness of prebiotic fibre from chicory root.
If you’d prefer a refrigerated product, Inner Health Plus is available in a capsule or powder, and contains two probiotic strains as well as the prebiotic called colostrum. We also have Inner Health Plus Dairy Free as an option, containing oligofructose.
So whether you are looking for yummy gummies for the family, or our original fridge range, Inner Health has a prebiotic option to support your wellbeing.
References
- Prebiotic diet – FAQs. Monash University Department of Gastroenterology. Updated Feb 2020. Accessed Dec 18, 2023. https://www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/gastroenterology/prebiotic/faq
- Diet. Australian Institute of Health and Wellness. Published May 19, 2023. Accessed Dec 18, 2023. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/food-nutrition/diet
