Your digestive system is the host to millions of bacteria, many of which play an important role in the breakdown of the foods you eat. Probiotics are live microorganisms similar to the good bacteria found in your intestines. Prebiotics are a type of fiber which stimulate the growth of good bacteria in your gut. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "When probiotics and prebiotics are mixed together, they form a synbiotic." As a synbiotic, they work together to benefit the microbial environment in the intestines.
Bacteria
Probiotics and prebiotics mingle with the bacteria found in your body. Probiotics are live bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Probiotics are absorbed in your intestines and help good bacteria flourish and prevent bad bacteria from proliferating.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that enhance the effects of probiotics by stimulating bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics provide nourishment to the good bacteria already in the gut. Prebiotics create a hostile environment for bad bacteria. "By acting as a food source, prebiotics give the probiotic bacteria a chance to exert their influence," states Mayo Clinic.com.
Environmental Factors
Probiotics are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. According to Abbott Nutrition, these live bacteria are affected by changes in heat, moisture, oxygen and acid. Probiotics can be killed as a result of manufacturing processes, aging of the product and even the stomach's acidic environment. Prebiotics are not affected by cooking or baking. Prebiotics remain stable regardless of temperature, humidity or acid levels. Prebiotics are found in prepared items such as cereals.
Sources
Probiotics are most commonly found in yogurt and fermented foods including sauerkraut. Probiotics can also be found in pill form in the refrigerated section of health food stores. Asparagus, garlic, onions, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, black beans, whole grains, oats and wheat contain prebiotics. You cannot digest prebiotics, so they are considered a form of dietary fiber.
Health Factors
Research has shown promising decreases in the duration of diarrhea-related infections, according to the March 2007 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition." Probiotics have decreased the frequency of diarrhea-related viral and bacterial infections, the duration of these infections and increased the production of antibodies to fight off future infections.
MayoClinic.com reports that the role of prebiotics in the treatment of disease is controversial but there is some evidence to their benefit in some bowel-related problems such as colitis and some forms of diarrhea.
References
- Abbott Nutrition: Prebiotics Education
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Probiotics and Prebiotics: Effects on Diarrhea; Michael de Vrese and Philippe R. Marteau; March 2007
- Jackson GI: Prebiotics (Fiber) Versus Probiotics (Bacteria) What's the Difference?
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Prebiotics and probiotics: are they functional foods?; Marcel B Roberfroid; June 2000
- NCCAM: An Introduction to Probiotics
- MayoClinic.com; What are prebiotics? How are they different from probiotics, and what health benefits do they offer?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
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