Your body naturally contains some bacteria, which do not normally damage or invade healthy tissue. These bacteria are especially prevalent in the intestines where they live off of undigested food. Probiotic and prebiotics are two different types of supplements that can increase the levels of these healthy bacteria, though they work in different ways.
Probiotics
Probiotics are supplements that contain microorganisms and when consumed in sufficient amounts are beneficial for the body. Most probiotics are bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, but some yeasts can also be used as probiotics. Most people take probiotics because they are trying to replenish or supplement the healthy bacteria in the intestines, because these bacteria are important for digestion and the function of the immune system.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are related to probiotics; prebiotic supplements do not contain any bacteria but instead are made of substances that the healthy bacteria in your intestines can consume to thrive. Prebiotics are also known as fermentable fiber. Prebiotics can come from supplements, but some foods also contain fiber that can function as prebiotics. For example, artichokes, barley, berries, garlic, flax, dandelion greens, legumes, onions and chard all contain fiber, which can help healthy bacteria thrive.
Uses
One of the main reasons why people take prebiotic or probiotic supplements is to treat gastrointestinal problems. The healthy bacteria in your digestive tract promote proper digestion and also crowd out other, potentially infectious bacteria, which can cause diarrhea and other health problems. Prebiotics and probiotics are especially important after a course of antibiotics, because antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Many people develop diarrhea or other digestive problems after a course of antibiotics due to depletion of these healthy bacteria; probiotic and prebiotic supplements can help replenish your gut's bacteria.
Considerations
Prebiotics and probiotics are safe for most people to use. In rare cases, probiotic bacteria spread into the blood stream, where they can infect the heart, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. If you have an artificial heart valve or have an immune system weakened by HIV/AIDS, corticosteroids or immunosuppressant drugs, you may want to avoid probiotic and prebiotic supplements.
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