Digestive Health: Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

Submitted by Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

There are hundreds of microorganisms living inside your gastrointestinal tract. Some of these microorganisms are harmful, while others are beneficial to your health. Healthy bacteria help us digest food. You have probably noticed numerous new products popping up in your local grocery store that contain probiotics. What are probiotics and should I be incorporating more into my diet?

Probiotics have numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that probiotics may: improve immunity, decrease problems associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, decrease risk of colon cancer and can help relieve diarrhea. They are especially known for their aid in digestive health and are recommended for people who have chronic constipation, diarrhea, yeast infections and urinary tract infections.


Which foods contain probiotics? Pasteurizing foods kills probiotics but many companies add them back into our food. You can find probiotics in certain types of: yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, buttermilk, sauerkraut and dark chocolate.


You may have also heard the word "prebiotic." Prebiotics feed probiotics and help them grow in your gastrointestinal tract. Prebiotics improve mineral absorption, especially iron, magnesium, and calcium. Prebiotics can decrease pathogenic bacteria and may relief constipation. There are different strains that provide different benefits. Prebiotics can be found in: garlic, onion, wheat, barley, oatmeal, flax, asparagus, leafy greens, legumes, bananas, and berries.


You can also find prebiotic and probiotic supplements which can be sprinkled on food, stirred in liquid, or taken as a capsule. 


Source: RD411.com