Prebiotics vs probiotics: what's the difference?

Two halves of a healthy gut

People often use probiotic and prebiotic interchangeably, but they're a team with very different jobs.

Probiotics: the live helpers

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements — think yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha. They add to the population of good microbes in your gut.

Prebiotics: the food that feeds them

Prebiotics are types of fiber that your body can't digest, but your gut bacteria can. They're the fuel that lets probiotics thrive.

Great prebiotic sources include:

• Garlic and onions
• Leeks and asparagus
• Oats and barley
• Bananas (slightly green)
• Legumes and lentils

Why you need both

Think of it like a garden: probiotics are the seeds, and prebiotics are the soil and water. Add seeds without nourishment and they won't take root. Feed the soil without seeds and you're missing the point.

A gut-happy plate pairs the two — a scoop of yogurt (probiotic) over oats and berries (prebiotic) is the perfect example.

That's the simple idea behind every recipe we share here at GutHappy Kitchen.