Be Kind To Your GI tract:
Understanding Prebiotics VS. Probiotics
Dr. Gregory Burzynski originally published this post on his website.
You’ve seen them at the drugstore. Boxes and boxes of probiotics that make claims about helping all manner of the stomach, gastrointestinal issues from supporting digestive immunity to straightening out digestive issues. It’s all a bit confusing, but this discussion offers a primer on both:
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics naturally live in some foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, Kimchi, pickles and other dairy products, but they can also be prescribed or purchased in a pill form. People are often advised to take them to combat the gastrointestinal side effects of some medications such antibiotics. Some people also opt to take them as a daily supplement to replace the good bacteria in their digestive tracts that can disappear for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that probiotics have the ability to combat some gastrointestinal disorders but must not forget about prebiotics, which also is very important.
You’ve seen them at the drugstore. Boxes and boxes of probiotics that make claims about helping all manner of the stomach, gastrointestinal issues from supporting digestive immunity to straightening out digestive issues. It’s all a bit confusing, but this discussion offers a primer on both:
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics naturally live in some foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, Kimchi, pickles and other dairy products, but they can also be prescribed or purchased in a pill form. People are often advised to take them to combat the gastrointestinal side effects of some medications such antibiotics. Some people also opt to take them as a daily supplement to replace the good bacteria in their digestive tracts that can disappear for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that probiotics have the ability to combat some gastrointestinal disorders but must not forget about prebiotics, which also is very important.
What is a Prebiotic?
A prebiotic is classified as a specialized plant fiber that encourages the nourishment of good bacteria that is already in the digestive tract. While probiotics produce good bacteria back into the digestive system, probiotics are in a sense a fertilizer for the good bacteria that already resides there. Studies show that by using prebiotics to increase the good to bad ratio of bacteria has a positive effect on well-being including digestive function, brain function and more.
In short, here is a comparison of the two:
Probiotics:
- Control the growth of harmful strains of bacteria in the GI tract.
- Hundreds of available brands.
- Live in yogurt, fermented foods, and pills.
- Can be killed by stomach acid, heat, or time.
- Have been shown to induce remission of Ulcerative Colitis US when refractory to medication
- Reduce the frequency of diarrhea in patients with stable, active Crohn’s Disease (CD) however postoperative CD has not benefited
Prebiotics:
- A special form of non-digestible dietary fiber that helps grow the good bacteria in your GI tract.
- Comes in powder form or in some foods like bananas, oatmeal, asparagus, bran, psyllium husk, and more.
- Chicory Root has the highest density of prebiotics.
- Nourishes the good bacteria in the gut.
- Have been shown to be effective for some chronic GI disorders such as ulcerative colitis.
Can I use either one to replace medications for stomach disorders?
No, you should never stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor. Studies on both prebiotics and probiotics are very preliminary, but they may help alleviate some symptoms.
Can I take both probiotics and prebiotics?
Yes, it’s safe to take both at the same time, but it’s still advisable to speak to your doctor first before doing this.
Do things like soy and almond milk contain probiotics?
No, most of them do not contain probiotics.
When should I take prebiotics or probiotics?
Any time is a good time to try taking them to see if they make a difference to the functioning of your digestive system and support your general health. Again, studies are still in the early stages, and our knowledge of the GI microflora is still in its infancy. That being said, there is a large amount of anecdotal evidence from patients that say they do help tremendously, and anticipation of clinical data is eagerly anticipated.
Who should not take probiotics?
Immunocompromised or critically people should, for the most part, avoid probiotics. Please check with your doctor as each case is unique.
To learn more about how Houston Concierge Medicine & Wellness Center can develop personalized diagnostic and treatment plans using integrative medical care, call 713-333-6464 or schedule an appointment online.
