When buying a food product, beverage, or supplement, sometimes we read that there are prebiotics and probiotics listed on the packaging. These two terms are oftentimes are considered the same. Actually, what is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?, dand what are the benefits? Come on, see the explanation in this article.
Probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial for health, especially the digestive tract. We can get these good bacteria from food, drink, or supplements. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most common examples of probiotic bacteria.
In contrast to probiotics, prebiotics are foods (usually high-fiber foods) that serve as intake for good bacteria in the human body so that their numbers are maintained.
In short, probiotics are good bacteria while prebiotics are food intake to support the growth of these good bacteria.
Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for the Body
Probiotics and prebiotics have several health benefits, including:
- Helps overcome digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and constipation.
- Reduces inflammatory bowel symptoms.
- Prevent diarrhea related to the use of antibiotics.
- Maintain digestive tract health.
- Helps treat skin diseases, such as eczema.
- Maintain the health of the urinary tract and female area.
- Prevent allergies, colds, and upper respiratory tract infections.
- Maintain oral health.
To prevent allergies, the World Allergy Organization recommends the use of probiotics for pregnant and lactating women and infants who have a high risk of developing allergies.
In a literature, it is explained that the presence of good bacteria in the human intestine can reduce blood lipid levels, although its effectiveness has not been proven with certainty.
Other benefits that can be provided by probiotics are protecting the digestive system from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, stimulating the formation of digestive enzymes, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and increasing endurance.
Tips for Choosing Products that Contain Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics can be found in food products, such as yogurt and kimchi, as well as some supplements in the form of drinks, capsules, or powder. While prebiotics can be found in wheat, soybeans, chickpeas, as well as vegetables and fruits, such as garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, figs, and bananas.
Recently, synbiotic supplement products are also available, which are combination products of prebiotics and probiotics. When you want to consume probiotics or prebiotics, you should choose products that contain prebiotics and high fiber content, because these products are good for gut health.
The intake of probiotics and prebiotics is also good for children's immune systems. In children, these two intakes can be obtained by consuming formula milk which is specially formulated to support the child's immune system.
In addition to consuming probiotics or prebiotics, also complete a healthy diet by eating balanced nutritious foods. Avoid intake of foods high in sugar and high in fat, because they can cause the growth of harmful bacteria that have the potential to cause disease.
In order to get the maximum benefit, here are some tips when you want to consume probiotics and prebiotics:
- Buy probiotic and prebiotic products that have been clinically tested.
- Pay attention to the dosage and recommendations for use.
- Know how the product is stored, for example whether the product must be stored at a certain temperature.
- Don't forget to always check the product expiration date.
- Make sure the product to be purchased has received a distribution permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).
It should be noted that until now, the use of probiotics is not recommended in patients who have weak immune systems, although in general the use of probiotics is safe for children, adults, and the elderly.
For people who have certain medical conditions, such as undergoing cancer treatment, taking drugs that suppress the immune system, or suffering from HIV/AIDS, the use of probiotics and prebiotics should be consulted with a doctor first.
Written by:
dr. Riana Nirmala Wijaya