Probiotics vs Prebiotics: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

Allison Faulkner
Sep 16
2 min read

We hear a lot about probiotics these days—and for good reason! But there’s another gut-supporting superstar that deserves just as much love: prebiotics. These two work together like a dream team to keep your digestion humming, your immune system strong, and even your mood more balanced. So what’s the difference, and why does your gut need both?

Let’s break it down.

🦠 What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are the good bacteria—the living microbes that help populate your gut with beneficial flora. Think of them as tiny helpers that support digestion, crowd out the bad bugs, and help your body produce essential nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin K.

Common probiotic-rich foods include:

Yoghurt (with live cultures)
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Miso
Tempeh
Kombucha

These friendly bugs support:

Better digestion and nutrient absorption
A more resilient immune system
Reduced bloating and gas
Improved mood and mental clarity (hello, gut-brain connection!)

🌱 What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are the food for your probiotics. They’re special types of fibre that resist digestion and travel to the colon, where your good gut bugs feast on them. Without prebiotics, your probiotics don’t thrive.

Great sources of prebiotics include:

Garlic
Onions
Leeks
Asparagus
Bananas (especially slightly green!)
Oats
Apples
Chicory root and dandelion greens

Prebiotics help:

Fuel healthy gut bacteria
Strengthen your gut lining
Reduce inflammation
Support balanced blood sugar and cholesterol

💩 Why Do We Need Both?

Imagine trying to grow a garden (your gut) with no seeds (probiotics) or water and sunlight (prebiotics). One without the other just doesn’t work. Together, they balance your microbiome—a bustling ecosystem of microbes that influence everything from digestion to hormones, immunity, and even mental health.

When your gut bugs are happy, you feel lighter, brighter, and more you.