Probiotics and Prebiotics: What Is the Difference?

28. Oktober 2025

1 Min. Lesezeit

Ratgeber öffnen Sammlung öffnen Serie öffnen

We often hear about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, but many do not understand the difference. Let’s explain the differences in simple terms.

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

We often hear about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, but many do not understand the difference.
How do probiotics work?
How do prebiotics work?

Für wen das ist

Für alle, die Magen-Darm-Trakt über probiotic, prebiotic erkunden.

Warum es wichtig ist

Dieser Artikel hilft dir, dich schnell zu orientieren, und führt dich dann zu einer Sammlung oder Serie, wenn du weitermachen möchtest.

Artikelautor

Dr. Victoria

Endoskopiker

How do probiotics work?

Probiotics are strains of live bacteria and yeast that live primarily in the gut. They help rid the body of harmful bacteria and yeast so that the digestive system functions properly.

What are good sources of probiotics? Yogurt, kefir, sour milk, some kinds of cheese, cottage cheese, and kimchi contain probiotics. Probiotics are also available in the form of dietary supplements.

How do prebiotics work?

Prebiotics are components of food that are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract but help the human intestinal microflora by stimulating its growth and vitality. They are essentially food for probiotics.

Humans don't have the enzymes needed to break down these foods. Instead, bacteria in the gut break them down for energy, stimulating reproduction and producing potentially healthy byproducts. Prebiotics include various amino acids, enzymes, saccharides, and antioxidants such as inulin, pectin, lactose, and lactulose, as well as dietary fiber.

What are good sources of prebiotics? Dairy and fermented dairy products, cereals and legumes, some fruits and vegetables, nuts, and bitter chocolate contain prebiotics. Food supplements and medical complexes are made based on inulin, lactose, and other prebiotics.

Why take probiotics and prebiotics?

Getting enough probiotics and prebiotics supports digestive health, the immune system, nutrient absorption, skin health, and more. Both should be used routinely as part of a healthy, sustainable diet to prevent disease, and the intake of both can be reinforced during times of illness.

Weiterlesen

Magen-Darm-Trakt#Leber

Stick Out Your Tongue: 6 Colors To Look Out For

During medical examinations, a doctor may ask a patient to stick out his or her tongue. This is an essential part of diagnosing various disorders. Since anyone with a mirror can see what color their tongue is, here is a list of colors to look out for and what they mean.

Dr. Inese28. Okt. 2025

Magen-Darm-Trakt#gastritis

What Is the Right Way To Eat With Gastritis?

Many people have faced the symptoms of gastritis at one time or another. Diet changes are often required to alleviate the issue. What can you eat, and what should you avoid?

Dr. Alex28. Okt. 2025

Gesunder Lebensstil#cinnamon

Cinnamon Instead of Pills

Cinnamon not only smells great, gives a special flavor to dishes, and creates a festive atmosphere, but is also good for your health. Ornament found seven good reasons to include this spice in the menu as often as possible.

Dr. Inese28. Okt. 2025

Haut, Nägel, Haare#haut

Hautausschläge: Was ist die Ursache?

Haben Sie Pickel im Gesicht oder am Körper? Es kann sehr gefährlich sein, sie auszudrücken. Lassen Sie uns stattdessen nach den Gründen für das Auftreten von Pickeln suchen. Hier sind die bekanntesten davon.

Dr. Asya28. Okt. 2025

Installiere Ornament, um nicht nur diese Artikel zu lesen, sondern auch deine Gesundheit zu verfolgen, Testergebnisse zu speichern und auf weitere nützliche Funktionen zuzugreifen

Ornament installieren