Probiotic and prebiotic supplements are commonly taken together to maximize their health benefits.
Probiotics are live bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. Prebiotics are nutrients that support the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract. When you take probiotics and prebiotics together, they work synergistically to support your digestive system.
Probiotics supplement with prebiotics can help restore balance to your digestive tract, which can lead to improved digestion and overall health. In addition, probiotic supplements may help protect against conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Probiotics and prebiotics are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s important to choose a supplement that contains high-quality ingredients.
Are Probiotics and Prebiotics Safe?
Probiotics and prebiotics are safe to take. Probiotics are found naturally in many foods, including yogurt and kefir. Prebiotics come from dietary fiber and can be found in some cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
The best way to take probiotic supplements is with food. Taking a probiotic supplement with a meal can help ensure that the good bacteria survive your stomach acids and reach your intestinal tract alive.
Probiotics and prebiotics are typically well-tolerated. You may want to try a small amount of probiotic supplement or prebiotic food first to see if you have any reactions before taking larger amounts.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements are available in capsule and powder form. You can take them with or without food, but it’s best to take them with meals. Probiotics are sensitive to stomach acid and may not survive if taken on an empty stomach.
Seed Synbiotic
Seed pills contain both prebiotics and probiotics in one supplement. The idea is that the prebiotic food will feed the good bacteria while they are waiting to reach your intestines, and once there they can thrive on the prebiotics as well.