Probiotic vs Prebiotic – What’s the Difference?

You may have heard the terms probiotic and prebiotic, a dynamic duo critically important when it comes to caring for your child’s friendly bacteria living deep inside their gut. These friendly bacteria are the bed-rock for a robust immune system and optimal brain functions. Probiotic Probiotics are the actual live friendly bacteria organisms that reside inside the gut wall.  Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common groups and these comprise of different species and each species has many strains.  Probiotics are also found naturally in fermented foods such as fermented vegetables, yoghurt with live cultures, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, miso and kefir. They are also found in supplement form.    Prebiotic Prebiotics are components of some foods needed for probiotics to thrive - think of them as a supercharged fertilizer to help the friendly bacteria grow.  They are found in food rich in dietary fibre such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.  Prebiotics are an essential food source to nourish and nurture the growth of friendly bacteria, encouraging the bacteria to produce nutrients to support the health of the gut wall, immune system and brain function.  Friendly Bacteria & Immune function Super-abundant numbers of friendly bacteria play an influential role helping your child’s immune system to defend against catching everything going around.  The...