Do You Need a Pre- or Probiotic? You Might Be Surprised

ICYMI, hot girls have stomach issues. That’s what social media has been telling us in recent years, while offering a seemingly simple remedy: Prebiotics and probiotics. But what exactly are they, and should you take them? Here’s what Daniel Kim, DO, a board-certified family physician at Medical Offices of Manhattan, says. 

What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?

Kim explains that probiotics are “live bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome.” Prebiotics are “nondigestible fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut that can improve gut health.” Think of them as a package deal: Prebiotics help probiotics grow and thrive.

Probiotics naturally exist in our bodies, but you can get both pre- and probiotics through two methods:

Food: Prebiotics can come from sources like apples, avocados, garlic, oats, and onions. Foods that have probiotics in them include kimchi, kombucha, pickles, sauerkraut, and yogurt. 

Supplements: Like many supplements, pre- and probiotic supplements aren’t usually FDA-approved and can be less reliable than food sources. Which brings us to… 

Should you take a prebiotic or probiotic every day?

Generally, experts say it’s best to get your fix of pre- and probiotics through your diet. If you’re generally healthy, you likely don’t need them in supplement form.

But you might consider them if:

• You’re dealing with issues like digestion problems, IBS, constipation, or diarrhea

• You’re taking certain antibiotics or recently took them, which can mess up your gut microbiome

For digestive issues, Kim says “probiotics may be a better option,” and that “prebiotics can improve the effectiveness of probiotics.” Not sure if you should take one (or both)? Talk to your PCP or a gastroenterologist.