Prebiotics and probiotics are critically important to humans and when combined are called synbiotic. How do these two works to benefit the gut? First, we have to note that prebiotics and probiotics work in tandem.

Probiotics, or the live bacteria, are quite delicate and can be killed easily with the stomach acid and heat.

This usually renders them inactive even before they get to their intended destination (small and large intestines). Individuals that rarely consume dairy products might also find the consumption of large amounts of probiotics quite difficult.

Probiotics, when consumed, nourish the good bacteria already present in the large and small intestine.

Prebiotics and probiotics work together to ensure the good bacteria in the gut are promoted. While probiotics add the good bacteria to the gut, prebiotics acts as the fertilizer nourishing the good bacteria already present.

They help the good bacteria grow improving the good bacteria to the bad bacteria ratio.

The ratio of good to bad bacteria has been shown to have a direct effect on your overall health and wellbeing.

It is good to note that the body does not digest any of the prebiotics in our bodies but instead uses them to promote the good bacteria.

This, in turn, promotes wellbeing and digestion health.

Recent studies have shown the important role good bacteria and prebiotics play in the mental health of individuals. Individuals who consume good amounts of prebiotics on a daily basis have few cases of stress, anxiety, and depression.

A test on their saliva showed low levels of the hormone cortisol which has been shown to cause mental health disorders in people.

Prebiotics, unlike probiotics, are not affected by heat or acids in the body.