Probiotics vs Prebiotics: Are You Doing It Halfway Without Realising It?
Haiii Healsiderrss 👋💛
Let’s be real most of us know that probiotics are good for us. You’ve probably seen it on yogurt packaging or heard people say,
“I’m taking probiotics for digestion!”
But suddenly prebiotics enter the chat.
Wait what now? Aren’t they the same thing?
Spoiler alert: They're not.
And if you're only taking probiotics without giving any love to their besties the prebiotics you might be missing out on all the glow-up your body’s craving.
Let’s fix that today, shall we?
So, What Are Probiotics Really?
Probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that naturally live in your gut. Think of them as the little soldiers helping:
1. Your digestion stay smooth,
2. Your immune system stay strong,
3. Your mood stay calm (yup, gut-brain connection is real!).
Common probiotic strains:
1. Lactobacillus
2. Bifidobacterium
3. Saccharomyces boulardii (a friendly yeast!)
Found in:
1. Yogurt with live cultures
2. Kefir
3. Kimchi
4. Miso
5. Tempeh
6. Probiotic supplements (check the CFU & strain!)
And What About Prebiotics?
Now this is where the real glow-up happens.
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that your body can’t digest but your good bacteria in the gut LOVE them.
They’re like the breakfast buffet for your probiotics. No prebiotics = hungry, weak probiotics = no results.
Prebiotic-rich foods:
1. Garlic & onions
2. Green bananas
3. Oats
4. Asparagus
5. Leeks
6. Chicory root
7. Cold cooked potatoes (resistant starch!)
Can You Take Probiotics Without Prebiotics?
Technically, yes. But,
That’s like having pet fish 🐠 and never feeding them.
They won’t die immediately, but they’ll never truly thrive.
If you skip prebiotics:
1. Your probiotics may not survive long
2. You won’t feel the full benefits (like better digestion, skin clarity, or immunity)
3. Your gut microbiome becomes imbalanced = bloating, fatigue, even mood swings
What Does This Have to Do With Your Skin?
More than you think!
Your skin has its own microbiome, just like your gut. If your internal bacteria are unhappy, it shows on your face literally.
Gut imbalance can lead to:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Dry, dull skin
4. Inflammation
5. Premature aging (yikes)
Probiotics help from the inside out, and some topical skincare uses probiotics too but they’re only effective when your inner gut world is balanced.
What’s Killing Your Good Bacteria?
Yup, you might be doing all the right things but if these are present, your gut’s waving a red flag.
🚫 Overuse of antibiotics
🚫 High-sugar diet (feeds bad bacteria)
🚫 Chronic stress
🚫 Smoking
🚫 Lack of fiber
🚫 Heavy alcohol intake
🚫 Over-cleansing your skin (strips the skin microbiome too!)
Healsider Gut Glow Hacks
Want your gut (and skin) to thrive?
Try these:
✅ Pair probiotics with prebiotic-rich food like yogurt + oats (easy!)
✅ Add color to your plate diversity feeds different bacteria
✅ Reduce sugar & ultra-processed snacks
✅ Practice stress relief (journaling, deep breathing, walks)
✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Go fermented 2–3x a week is a good start
✅ Always check probiotic labels not all strains are created equal!
Okay, Real Talk Are You Feeding Your Gut Right?
I’ve been there taking probiotics consistently but ignoring prebiotics.
Then I wondered, why no change? 😐
Turns out, I was doing it halfway.
Now I’m making small tweaks (hello, garlic & banana smoothies 🙃) and slowly seeing better skin and way less bloating.
So Healsiders, tell me:
👉 Are you taking probiotics right now?
👉 Are prebiotics new to you?
👉 Have you ever noticed changes in your skin or mood from your gut?
Drop a comment below or share your story on IG & tag us @healsidehub!
Let’s learn from each other 🌿✨
Wanna Nerd Out with the Science?
Probiotics: What They Are & Their Challenges (ResearchGate)
PMC – Prebiotics and Gut Health
ScienceDirect – Probiotic Role in Human Health
WGO Global Guidelines – Probiotics & Prebiotics (2023)
What Should We Break Down Next?
Got a topic in mind? Wondering if collagen really works, or what’s the best time to take magnesium?
Comment below or DM us!
And if this blog helped, don’t forget to hit share, save for later, and send to a friend who's still confused about " biotics"!
Until next time,
💚 Stay kind to your gut it’s been working overtime.
