You don’t hear too much about prebiotics… but that’s about to change. The more scientists research this special type of dietary fiber, the more they prove how essential prebiotics are for our health and well-being.
And while prebiotics should be at the top of everyone’s wellness to-do list, they often get overlooked or confused with probiotics. That’s unfortunate…
Because they deliver their own positive effects for your good health… and that includes directly supporting your immune system.
Quick Answer: Prebiotics are special types of dietary fiber that feed the beneficial probiotic bacteria in your gut. They keep you healthy in several key ways: they help combat harmful pathogens, support antiviral defenses, fuel the production of short chain fatty acids your immune system relies on, help manage inflammation, and balance your gut microbiome. Because so much of your immune function depends on a balanced gut, feeding your good bacteria with the right prebiotics, such as GOS, FOS, and XOS, gives your immune system steady daily support. They are different from probiotics: probiotics are the bacteria, while prebiotics are the fiber that feeds them.
Are Prebiotics Different from Probiotics?
Yes, they are not the same. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut, while prebiotics are special dietary fibers that those bacteria use as fuel to produce health-boosting compounds.
YES! Despite the fact that they often get lumped together, PREbiotics and PRObiotics are not the same… not even close.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, trillions of which live in your gut microbiome and help keep you healthy in hundreds of different ways.
PREbiotics are special forms of dietary fiber that sidestep digestion and travel directly to your large intestine, home of the gut microbiome. There, probiotic bacteria utilize this special fiber as fuel, and transform prebiotics into crucial health-boosting compounds – such as short chain fatty acids.
All prebiotics are dietary fiber… but not all dietary fiber works as prebiotics.
Prebiotics are naturally present in dozens of healthy foods, from sweet potatoes to asparagus to kiwis. But to get enough prebiotics to make a real difference in your well-being, you’d need to eat pounds of fruits and veggies daily – more than most people can reasonably eat. That’s where prebiotic supplements can fill in the gaps… as long as you choose the right ones.
Because with the right prebiotics, your immune system gets a natural boost to help you stay healthy every day.
Which Prebiotics Should You Look For?
Look for clinically studied prebiotics like galactooligosaccharides (GOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Be cautious with prebiotics such as oligofructose and inulin, which may cause GI distress or even feed pathogens.
Choosing the right prebiotic can make all the difference in your health and comfort. Here's what the right prebiotics can do for you:
- Selectively nourish beneficial probiotic bacteria
- Improve diversity and balance of probiotic bacteria in the gut microbiome
- Increase absorption of essential nutrients
- Support health immune system function
- Soothe gastrointestinal (GI) distress, such as gas and bloating
So which prebiotics deliver all of those benefits?
Clinically proven strains of prebiotics include galactooligosaccharides (GOS)… fructooligosaccharides (FOS)… and xylooligosaccharides (XOS).
Watch out for other popular prebiotics – such as oligofructose and inulin – that may cause GI distress – or worse… Some prebiotics also feed and fuel pathogens, making it harder for your probiotics to keep you healthy.
With the right prebiotics – GOS, FOS, and XOS – you can feel confident that you’re supplying plenty of immune and digestive support to your system.
What Are the 5 Ways Prebiotics Improve Immune Function?
Prebiotics support immune function in five main ways: by combating pathogens, supporting antiviral defenses, fueling short chain fatty acids, helping manage inflammation, and balancing the gut microbiome that immune responses depend on.
Prebiotics do a lot to keep you healthy – and improving your immunity is one of their most important actions. That’s why scientists are diving further into prebiotic research, looking to discover new ways these special dietary fibers can improve your health.
In fact, right now scientists are running more than 150 clinical trials looking into how prebiotics positively affect your well-being. And while that research keeps progressing, scientists have already confirmed 5 ways that prebiotics are essential for a strong immune system and vibrant good health:
These five important immune-supporting benefits are just the beginning of what prebiotics can do for you. Watch this space – as we learn more about the powers of prebiotics, we’ll share them with you right here.
| Prebiotics | Probiotics | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Special forms of dietary fiber | Beneficial live bacteria |
| Main role | Feed and fuel beneficial bacteria | Live in the gut and support health directly |
| Where they act | Travel to the large intestine as fuel | Colonize the gut microbiome |
| Examples | GOS, FOS, XOS | Spore-based Bacillus strains |
Frequently Asked Questions About Prebiotics
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are special forms of dietary fiber that bypass digestion and travel to your large intestine, where beneficial probiotic bacteria use them as fuel. The bacteria transform that fiber into health-supporting compounds like short chain fatty acids.
What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
Probiotics are the beneficial live bacteria in your gut, while prebiotics are the fiber that feeds them. The two work together: prebiotics nourish the probiotics so they can flourish and support your health.
Which prebiotics are best?
Clinically studied prebiotics include GOS, FOS, and XOS. These selectively support beneficial bacteria, while some other prebiotics may cause digestive discomfort or feed harmful pathogens.
How do prebiotics support the immune system?
Prebiotics help combat pathogens, support antiviral defenses, fuel short chain fatty acids the immune system relies on, help regulate inflammation, and keep the gut microbiome balanced. A balanced, diverse gut is essential for proper immune function.
Can you get enough prebiotics from food?
Prebiotics occur naturally in many foods like sweet potatoes, asparagus, and kiwis, but you would need to eat large amounts daily to get a meaningful supply. A quality prebiotic supplement can help fill the gap.
Support Healthy Immunity with the Power of PREbiotics
Just Thrive Precision PREbiotic supplies three clinically studied prebiotics known for selectively supporting only beneficial probiotic bacteria. Just Thrive Precision PREbiotic contains:
- Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Xylooligosaccharides (XOS)
To keep your prebiotic protection going all day long, mix up a batch of Just Thrive Precision PREbiotic in the morning and take sips throughout the day. That way, your immune system gets a steady supply of prebiotic fiber around the clock.
Start supporting your immune system with Just Thrive Precision PREbiotic today.
