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| It’s hard to overstate the importance of gut health. Billions of beneficial gut bacteria reside in your gastrointestinal tract and work around the clock to ward off infection and support many systems in your body. But these hard workers can’t do what they do without the help of prebiotics that you get through your diet. |
| Today, registered dietitian Jennifer Husson is here to break down the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, helping you keep your gut as happy as can be. |
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Enjoy!
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Ginger Wojcik
December 16, 2025 • 3 min read |
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| Q: |
What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? |
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| A: |
To put it simply, probiotics are live bacteria, and prebiotics are the food that these bacteria need to thrive. Together, they help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Probiotics are live microorganisms present in certain foods and supplements. Consuming probiotics can support the healthy balance of bacteria in our bodies, which has been linked to stronger immunity, improved mental well-being, better skin health, and weight management.
Examples of probiotic-rich foods include:
- fermented dairy, such as yogurt, kefir, and some cheeses (look for “live cultures” or “active cultures” on the package)
- certain fermented foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut (from the refrigerated section), and miso
Note: Cooking kills most, if not all, probiotics. So you won’t reap the benefits of probiotics from cooked fermented foods, such as tempeh.
Probiotic supplements are also available, but their health benefits are debatable. Work with a doctor or dietitian to understand if taking probiotics is right for you.
Your body doesn’t digest prebiotics. These are nutrients that the bacteria in your gut feed on to live.
All prebiotics contain fiber, but not all fiber-rich foods contain prebiotics. You can find prebiotics in a wide variety of foods, such as:
- legumes, beans, and peas
- leeks
- onions
- banana
- oats
- apples
- chicory
- Jerusalem artichoke
- asparagus
- seaweeds
Regularly consuming fermented foods, incorporating a range of prebiotic-rich foods, and eating a variety of plants throughout the week can help support a healthy and happy gut.
Try these recipes for a gut health-boosting combination of probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods:
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| Jennifer Husson, Registered Dietitian
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
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| The Gut Health Tips You Need to Know! |
| Poor gut health may manifest as fatigue, upset stomach, skin conditions, and autoimmune challenges. Probiotics, fermented foods, hydration, and stress management can help. |
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| What we’re digesting |
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