Why You Actually Need Both

Gut health is one of those wellness topics that’s gone mainstream — and for good reason. Your gut isn’t just about digestion. It affects your immune system, mood, energy levels, skin health, and even sleep. But when people talk about “gut health,” they often use the words probiotics and prebiotics interchangeably.

They’re not the same. And the truth is, you need both. Think of your gut like a garden:

• Probiotics are the live plants you add.

• Prebiotics are the fertiliser that feeds them.

You can plant all the seeds in the world — but if you don’t feed them, they won’t thrive.

What Are Probiotics? (The Live Bacteria)

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They’re the good bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome — especially after things that disrupt it, like antibiotics, stress, travel, or poor diet.

Probiotics can help with:

• Digestive balance and regularity

• Reducing bloating and discomfort

• Supporting immune health

• Enhancing nutrient absorption

• Supporting mental wellbeing through the gut-brain connection

The key thing to remember:

Not all probiotics are the same. Different strains do different jobs. That’s why many high-quality supplements include multiple strains for broad support.

What Are Prebiotics? (The Food for Bacteria)

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that feed your beneficial gut bacteria. Think of them as the food that helps your probiotic bacteria survive, grow, and thrive.

Common prebiotic foods include:

• Bananas

• Onions

• Garlic

• Asparagus

• Whole grains

• Legumes

But not everyone eats enough of these foods daily — and that’s where prebiotic supplements come in.

Prebiotics can help with:

• Supporting gut flora diversity

• Promoting regular bowel movements

• Supporting immune health

• Enhancing nutrient absorption

• Supporting a healthy inflammatory response

Why You Need Both (Not One OR the Other)

Here’s the reality: probiotics without prebiotics are like planting seeds without watering them. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, but they need fuel to survive long-term. Prebiotics provide that fuel — but without probiotics, you’re not necessarily increasing the number of good bacteria, just supporting what you already have. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem.

How to Choose the Right Probiotic

When choosing a probiotic, look for:

• Multiple strains (broad support)

• High CFU count (colony forming units)

• Clinically researched strains

• Trusted brands and quality manufacturing

Here are Gr8 Health’s top probiotic recommendations:

Our Probiotic Recommendations

• Activated Probiotics Biome Advanced Probiotic

• Blackmores Probiotics Women’s Flora Balance

• BioCeuticals Ultrabiotic 45

• Herbs of Gold Probiotic 60 Billion

• Fem21 Lifestart Naturopathics 300g

These options are great for daily support, immune resilience, digestive balance, and overall gut health.

How to Choose the Right Prebiotic

Prebiotics come in different forms, like powders, fibres, and supplements. When choosing a prebiotic, consider:

• Your digestive tolerance (some people can get bloated with certain fibres)

• The type of fibre (some are gentler than others)

• Your gut goals (regularity, bloating, energy, immunity)

Here are Gr8 Health’s top prebiotic recommendations:

Our Prebiotic Recommendations

• Happy Way Gut Restore Powder (Tropical)

• Kfibre Dietary Constipation Support (Orange)

• Nutra Organics Super Greens + Reds

• Necessity PHGG (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum)

• Metagenics Ultraflora Triple Action Biotic

These options support gut flora diversity, regularity, and overall digestive health — without harsh side effects.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

If you want your gut health to improve long-term, here’s a simple rule:

Probiotics + Prebiotics = Gut Health That Lasts

Probiotics help add beneficial bacteria.
Prebiotics help those bacteria thrive.
Together, they build a healthier microbiome — and a healthier you!