If you spend any time on social media or spend time watching TV, then you have probably heard the word “prebiotics” a handful of times. Yet, it seems that there is way less publicity around prebiotics compared to probiotics. While probiotics are great for your health, prebiotics are also essential to digestive health, among many other things.
In a nutshell, prebiotics are compounds found in food that we add to “real food” to promote and sustain healthy and helpful gut bacteria, leading to improved gastrointestinal health and possibly more health benefits. There are a few prebiotic supplements out there, such as PrebioThrive and Bulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic, but which are the best prebiotic supplements? We’re glad you asked!
This article will briefly cover the basics of prebiotic supplements. Specifically, we will cover the following:
- What are prebiotic supplements?
- Benefits of using prebiotic supplements
- How to take prebiotic supplements
- Do prebiotic supplements really work?
- Are prebiotic supplements right for you?
- What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
- The best prebiotic supplements
Best Prebiotic Supplements
Here are our top picks. Keep reading to learn how we chose them.
- Best Overall: Seed
- Best Gut Health Supplement: Bio Complete 3
- Best Prebiotic-Only Formula: Bulletproof Innerfuel
What Are Prebiotic Supplements?
Prebiotics are “foods” that feed our helpful and healthy gut bacteria. The more healthy gut bacteria, the better. This bacteria keeps our digestive tract functioning well, as well as positively altering the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.
When we nourish our gut bacteria by feeding them prebiotic food, or prebiotic supplements, this promotes positive gut health. When we experience healthier digestion, better nutrient absorption, and improved metabolic activity, it increases our general, overall well-being too. We can take prebiotic supplements, but there are also many ways to get prebiotics through the food we eat.
Prebiotics can be naturally found in common foods like:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oats
- Barley
- Asparagus
- Dandelion Greens
- Leeks
- Artichokes
- Chicory Root
But sometimes, diet alone is not enough to absorb the prebiotics offered in these foods – perhaps, due to a health condition, post-surgery, or simply inability to eat. In these instances, prebiotic supplements are made to supplement our prebiotic needs.
Prebiotic Supplement Benefits
The obvious benefit of prebiotics is what it does to your gut or gastrointestinal health. If our gut bacteria are nourished and fed well, they contribute to improving our overall gastrointestinal health. This leads to better digestion, improved metabolic activity, and better absorption of nutrients like vitamins and minerals which we get from the foods we eat.
Taking probiotics can aid in a variety of gastrointestinal problems, like helping you lessen the severity of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. However, be careful in not taking too high of a dose of prebiotics as it will come with negative side effects like increased bloating and abdominal pain due to more fermentation.
Luckily, the benefits of taking prebiotics do not just end with our gut health. Eventually, other bodily systems also benefit from our healthier and improved gut health. For instance, because we can better absorb nutrients, that means we can better absorb nutrients from the food we eat, such as calcium, vitamins A, B-vitamins and C, and minerals like iron and magnesium. This leads to increased energy both in the short-term and long-term.
Also, because better gut health leads to a better metabolism, we can get the benefits of an improved metabolism, such as losing weight as well.
The Difference Between Prebiotics And Probiotics
While prebiotics is crucial for boosting gut health, so is taking probiotics. If you heard of prebiotics already, you have probably heard of probiotics as well, because they are more common than prebiotics.
So, what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
We have already mentioned a good amount of detail about prebiotics, but let us simply put it this way – prebiotics work as food for your gut bacteria. Usually, they are made of fiber and other carbohydrate compounds that are not digestible by our stomach; therefore, they go directly to our gut and are consumed by our bacteria.
On the other hand, probiotics are actually live organisms that will join the healthy bacteria population in your gut.
Probiotics can also be found in foods and supplements. If you are a fan of yogurt, you might already be digesting probiotics. There are also many probiotic supplements available. There’s Just Thrive Probiotics, Renew Life Probiotics, and Peptiva Probiotics, to name just a few.
Prebiotics and probiotics are both essential in promoting gut health. One gives food to helpful bacteria (prebiotics) while the other adds helpful bacteria to further promote gut health (probiotics). A healthy balance of taking these two will improve your gut health in the long run.
How To Take Prebiotic Supplements
Just like with other supplements, prebiotic supplements come in capsule or pill form. So, to take it, simply take it the way you take our capsule or pill medicines. Occasionally, prebiotics also come in powder form, which you can mix into a coffee, a smoothie, or just water.
When it comes to dosage and intake, different supplements may require varying dosages. Simply make sure to check out the recommended intake of the supplement of your choice.
Do Prebiotic Supplements Really Work?
Yes, prebiotic supplements really work, and are often beneficial for everyone!
To know which prebiotic supplements really work from which don’t, always check the label and see how many nutrients you will get from it.
Also, if you know someone who uses prebiotic supplements, ask for their recommendation. If not, you can search the internet for reliable blog sources or other media channels that give truthful recommendations and are not just merely ads.
To conclude, before you invest in a prebiotic supplement – as with most supplements – do the research and work first. It will take some time and effort on your part in doing a little research to be sure that you are getting the right product.
Are Prebiotic Supplements Right for You?
Under normal circumstances, prebiotic supplements work well with most people, so it will mostly work well with you, too.
However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a certain medical condition, it is best to consult your doctor first before adding prebiotic supplements in your diet and health routine.
Best Prebiotic Supplements
Seed
Our number one choice for best prebiotic supplement has to be Seed. Seed is a daily synbiotic, which means it is a combination or a probiotic and prebiotic. This supplement includes numerous strains of healthy bacteria that have been clinically studied. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, preservative-free, and vegan. Seed provides numerous health benefits including support for digestive health, skin health, heart health, gut immune function, and more.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON SEEDGundry MD Bio Complete 3
Another one of our top choices is Bio Complete 3 from Gundry MD. Gundry MD makes a large variety of supplements, including Total Restore, Gundry MD Primal Plants, and Gundry MD Vital Reds. Gundry MD Bio Complete 3 is a three-in-one supplement that provides a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic formula. While it is designed to support optimal gut health, Bio Complete 3 also helps fight muscle aches, combats food cravings, reduces gas and bloating, and boosts energy.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON GUNDRY MD BIO COMPLETE 3ActivatedYou Morning Complete
ActivatedYou Morning Complete is a great choice for a prebiotic supplement. It contains scientifically tested ingredients and blends, such as a green superfood blend, a metabolic blend, and an antioxidant blend, among others. Morning Complete’s formula is vegan-friendly and provides benefits such as regulating digestion, being rich in antioxidants, and being easy and simple to use.
SAVE UP TO $225 ON ACTIVATEDYOU MORNING COMPLETEBulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic
If you do not like taking supplements in capsule form, then this powder supplement from Bulletproof is a great alternative. This blend of prebiotics helps increase good gut bacteria, facilitate digestive health, and even assists in immune support. It’s a great supplement to add to your morning smoothie. Bulletproof makes a variety of other health and wellness products as well, including Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil, which we also reviewed highly.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON BULLETPROOF INNERFUEL PREBIOTICOra Organic – Trust Your Gut – Vegan Prebiotic & Probiotic
This prebiotic/probiotic supplement is perfect for someone who wants to add both probiotics and prebiotics to their diet. 6 different probiotic strands make up this blend that aids in digestive health and immunity. With over 20 billion probiotic strands in a single serving, it’s a great way to improve your gut health. Plus, it’s vegan!
GET THE BEST PRICE ON ORA ORGANIC TRUST YOUR GUTRae Pre + Probiotic Dietary Supplement Capsules
This, similar to the Ora supplement, is both a prebiotic and probiotic supplement. This supplement helps increase the health of your digestive tract while also impacting your immune system in a positive way. These capsules are easy to take and affordable compared to most options.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON RAE PRE + PROBIOTICYuve – Vegan Prebiotic Gummies Supplement
If you don’t like taking pills, nor do you like adding powders to your drinks, then these prebiotic gummies are perfect for you! Made with 5 billion live cultures, these gummies are both affordable, vegan, and great quality.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON YUVE VEGAN PREBIOTIC GUMMIESPrebiotic Supplement Alternatives
The best alternatives to prebiotic supplements are simply foods filled with prebiotics. These can range from leeks, onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, apples, and more! If you find that you don’t like taking a prebiotic supplement, just try adding some of these foods to your daily diet.
Final Thoughts: Best Prebiotic Supplements
If you are thinking about adding a prebiotic supplement to your diet, now is a great time to try it out. Prebiotic supplements are easy and safe supplements, plus they add a variety of health benefits. You’ve read our guide and know the best prebiotic supplements to take, so pick the one that is right for you. If you start taking a prebiotic supplement and experience any negative symptoms, contact a medical professional for help.
