Probiotics are live microorganisms — often called “good bacteria” — that help balance your gut microbiota and are naturally in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.
When your gut is disrupted — by stress, antibiotics, or processed food—probiotics can help restore balance by replenishing helpful bacteria. Meta-analyses show probiotics may modestly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in clinical populations, and may also boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) while reducing inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).[1]
Probiotics help with supporting digestion and nutrient absorption, strengthening immune defenses and balancing mood and reducing inflammation.
If probiotics are the tenants in your gut, think of prebiotics as their food. These are types of dietary fiber — like inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) — that resist digestion in the upper GI tract and ferment in the colon, feeding beneficial bacteria, aka probiotics.[2][3]
Prebiotic fibers support long-term gut health, your immune system, as well as regulate blood sugar and promote fullness, making them a wellness staple.
