Prebiotics vs Probiotics: and Why You Need Both

Your gut microbiome is like a bustling city filled with trillions of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses .

When this ecosystem is balanced, it supports not only digestion but also influences everything from mental health to immunity and skin vitality. Think of a balanced gut microbiome as your body’s invisible health HQ.

A healthy microbiome helps keep inflammation in check, strengthens your immune system, and supports the production of essential nutrients. Studies show that an imbalance in your gut—called dysbiosis—can weaken your skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and signs of aging.

Essentially, a well-fed, well-balanced microbiome equals a more robust immune system and youthful, glowing skin.

Diversity is crucial for a balanced gut.

Just like a diverse diet keeps our bodies healthy, a diverse microbiome helps our gut function at its best. Research shows that people with a wider variety of gut bacteria often have stronger immune responses, fewer digestive issues, and even improved mental well-being.

Each type of gut bacteria has its own strengths, working in concert to support everything from nutrient absorption to fighting off pathogens.

So, how do you foster this diversity? That’s where prebiotics and probiotics come into play.

Probiotics are live, “friendly” bacteria that directly benefit your gut health. Think of them as the welcome guests that bring life to the party. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, and they work by enhancing the existing bacterial population in your gut. By introducing new strains, probiotics help keep harmful bacteria in check, boosting immunity and aiding in digestion.

When you have a rich and varied community of probiotics, they produce beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help maintain a healthy gut lining. This is essential for immunity, as around 70% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut! 

A strong, resilient gut helps prevent unwanted particles from leaking into your bloodstream, reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system's first line of defence.

Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria, prebiotics are the fuel that keeps these bacteria thriving. Prebiotics are types of fiber that our bodies can't digest but are perfect food for gut bacteria. They’re found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and whole grains. 

By nourishing beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help them multiply and thrive, enhancing their ability to protect and support your gut health.

Without prebiotics, probiotics may struggle to thrive and maintain balance in the gut. When you provide your friendly bacteria with the fiber-rich foods they need, you create the ideal environment for them to do their job, whether that’s producing essential vitamins or bolstering your immune response.

Introducing OTIS SKINCARE’s NOURISH YOUR GUT – PROBIOTICS with PREBIOTICS supplement, designed to support a balanced, diverse gut microbiome.

A blend of ‘friendly’ Probiotic bacteria strains known to benefit gut health, immunity and skin health - Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Lactobacillus Plantarum, and Lactobacillus Paracasei.

Along with the Prebiotics:

• Marine Polysaccharide Complex and
• Fructo-oligosaccharide plant sugars.

Both of these act to feed the good bacteria.

Taking probiotics regularly not only helps increase the beneficial bacteria population but also improves gut resilience, giving you that glow from the inside out.

NOURISH YOUR GUT makes it easy to boost your gut health even when you’re busy, making sure you’re supporting your body’s natural defences all day every day.

How long does it take to see the benefits of probiotics?
It varies per person, but many people notice improvements in digestion, energy levels, and skin clarity within 2-4 weeks of consistent use.

Can I get enough probiotics from food alone?
Yes, but it can be challenging to get the variety and strength of probiotics needed from diet alone. Supplements provide concentrated doses to fill in any gaps.

Are probiotics safe to take daily?
Absolutely. Daily probiotic intake is generally safe for most people and can support gut health over the long term.

Do probiotics help with problem skin?
Yes! Probiotics can reduce gut inflammation, which is linked to skin issues like acne and eczema. A healthier gut often leads to clearer, more resilient skin.

For a healthier gut, stronger immunity, and radiant skin, understanding the difference between prebiotics and probiotics is key.

Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria, and probiotics help maintain a strong bacterial community in your gut. Together, they support everything from digestion to immune strength to clear skin.

OTIS SKINCARE’s NOURISH YOUR GUT – PROBIOTICS supplement offers an easy, effective way to build a healthy, resilient gut microbiome that works in harmony with your wellness goals.

References 

Belkaid Y, Hand TW. Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation . Cell. 2014 Mar 27;157(1):121-41. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011. PMID: 24679531; PMCID: PMC4056765.

Shreiner AB, Kao JY, Young VB. The gut microbiome in health and in disease . Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2015 Jan;31(1):69-75. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000139. PMID: 25394236; PMCID: PMC4290017.

Jieying Ou, Zhuo Wang, Xiaofei Liu, Bingbing Song, Jianping Chen, Rui Li, Xuejing Jia, Riming Huang, Wenzhou Xiang, Saiyi Zhong,

Regulatory effects of marine polysaccharides on gut microbiota dysbiosis : A review, Food Chemistry: X, Volume 15, 2022, 100444,

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O'Sullivan L, Murphy B, McLoughlin P, Duggan P, Lawlor PG, Hughes H, Gardiner GE. Prebiotics from marine macroalgae for human and animal health applications . Mar Drugs. 2010 Jul 1;8(7):2038-64. doi: 10.3390/md8072038. PMID: 20714423; PMCID: PMC2920542.

Bowe WP, Logan AC. Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis - back to the future? Gut Pathog. 2011 Jan 31;3(1):1. doi: 10.1186/1757-4749-3-1. PMID: 21281494; PMCID: PMC3038963.