What is the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics?

WHO, WHEN, AND WHAT APPLICATION TO USE?

Probiotics and a healthy digestive system are a hot topic in the "healthy" lifestyle world, and for good reason. By better understanding our microflora, we can more fully comprehend the universe that lives within us and the critical role it plays in our overall health and well-being.

On one hand, there is a growing number of clinical studies and research tracking the role of the microbiome within us, and on the other, we see an increasing number of products flooding the market, promising better health. And so, we can all easily get lost in the advertising noise.

Whether you are well-versed in the topic or just starting to take an interest in the health of your digestive system, it is not so easy to understand the difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. If you want to take care of your body and your health is not just a greeting card wish but a daily concern, this article is for you.

I. PROBIOTICS

Human microflora consists of ten different types of microorganisms, including good and bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others. We call probiotics the good bacteria that are our natural and constant helpers for being healthy, vibrant, and long-lived. These helpers for health, invisible to the naked eye, are the most numerous and significant part of the human body's flora. When there are disturbances in it, an imbalance of the entire body occurs. This is a prerequisite for the onset of disease-causing processes. Microflora imbalance has various manifestations, often slipping unnoticed into the busy everyday life of modern humans - bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, gas, poor digestion, irregular bowel movements (constipation), or diarrhea. These are symptoms with which various gastrointestinal diseases often begin.

We can take probiotics through food and supplements. But by taking a high-quality probiotic, we guarantee that our body will get enough of the good bacteria to interact with the gut flora and maintain balance in the digestive and immune systems, influencing overall health.
WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING PROBIOTICS, QUALITY AND ORIGIN MATTER!

There is data from various parts of the world proving that the composition of beneficial gut microflora is different and corresponds to the food and geographical region.
A multi-bacterial formula will be more effective if it contains those bacteria that are derived from the nature of the place where we live.

That is precisely why the creators of Lactoflor use only Bulgarian strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditional Bulgarian dairy products, isolated from ecological regions with preserved nature.
1. PROBIOTIC FOR PROPHYLAXIS

2. PROBIOTIC FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

LactoFlor Urobiotic is a powerful natural formula for the control and prevention of urinary tract infections with three active ingredients that contribute to its normal functioning. The probiotic product with D-mannose and cranberry supports the excretory activity of the body and assists the immune system.

Probiotic UROBiotic is a combined therapy for urinary tract infections (such as, for example, the *Escherichia coli* bacterium). It features:

• Uro-antiseptic action with a fast effect
• Fast recovery process
• Possibility for long-term use without side effects
• 100% natural, does not contain GMOs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings.

3. PROBIOTIC FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND FAST SOLUTION TO STOP DIARRHEA

LactoFlor Enteric Ecol is our fast and effective solution against diarrhea. The probiotic product contains yeast (*Saccharomyces boulardii*), which naturally stops stomach upset, while lactic acid bacteria (*Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Lactobacillus casei*, *Bifidobacterium bifidum*) restore the functions of the gut flora. The product is available in the form of capsules for children and adults.

The good bacteria in Enteric Ecol successfully pass through the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract and, reaching the large intestine, multiply and control the development of pathogenic bacteria. The product has an antitoxic, immunostimulating, and nourishing effect, which makes it a good anti-diarrheal.

Lactoflor Enteric Ecol is:
• Effective against diarrhea of various origins (caused by bacteria, virus, taking antibiotics, or while traveling)
• Reduces the severity and duration of intestinal inflammation
• Supports recovery after the acute phase of diarrhea and overcoming the symptoms of viral diarrhea
• Scientifically and clinically proven to provide beneficial effects for gastrointestinal health
• 100% natural, does not contain GMOs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings.

II. PREBIOTICS

Prebiotics are the food for probiotics. They are non-digestible carbohydrates - so-called fiber, found in certain foods like onions, garlic, asparagus, green bananas, chicory root, or in the form of supplements. They have a beneficial role in shaping the gut microflora together with probiotics.

Unlike any other component of the diet, prebiotics are the only ones that are not assimilated and absorbed in the human body. Fiber is resistant to temperature amplitudes, increased acidity, and enzymes in the stomach and passes through the entire digestive tract. What do they do there? They nourish, support, and stimulate the growth of probiotics.

Studies show that including enough prebiotic fiber in the daily menu has significant health benefits for the gut microflora and the body as a whole.

1. PREBIOTIC FOR IRREGULAR STOMACH
Why do we recommend Natural Fibers by Lactoflor?
Each sachet of the product contains 100% natural fiber in the form of inulin extracted from chicory root. More than 250 specific scientific studies and clinical tests confirm the beneficial effects of inulin for health, including the stimulation of bifidobacteria (prebiotic effect), helping with an irregular stomach, and increasing calcium absorption.

Lactoflor Fibers:
• Helps with an irregular stomach
• Has a clinically proven prebiotic effect
• Helps cleanse the body of toxins
• Helps with weight reduction
• Improves calcium absorption in the body - an important factor for healthy bones
• 100% natural, does not contain GMOs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings
III. SYNBIOTICS

Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics (the good bacteria) and prebiotics (the food for the probiotics), combined in one lozenge, capsule, or sachet. Synbiotics are becoming increasingly popular because prebiotic fiber stimulates the growth of various strains of good bacteria in the gut. This means that prebiotics have great potential to change the microflora.

The very combination of a probiotic with a prebiotic increases the benefits of intake - it maintains and restores the optimal balance of the gut flora, improves metabolism, lowers the percentage of body fat, reduces fatigue and stress, regulates calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and prevents damage from osteoporosis.
1. SYNBIOTICS FOR DAILY CARE, PREVENTION, AND PROTECTION OF THE BODY
1.1. LACTOFLOR BIOPLUS CAPSULES is daily care for gastrointestinal balance that supports the immune system.

It contains 7 strains of lactic acid bacteria with high biological value and natural fiber (inulin), which support digestive processes and the activity of "good bacteria." It is also enriched with two unique Bulgarian strains, *Lactobacillus bulgaricus* and *Lactobacillus rhamnosus*, and also contains *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Streptococcus thermophilus*, and *Bifidobacterium sp.* (*B. bifidum*, *B. longum*, *B. infantis*).
We recommend BioPlus Capsules because:
• 1 capsule gives the body 6 billion active good bacteria
• Suitable for prevention, detoxification, and longer-term intake
• Restores the balance of the gut microflora
• Improves digestion
• Inhibits the development of harmful bacteria, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action
• For strong immunity and gut health - for protection and prophylaxis of various health problems
• 100% natural, does not contain GMOs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings.
1.2. LACTOFLOR BIOPLUS TABLETS is a chewable synbiotic that supports oral hygiene.
The product contains 3 strains of probiotics: *Lactobacillus bulgaricus* LKZ-200, *Lactobacillus rhamnosus*, *Streptococcus thermophilus*, and prebiotics (inulin).

• 1 tablet contains 1 billion active good bacteria
• Helps with gum inflammation
• Prevents plaque formation in the oral cavity and fights bad bacteria
• Increases local immune protection in the oral cavity
• For gut balance and comfort
• Supports the prevention of gingivitis and stomatitis
• Thanks to the content of isomalt, it protects teeth from damage, reduces tartar formation, and reduces the risk of caries
• Suitable for diabetics
• 100% natural, does not contain GMOs, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings
2. HOW TO RESTORE GUT FLORA DURING AND AFTER ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT?

Lactoflor Opti6 is a powerful formula for strengthening immunity, achieved through balance in the gut microflora and immunostimulation. The probiotic contains 6 strains of lactic acid bacteria with high biological value and a prebiotic (inulin), which improve digestive processes. The beneficial bacteria in the product's composition are isolated from ecologically clean, preserved sources from Bulgarian nature.

We recommend Lactoflor Opti6 because:
• 1 capsule contains 20 billion active good bacteria
• Supports the activity of the immune system
• Restores the balance of the gut microflora
• Improves digestion
• Optimal absorption of valuable nutrients
• Inhibits the development of harmful bacteria
3. FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM OF BABIES OVER 6 MONTHS AND SMALL CHILDREN

Lactoflor Kids is a synbiotic that combines a probiotic (7 strains of lactic acid bacteria) with natural fiber (prebiotics).
• 1 sachet contains 5 billion active good bacteria
• Lactoflor Kids supports the immune system
• Restores gut balance
• No GMOs, sweeteners, colorings, or added preservatives
Science continues to discover more about the connection between the state of our microbiome and our health. The good news is that we can improve and regulate them through the intake of prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy and resilient immune system. Both probiotics and prebiotics can be obtained through our diet, but by taking them as supplements, we can be assured that we have provided ourselves with the necessary daily amount. Especially probiotics, which are a more effective tool for rebalancing the gut microflora, even more so after antibiotic treatment.

Proven health starts from within.
That is why the balance of our gut microflora is a key part of overall well-being.