Prebiotics Explained: How They Boost Gut Health and Immunity

When it comes to gut health, probiotics tend to steal the show. But there's another player that doesn't get enough credit: prebiotics.

If probiotics are the A-list celebrity, prebiotics make it all work behind the scenes — they’re the private chef, personal trainer, and glam squad all in one. They help probiotics shine, and that’s why prebiotics are a game-changer for your health too.

So, what exactly are prebiotics, and how can they boost your wellness? Let’s break down the science, explore the benefits, and uncover easy (and tasty!) ways to add them to your routine for a healthier, happier you.

🤔 PREBIOTICS VERSUS PROBIOTICS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Probiotics are helpful gut bacteria that keep your digestive system in check. 

Think of prebiotics as your probiotics' favorite food. While our bodies can’t digest these special fibers, the beneficial bacteria in your gut thrive on a good prebiotic feast.[*]

But they don’t just nourish your probiotics. 

Prebiotics also create the perfect environment for even more helpful bacteria to flourish. This creates a healthy gut microbiome, where well-fed probiotics have the numbers and strength to keep harmful bacteria, inflammation, and other health issues at bay.

👉 TL;DR: Both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for gut health. But without prebiotics, your probiotics would struggle to survive — and everything from your digestion to your immunity would take a hit.[*]

🍌 WHERE DO PREBIOTICS COME FROM?

Natural prebiotic sources are everywhere — especially in fiber-rich foods! Here’s a handful of some of the best natural sources of prebiotic foods for gut health, digestion, and more:[*][*]

VEGETABLES: Garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, chicory root, tomatoes, seaweed, cabbage, eggplant, and dandelion greens

• FRUITS: Bananas and apples

LEGUMES: Chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas

GRAINS: Whole grain rye and barley, oats, and wheat bran

NUTS AND SEEDS: Almonds, pistachios, and flax seeds

NATURAL SWEETENERS: Honey and agave (and agave inulin!)

Many prebiotic supplements on the market use the inulin, starches, and other non-digestible fibers from these foods to create more concentrated prebiotic products. The goal? To help you capture:

🌟 THE TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF PREBIOTICS

Now that we’ve covered how prebiotics work, let’s dive into the most impressive ways they elevate your health and wellness. Here’s what the science says about:

🦠 PREBIOTICS FOR GUT HEALTH

There’s a ton of research on using prebiotics for digestive health and overall gut health support. 

Prebiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome — the community of bacteria living in your intestines — by boosting the good bacteria and crowding out the bad. When your gut’s in balance, you’re less likely to deal with digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.[*]

But it doesn’t stop there. 

A well-functioning gut also means better nutrient absorption, which means you’ll get more essential vitamins and minerals out of the foods you eat.[*] 

Prebiotics have even been linked to lower inflammation, which is fantastic if you struggle with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They also improve gut barrier function, which helps prevent or even treat leaky gut syndrome.[*]

🛡️ PREBIOTICS AND IMMUNITY

Did you know that up to 80% of your immune system lives in your gut?[*] That makes your gut your body’s first line of defense. 

According to researchers, prebiotics help stimulate the production of antibodies and immune cells that fight off harmful pathogens. This can reduce the severity and frequency of infections like the common cold.[*]

Like we mentioned earlier, prebiotics are also anti-inflammatory. They tackle short-term inflammation that makes you feel off and they help prevent chronic diseases linked to inflammation, like type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, chronic kidney disease, and even some cancers.[*][*][*][*]

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to strengthen your immune system — especially during cold and flu season — prebiotics are a powerful place to start.

⚖️ PREBIOTICS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Can prebiotics help with weight loss? Research says yes! 

Studies show regularly consuming prebiotics can lead to noticeable reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference.[*][*] Here’s why:

Prebiotics play a major role in appetite regulation. They help you feel fuller longer, making you less likely to snack between meals and more motivated to stick to your calorie deficit.

Plus, feeding the good bacteria in your gut produces short-chain fatty acids. These little powerhouses rev up your metabolism and may reduce fat storage, giving your weight loss journey an extra boost.

💆‍♀️ PREBIOTICS FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

The gut-brain axis is like a superhighway linking your microbiome and your noggin. This line of communication means your gut can influence everything from your mood and brain power to your mental health.[*]

This could help explain why people with IBS and other digestive disorders often face a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.[*][*][*] 

But here’s the good news: we can tap into this gut-brain connection to boost our cognitive well-being.

Research reveals that prebiotics, especially when combined with probiotics, can help improve moods and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.[*][*][*] So by nourishing your gut, you’re also giving your mental health a much-needed lift.

✨ PREBIOTICS FOR SKIN HEALTH

Scientists are now talking about a gut-skin axis![*] 

As it turns out, your gut microbiome can directly impact your skin health and even how quickly you show signs of aging.[*] 

An unhealthy gut often triggers skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.[*] But a healthy gut can lead to more radiant skin. 

By balancing your gut bacteria, prebiotics and probiotics can address the root causes of these skin problems — inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, bacterial imbalances, and more.[*] 

This gut-skin intervention has been shown to boost skin hydration, reduce wrinkles and visible signs of aging, and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, helping you glow from the inside out.[*][*][*] 

So now that you know why prebiotics are important for your overall wellness, you’re probably wondering:

📅 HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TAKE PREBIOTICS?

To fully experience all the benefits of taking prebiotics, consistency is key! Consuming them daily is the way to go. You can incorporate more prebiotic-rich foods into your diet, take a prebiotic supplement, or — if you're looking for a quick and convenient option — try our Elevated Drink Mix!

🍹 BARE BONES ELEVATED DRINK MIX: YOUR DAILY WELLNESS BOOST

Eating more prebiotic-rich foods is great, but when life gets hectic, convenience trumps everything. Enter our Elevated Drink Mix — the simplest way to ensure you're getting all the benefits of prebiotic fiber, no matter how busy your day gets.

Here’s what makes each super convenient stick a champion of health:

💪 COLLAGEN PROTEIN. With 5 grams of collagen protein, every sip supports your gut, skin, joints, muscles, and more — all while fueling your overall wellness.

🌱 ESSENTIAL PREBIOTICS. Agave inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that nourishes your beneficial gut bacteria, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and keeps your digestion on point.[*][*]

🍋 REAL FRUIT JUICE. Let the vibrant flavors of lemon, pineapple, cherry, and passion fruit juice turn hydration into a celebration! Get your essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and treat your taste buds in one go.

😋 GUILT-FREE, NATURAL SWEETNESS. Lightly sweetened with agave syrup, this low-glycemic alternative gives you that touch of sweetness without major blood sugar spikes or the dreaded sugar crash.

🌊 SEA SALT. Designed for active lifestyles, our travel-ready sticks include essential minerals and trace elements that support hydration and electrolyte balance to keep you hydrated and energized.

🙌 ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. Keep things fresh by switching between our Lemonade, Fruit Punch, and Passion Fruit flavors. Or mix them into mocktails, cocktails, smoothies, and cold bone broth recipes for a health boost that never gets boring. Unleash your creativity and get your taste buds cheering!

🪄 GIVE YOUR GUT A GLOW-UP WITH PREBIOTICS!

Adding more prebiotics to your diet is a simple yet powerful step to transform your health and wellness. They're like the fairy godmother of your gut, nurturing good bacteria to keep your digestive system humming and supercharging your immunity, weight loss efforts, mental health, and more.

💖 Our Elevated Drink Mix is pure wellness magic. Sprinkle this delicious multitasker into your daily routine to effortlessly sneak in more prebiotics, collagen, and hydrating goodness. Lemonade, Fruit Punch, or Passion Fruit: choose your flavor adventure now!

Our mission at Bare Bones is to meet you where you are and nourish you with real, whole-food-based nutrients in the form that best fits your lifestyle. It’s time to give your wellness journey the upgrade it deserves! 💙