Everyday, there’s a war inside your gut. Good bacteria have been fighting bad bacteria and the result of this is essential in determining the status of your digestive health. Our goal is for the good bacteria to win over the bad ones once and for all. How will you reinforce the power of the good ones? Probiotics!
You may have heard about Probiotics before, but do you know what they’re all about?
Probiotics are live bacterial cultures which can be found in fermented foods. They are believed to be beneficial to our health and that’s why they are called “Pro”. Probiotics and fermented foods help rebalance your gut by creating an environment where the good guys can regain strength. Research has found how effective they are and how the microbes will survive considering the, sometimes hostile, environment of the stomach and many people have been seeing significant results by eating foods containing probiotics.
Here are some of the best sources of natural probiotics you can consume to get your gut back in check:
Dark Chocolate
According to researchers, eating around 1 or 2 ounces of organic dark chocolate every day could have major health benefits especially related to gut health. While dark chocolate contains key vitamins and minerals, researchers attribute its superfood status to our gut microbes. Friendly gut bacteria supports the break down and fermentation of the compounds in dark chocolate. This process helps create an anti-inflammatory effect inside the stomach. So the next time you walk through the grocery store, grab a bar of dark chocolate but remember to consume it in moderation
Greek Yogurt
This is one of the most popular probiotics of the fermented foods family. It is made by adding two strains of bacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, into pasteurized milk. The thickened milk is produced by the bacteria which becomes the finalized creamy product. Greek yogurt also has a higher amount of helpful bacteria called probiotics in it because it is more concentrated than regular yogurt.
Green Peas
The good bacteria inside green peas may raise the level of IgA antibodies in your immune system. These types of antibodies are often found in the lining of your airway and digestive tracts and can help “enhance mucosal barrier function,” according to some studies. Pass on the canned stuff, but add fresh ones to pasta, salads, and omelets for a delicious and tasty meal
Kimchi
This is an Asian fermented food made from veggies such as cabbages, radishes, and scallions. It is seasoned with red pepper paste, salted shrimp or kelp powder. This dish is believed to make you slim but there’s more to just getting fit. The unique strains which come from this food are perfect to help support gut health.
Green Olives
The probiotic potential of olives may be one of the more compelling reasons to eat them. According to the American Society for Clinical Nutrition, two strains of live cultures, Lactobacillus plantarum , and Lactobacillus pentosus, have been isolated in olives, with L. plantarum showing great potential for helping you achieve optimal gut health. This strain can help balance your gut bugs and decrease bloating, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Pickles
Sour cucumber pickles contain moisture, energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugars. Naturally, fermented pickles encourage the growth of friendly bacteria, which will help replenish the good bacteria in our digestive system.
Miso
You’re probably familiar with it in the appetizer ‘miso soup’ you get in restaurants, but you can also find this traditional Japanese paste commonly in supermarkets. Miso helps stimulate the digestive system, strengthen the immune system, and is a great source of B vitamins, vitamin E, K and folic acid.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a low-calorie, high-protein source of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, folate and vitamin A. Remember that dairy products are packed with slow-digesting, muscle-building protein and have been shown to enhance probiotic absorption. Dietitians may also remind us to be cautious in choosing cottage cheeses since some of them are high in sodium which can cause bloating and increase the risk of hypertension when consumed in excess.
Coconut Kefir
One of the great natural sources of Probiotics. It is made by fermenting the juice of young coconuts with kefir grains. This dairy-free option for kefir has some of the same probiotics as traditional dairy kefir but is typically not as high in probiotics. However, it still has several strains that are beneficial for your health. Coconut kefir has a great flavor, and you can add a bit of stevia, water and lime juice to it to make a great-tasting drink.
There are many healthy probiotic foods you can eat which are easily accessible through supermarkets and grocery stores. If these food options aren’t to your liking, there is another, convenient way to receive all of these probiotic benefits.
Nature’s Branch 50 Billion Probiotic is our recommended probiotic supplement of choice. Made with 50 billion CFU live cultures, 15 powerful strains, and all natural ingredients, our probiotic comes in easy to swallow, one a day, delayed release capsules suitable for men, women, and children. Containing over 10 times more live cultures than many other brands, our highest potency probiotic supplement promotes the restoration of natural balance, reduction of gas bloating, healthy bowel movements and an increase in energy.
Taking care of your gut health doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many healthy probiotic foods you can consume which are easily access through supermarket and grocery stores. By considering good sources of probiotics mentioned above, you’ll get to enjoy a balanced gut, effective digestion and ultimately, optimal health.
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