Probiotic Foods and the Gut
You can get the many benefits to fermentation from your diet by eating delicious foods such as yogurt, cultured vegetables, kefir, and miso. As you eat these fermented foods, you’re introducing friendly bacteria, commonly called probiotics into the digestive system of your body.
What they do in foods, they do in your gut – they easily repel the pathogenic bacteria, but not just that, they also help in breaking down nutrients for your body to absorb easily.
Back to the original question though - What Probiotic foods really are and are these foods beneficial?
The conclusion has always be clear for me and countless studies. Probiotic foods CAN prove to be very beneficial to your body.
These foods are natural and traditional, providing you with the enzymes that your body needs to function properly.
So here are some great probiotic foods, their benefits, that are great for your gut.
1. Kombucha-This is made by simply fermenting sweetened tea with yeast and blend of bacteria. After the fermentation process, the result is a carbonated drink that has probiotics, enzymes, acids and vitamins. This probiotic food can lessen joint pain, improved immune support and digestion as well as increased energy. This is also a perfect alternative to juice drinks and soda. (just be careful to select one that doesn’t have lots of numbers in the ingredients list).
2. Kimchi-It is considered as a staple food in Korea. It is pickled cabbage with a small amount of spice. Just like the fermentation of Kombucha, the health properties of kimchi are almost the same.
3. Miso-It is a Japanese seasoning that is made from fermented barley, rice or soybeans. This probiotic food is considered as the main ingredient in cooking miso soup. The best thing about this probiotic food is that it offers many health benefits. It can regulate your digestive system and at the same time lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease.
4. Yogurt-This is considered as the most popular probiotic food. It is a fermented dairy product with lactic acid and milk. This creamy and smooth treat is loaded with beneficial bacteria. It is highly recommended for those people who are suffering from yeast infection and for those who are taking antibiotics.
5. Kefir-It is a fermented dairy product that is also known as heavy hitter. It is a drinkable yogurt with tart flavor. It is fully packed of essential nutrients such as magnesium, folate, calcium, vitamin B12 and probiotics.
6. Tempeh-It is made from soybeans which has a cake-like evenness when it is bound together with a fungus. It is a well-known meat substitute for vegan people. It is packed with minerals, vitamins and proteins.
7. Sourdough Bread- It is made from a starter that contains lactobacillus and yeast. Since the ingredients are carefully fermented, the level of healthy bacteria increase and your digestive tract enjoys its benefits.
8. Sauerkraut -Is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria. It has a long shelf life and a distinctive sour flavour, both of which result from the lactic acid formed when the bacteria ferment the sugars in the cabbage leaves. It is a high source of Vitamin C & K, calcium, magnesium, fibre, iron and is low in calories. It is a known probiotic which aids digestion
Though some people are still doubtful whether probiotic foods are good for their health, I have seen with many clients the benefits of a balanced microbiome (good & bad bacteria) has made on weight loss, bloating, gas, bowel movements, brain function, energy and many more.
When our gut is in a healthier state, your body can then work through all the processes it needs too.
So if you haven’t tried any probiotic foods before maybe now it time.
If your not sure about how to get started or you’d like to discuss your health further, book an appointment or a your complimentary 30 minute call so that we get your gut feeling good again.