I've been doing some research (again!) on ways to replace the good bacteria in my system.
And for all the Yogurt Lovers out there-
Here's to You!
First stop on our Probiotic Food List is:
Yogurt (surprise, surprise!) :)
Yogurt is probably the most duh! source of probiotics -- "good" bacteria that keep a healthy balance in your gut. Studies suggest that probiotics can help ease lactose intolerance. They also may help tame gas, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. You can pay extra for special digestive yogurt brands, but any with "live and active cultures" listed may help.
Number Two:
Sauerkraut. Yum. Oh, yum.
Personally, I make this delicious stuff at home, canning fresh cabbage with hot water and sea salt. It prefer it cold, but then, most people can't even stand the taste of the stuff.
Choose the unpasteurized kind, because pasteurization (used to treat most supermarket sauerkraut) kills active, good bacteria. This sour, salty food -- and the similar but spicy Korean dish, kimchi -- is also loaded with immune-boosting vitamins that may help ward off infection.
Number Three:
Kefir. Think Blueberry Smoothie with a playful twist.
According to legend, kefir dates back to the shepherds of Eurasia's Caucasus Mountains. They discovered the milk they carried tended to ferment into a bubbly beverage. Thick, creamy, and tangy like yogurt, kefir has its own strains of probiotic bacteria, plus a few helpful yeast varieties. This stuff can be made at home with live cultures that you can easily buy from the store, plus, who doesn't love smoothies? My fav recipe: blueberries, stevia, and crushed ice. Boom-baby!
Number Four:
Sourdough Bread. Like, who knew?
The next time you make a sandwich, pay close attention the what's holding your favorite combo. This delicious bread, like San Francisco's famous sourdough bread, packs a probiotic that may help digestion.
Number (wait, where was I? Oh yeah- ) Five:
Sour Pickles.
When looking to pickles for probiotics, choose naturally fermented kinds, where vinegar wasn't used in the pickling process. A sea salt and water solution feeds the growth of good bacteria and may give sour pickles some digestive benefits.
When looking to pickles for probiotics, choose naturally fermented kinds, where vinegar wasn't used in the pickling process. A sea salt and water solution feeds the growth of good bacteria and may give sour pickles some digestive benefits.
A little Info on Prebiotics vs. Probiotics:
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
While probiotic-foods have live bacteria, prebiotic foods feed the good bacteria already living in your gut. You can find prebiotics in items such as asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, oatmeal, red wine, honey, maple syrup, and legumes. Try prebiotic foods on their own or with probiotic foods to perhaps give the probiotics a boost.
Hope that helps-----
See you next time!
- L
