By now, you\u2019ve probably heard a lot about probiotics. They\u2019ve been front and center of the health industry for the last few years and their popularity continues to grow, especially for immunity. Chances are, they could be right for you too. Here we explain everything you need to know about probiotics, their benefits, food sources and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
What are probiotics? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotics are good-for-you bacteria that benefit your health<\/a> and especially your digestive tract. Your body contains both good and bad bacteria which can become unbalanced due to certain medications or health issues, leading to bloat, gas and digestive upset. Probiotics are live microorganisms that rebalance or restore gut flora. \u00a0Probiotics, which are the same or similar to microorganisms found naturally in our bodies, can be found in foods, supplements, and even beauty products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotic benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 80% of your immune system resides in your gut<\/a><\/span>, if you keep your GI tract healthy, it will bolster immunity<\/a><\/span> and overall health too. Well-known benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting probiotics through food and drink is probably most\nbeneficial, but if extra support is needed, you can use a supplement. Here are\nsome of the best probiotic foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yogurt<\/strong> \u2013 Look for whole fat, organic or grass-fed\nyogurt with live, active cultures. These are loaded with good bacteria, mainly\nlactic acid and a strain called bifidobacteria. Avoid the sugary kinds which\nhave little to no benefit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kefir<\/strong> \u2013 Helps ease bloating and gas caused by dairy.\nIt\u2019s made by adding kefir grains, which are cultures of lactic acid bacteria\nand yeast, to milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tempeh<\/strong> \u2013 This high-protein, meat-like soybean product promotes mineral absorption.<\/a> It also delivers B-12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kimchi <\/strong>\u2013 Usually made from cabbage, this Korean side\ndish supports GI health due to its Lactobacillus kimchi content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sauerkraut<\/strong> \u2013 This finely shredded, fermented cabbage is chock-full of bacteria to boost immune system and gut flora. It\u2019s also high in fiber and Vitamins B, C, and K<\/a>. Look for unpasteurized sauerkraut with live, active bacteria available online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kombucha<\/strong> \u2013 Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that may\nhelp combat overproduction of candida yeast in the gut while promoting\ndigestion and good bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Miso<\/strong> \u2013 This Japanese seasoning made with soybeans,\nsalt and a type of fungus, stimulates the digestive system and supports immune\nsystem health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional buttermilk<\/strong> \u2013 Not to be confused with the cultured buttermilk commonly found in American grocery stores, traditional buttermilk delivers a range of probiotics along with Vitamin B-12<\/a>, calcium and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fermented cheeses<\/strong> \u2013 Only certain types of cheese\ncontain good bacteria including gouda, cheddar, cottage, swiss and parmesan.\nCheese is also nutritious and benefits bone health as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If probiotic foods and drinks don\u2019t appeal to you, you may be interested in taking a probiotic supplement<\/a><\/span>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main strains of probiotics, Bifidobacteria<\/em>\nand Lactobacillus<\/em>. They are often abbreviated as B. and L. respectively.\nA combination of various strains is usually more effective than a single strain\nand more colonies is better than fewer. These colonies are referred to in units\ncalled CFUs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The best probiotic<\/a><\/span> food and drink<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Probiotic supplements and strains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are the most popular types of probiotics:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n