Why include probiotics in a health and wellness routine? Because probiotic foods and supplements can help you build a happy, healthy microbiome. Your microbiome is the combination of all the microorganisms in your body—including bacteria and yeasts.
A healthy microbiome is linked to better digestion, enhanced immune response and even production of certain enzymes and vitamins. In fact, much of our immune response is centered in the gut, so when our guts are healthy, overall health is supported, too. It’s no wonder the busy microbiome community is sometimes called our “second brain.”
So it makes sense to think about populating your microbiome with beneficial organisms, specifically live probiotics. Think of it like building good neighborhoods that will support the broad community of your body. Fortunately, there are many ways to get active probiotics into your system.
Drinks rich in probiotics
The best probiotic drinks include kefir, drinkable yogurts, fizzy tonics, hydrating juices and a dazzling variety of kombucha drinks. Fun fact: Did you know that kombucha is fermented with a SCOBY: symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast? The SCOBY acts as the starter or probiotic source, and it’s placed in sweetened tea to effervesce and multiply into the ‘booch we know and love.
Probiotic food list
Tart, sour, spicy, piquant, even stinky—probiotic foods can be uniquely delicious. So add slices of lacto-fermented pickles to your next sandwich. A helping of sauerkraut or kim chi can add crunch and zest to your next power bowl or breakfast scramble. Yogurt, even non-dairy yogurt, can also be a source of friendly bacteria (check the label for live, active cultures).
Probiotic supplements
A reliable way to obtain probiotics to support digestive health is to take a probiotic supplement. Be sure to choose a product that has been clinically researched. Strains to look for include Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 (makes its home in the small intestine) and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (thrives in the large intestine).
For a truly well-rounded supplement, support your healthy fungi (yeast) profile by adding live Saccharomyces boulardii. This remarkable good yeast has the ability to support healthy gut flora† Probiotic All-Flora from New Chapter delivers all three researched microorganisms to keep your gut happy and healthy, along with fermented prebiotic herbs.†
However you infuse your life with the power of probiotics, we hope you enjoy ongoing balance thanks to these tiny, living helpers!
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.