How Probiotic Supplements Can Benefit Health
Health

How Probiotic Supplements Can Benefit Health

While there are bacterias that make you sick, known as bad bacteria, you would be surprised to know that there are good bacterias too! Probiotics are live bacterial cultures and yeasts that are considered extremely good for your body, especially the digestive system. These good bacteria can be found in supplements and fermented foods (i.e., yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut) and help us keep our guts healthy.

 

While research is still being conducted on exactly how probiotics work, experts believe that when the immune system is compromised, ‘good bacteria’ is also low.  Probiotics help to replace the bad bacteria and restore the balance of good bacteria so that the digestive system functions optimally.

 

There are many types of bacteria that are classified as probiotics, but the main two types are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium:

 

  • Lactobacillus is what you find in yogurt and fermented foods. Depending on the nature of the strain, these good bacteria can help ease diarrhea and also aid digestion of sugars, such as those in milk.

 

  • Bifidobacterium is found in some dairy products and is largely used to cure symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

 

The following probiotic rich foods contain a good amount of good bacteria, and are highly recommended in your diet:

 

  1. Yogurt

Yogurt is nothing but milk that is fermented into friendly bacteria. While yogurt is largely responsible for several health benefits, including bone strength, it can also help reduce symptoms of diarrhea, IBS, gastric upset, and maintain a good balance of homeostasis. This works perfectly on your gut as yogurt increases the colony of friendly gut bacteria.

 

  1. Kefir

This grain is unlike the cereal grain, and actually probiotic cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Kefir is a milk drink that sort of resembles cauliflower. This is a highly potent probiotic aids healthy gut function and also helps in the wound healing process.

 

  1. Sauerkraut

When life gives you cabbage, make sauerkraut! One of the oldest traditional foods in many European countries, this popular side dish or sausage topper is also a probiotic supplement that’s also rich in fiber, sodium, iron, and manganese. Sauerkraut contain antioxidants which are also beneficial for eye health. Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that’s fermented with lactic acid bacteria. You can buy it from any market or even make your own at home.

 

  1. Tempeh

 

This is a fermented soybean product originated in Indonesia, but it’s now world-renowned among vegetarians and vegans. During the fermentation process, tempeh produces vitamin B12, which is commonly found in animal foods, which is why it’s so beneficial to non meat eaters.

 

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