Studies have increasingly shown that probiotics can help alleviate the symptoms of many types of illness without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Certain probiotic organisms, “beneficial” bacteria which live in your digestive tract and are part of the natural microflora of your body, are thought to help with immune function and in the prevention of respiratory infections.
However, the most promising area in which probiotics may provide health benefits is in treating digestive ailments. If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, gas, and cramping, you may benefit from the intake of probiotics through diet and supplementation. These conditions, if unchecked, can lead to more serious health problems down the line.
To help avoid diarrhea and gas, you should avoid heavy, greasy foods, and should try to incorporate more food rich in probiotics into your daily meals. You’ve probably heard that yogurt and kefir are great sources of probiotics, but there are other foods you might not be aware have probiotic benefits.
- Sauerkraut and its spicy Korean cousin, kimchi, contain the probiotics leuconostoc, pediococcus, and lactobacillus, and are also rich in vitamins C, B, and K. Sauerkraut and kimchi are even more nutritious than raw cabbage, because the fermentation process makes it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. Make sure you choose non-pasteurized sauerkraut and kimchi, since the pasteurization process destroys the enzymes and probiotic organisms.
- Miso soup, a popular Japanese breakfast food made with soybean paste called miso, contains over 150 probiotic species. It is also high in antioxidants, B vitamins, dietary fiber, protein, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Acidophilus milk is milk fermented with probiotic bacteria known as lactobacillus (the same bacteria that give sourdough bread its characteristic flavor.) Buttermilk, which is cultured with lactic acid bacteria, is also a great source of probiotics.
- Tempeh is a fermented soybean patty with a higher amount of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins than tofu. Tempeh is an excellent meat substitute and is high in natural probiotics.
- Kombucha tea is a fermented tea drink made with living cultures of probiotic bacteria and yeast. It contains acids and enzymes that are thought to aid in digestion and detoxification.
You may also want to supplement your natural intake of probiotics with a supplement such as RobKellerMD® G.I. Balance ™ (GIB) our probiotic supplement to aid digestive health and help control the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition to aiding with digestion, the probiotic organisms contained in GIB may also support your urinary tract and immune system.
Take charge of your health by supporting your body’s natural functions with the addition of dietary and supplemented probiotics for better health and wellness. Find out about Glutathione and the impact on your immune health.