The health of your stomach is really important for how healthy you are overall. It doesn’t just help with digesting food, but also helps your immune system, how you feel mentally, and even how healthy your heart is. Probiotics, tiny living things in some foods, are super important for keeping your stomach healthy. They help good bacteria grow in your stomach, which helps your body work better.
If you’re looking to incorporate more probiotics into your diet for improved gut health, here are 12 excellent options to consider:
- Yogurt: often contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health.
- Kimchi: This traditional Korean dish consists of fermented vegetables, typically napa cabbage, carrots, and radish, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Pickles: Opt for fermented pickles found in the refrigerated section of health food stores, as they contain probiotics that contribute to gut health.
- Sourdough: This type of bread is made using a sourdough starter, which contains lactic acid bacteria and natural prebiotics.
- Kefir: A fermented milk drink made using kefir grains, kefir packs more probiotics than yogurt and is known for its tangy flavor.
- Kombucha: This fermented tea drink is rich in probiotics and offers the added benefits of tea antioxidants.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage is a probiotic-rich food that can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to sandwiches and salads.
- Miso Soup: Made from fermented soybeans, miso paste adds a savory flavor to soups and sauces while providing probiotic benefits.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Twice-fermented apple juice contains natural probiotics and is often used in salad dressings and marinades.
- Some Cheeses: Aged cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, and Gouda contain probiotics and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Pickled Vegetables: Look for lacto-fermented pickled vegetables to add probiotics to your meals.
- Buttermilk: Traditional buttermilk, the liquid leftover from churning butter, is a probiotic-rich beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used in baking and cooking.
Incorporating these probiotic foods into your diet can help support a healthy gut microbiome and improve your overall well-being. So, go ahead and whip your gut into shape with these delicious and nutritious options!
