Probiotics may be defined as live microorganisms that provide a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts such as improved digestion and better immunity.
Much like things such as bathtub stoppers, ropes, and eggs a common misconception is that there’s only one kind of probiotics – that which is found in yogurt, however, they can also be found in many other forms of food as well as supplements.
Here are some tips for incorporating probiotics into your diet.
Buy Probiotic Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to add probiotics to your diet is to eat with ingredients that contain them naturally.
Start with yogurt. Yogurt contains active, live cultures that are beneficial to the gut, providing good bacteria. Try adding it to salads, smoothies, or soups.
Kefir is another popular probiotic-rich food. It can be used as a drink on its own or added as an ingredient in cooking recipes such as kefir pancakes or kefir smoothies.
Again, sauerkraut can be added to many dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and stir-fries. Yet again, miso paste is also a good source of probiotics and adds flavor to soups and marinades.
Make Your Own Probiotic-Rich Food
Making your own probiotic-rich food is generally easy and economical.
For example, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi are easy to make at home. All you need is the right vegetables, salt, and a few other ingredients (some recipes may include spices or herbs). The fermentation process will take a few days but the result will be worth it.
You can also make your own probiotic-rich drinks such as kombucha and kvass. How? Start by buying a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) or starter kit. Then follow the instructions in the package.
Supplements
If you’re looking for an easier way to add probiotics to your diet, consider taking a probiotic supplement. To find a suitable one, research different brands and read reviews for comparison. For example, some brands may contain more live cultures than others. Look for one that contains multiple strains of bacteria to ensure maximum benefit.
Probiotic supplements can be taken daily or as needed to support healthy digestion and immune system function. Once you pick a supplement, work to incorporate it into your daily routine, such as taking a capsule after breakfast or with a smoothie at lunch.
However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to ensure that it is safe for you.
Incorporating probiotics into your diet for the numerous health benefits can be easy when done right. Start by introducing ingredients that are naturally rich in probiotics such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your daily meals. For a hands-on approach, buy some SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). If not, all sorts of probiotic supplements are available for those who are busy.
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