My Greatest Probiotic Foods You Should Be Eating

Are you getting enough probiotic-rich foods in your diet? 

Chances are you’re probably not. 

Probiotics are essential for your digestive health, which most people already know.

But did you know there are hundreds of other health benefits of consuming probiotic-rich foods that you might not be aware of?

In this article I want to cover my favourite probiotic foods you should consider adding into your diet today and how they can benefit you.

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Probiotic Foods Benefits Are Amazing

Probiotics are good bacteria that primarily line your gut and are responsible for nutrient absorption and supporting your immune system. 

If you don’t have enough probiotics, the side effects can include: digestive disorders, skin issues, candida, autoimmune disease and frequent colds and flus.

Historically, we had plenty of probiotics in our diet from eating fresh foods from good soil and by fermenting our foods to keep them from spoiling.

However, today because of refrigeration and dangerous agricultural practices like soaking our foods with chlorine, our food contains little to no probiotics and most foods today actually contain antibiotics which kill off the good bacteria in our bodies.

By adding more probiotic foods into your diet, you could see all of the following health benefits:

Stronger immune system

Improved digestion

Increased energy from production of vitamin B12

Better breath because probiotics destroy candida

Healthier skin, since probiotics improve eczema and psoriasis

Reduced cold and flu

Healing from leaky gut and inflammatory bowel disease

Weight loss

Sound good?  If you want all of these benefits, then it’s time to start consuming these probiotic foods for better health.

#1 Kefir 

Similar to yogurt, this fermented dairy product is a unique combination of milk and fermented kefir grains.  Kefir has been consumed for well over 3000 years and the term kefir was started in Russia and Turkey and means “feeling good”. It has a slightly acidic and tart flavor and contains anywhere from 10 to 34 strains of probiotics.  Kefir is similar to yogurt, but because it is fermented with yeast and more bacteria the final product is higher in probiotics. 

#2 Yogurt 

Possibly the most popular probiotic food is live cultured yogurt or greek yogurt made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep. Yogurt in most cases can rank at the top of probiotic foods if it comes from raw grass-fed animals. The problem is there is a large variation on the quality of yogurts on the market today.  It is recommend when buying yogurt to look for 3 things. First, that it comes from goat’s or sheep milk, second, that it is grass-fed, and third, that it is organic.

#3 Cultured Vegetables

(Sauerkraut and Kimchi) – Made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables, sauerkraut is not diverse in probiotics, but is high in organic acids (what gives food its sour taste) which support the growth of good bacteria.  Sauerkraut is extremely popular in Germany today. Kimchi is a cousin to sauerkraut and is the Korean take on cultured veggies.  Both of the fermented formulas are also high in enzymes, which can aid digestion.  

#4Pickles

Pickles are the gateway ferment. Not only do they provide a healthy dose of probiotics, they're a familiar food item and have a taste that many people already love—including those who may hold their nose at the idea of eating fermented foods.

#5 Kombucha –  Is an effervescent fermentation of black tea that is started by using a SCOBY also known as a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha has been around for over 2,000 years originating around Japan. Many claims have been made about kombucha, but its primarily health benefits include digestive support, increased energy and liver detoxification.  

#6 Kimchi 

Think of this spicy Korean dish—typically made from fermentedcabbage—as a beauty food, as well as an energy-booster. It can help "enhance digestion and nutrient assimilation," she explains. "You may also notice, with improved digestion, an improvement in the look of your skin".

I have several great recipes that I want to share with you.

Dip with Raw Cashew Nuts

Quinoa and Kefir Pesto Bowls

Be Healthy