What Foods Contain Healthy Bacteria?

In your gut, you have good bacteria and bad bacteria. When the bad bacteria outnumbers the good, you can have stomachaches and poor digestion, and you can feel lethargic due to malabsorption of nutrients. The good bacteria, also known as "probiotics," helps to put your gut back into balance. This friendly bacteria can be found in several different foods.

Dairy

Yogurt is a fermented derivative of milk. It comes in various flavors, and it is high in calcium and high in protein. Some varieties have added fiber. But one of its other attributes is its content of good bacteria. Some particular types of good bacteria are lactobacillus, bifidus and acidophilus.

Kefir is another type of probiotic that is derived from dairy. It is more runny than yogurt, but it has all the same bells and whistles with the addition of B-vitamins. It too comes in different flavors.

Cabbage

Sauerkraut is a made out of fermented cabbage. It has a particular strain of good bacteria called lactobacilli plantarum, and it is good for the immune system. It helps prevent cancer, and it can also stop the flu virus from taking place. When it comes to the gut, sauerkraut helps create antibodies that fight E. coli and salmonella. It helps with the digestion of lactose, and it also helps reduce the growth of yeast.

Kimchi

Kimchi is another dish that is made with cabbage that is a good source of healthy bacteria. It originated in Korea, where it is still one of the most popular foods today. It is made with the addition of garlic, chili peppers, salt, vinegar and other spices.

Tea

Teas are known for their healthy benefits to the body, such as boosting the immune system and increasing metabolism. But one type of tea called kombucha is fermented and has beneficial bacteria in it.

Soy

There are many soups that can be made with all sorts of ingredients. But there is only one soup that has healthy bacteria. It is called miso, and it is made from fermented soy. Other fermented soy products that have beneficial bacteria include tempeh, natto, soy sauces and fermented soy milk.