According to MayoClinic.com, probiotics show potential in treating digestive problems, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics are also called "good" or "friendly" bacteria and are usually present in the digestive tract, but by eating foods that are cultured or fermented, a person can increase their presence. Boosting their numbers encourages healthy digestion by working to eliminate unhealthy bacteria that cause illness. Many foods are available that contain probiotics and incorporating them into a healthy diet will promote health. Fermented foods are the main source of probiotics in foods. Probiotic supplements are also available at health food stores.
Yogurt
Yogurt, a fermented milk product, has been marketed for digestive health for several years. Many kinds of yogurt contain probiotics that increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the body, which relieves stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea. According to Usprobiotics.org, as yogurt is fermented, the probiotics are cultured so they multiply. Activia is one brand of yogurt that is marketed specifically for digestion due to its probiotic content, but consumers can choose from various yogurts as long as the label states it contains live, active cultures. Yogurt can also be made at home by purchasing starter cultures that you add to milk, or by adding a little of your favorite plain yogurt to milk.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage; unlike pickles, it does not contain vinegar. The fermentation forms lactic acid, which contains several strands of probiotics. The health website The Conscious Life reports that the juice from sauerkraut is an effective treatment for digestive ailments like diarrhea. Sauerkraut is typically used as a topping for hot dogs, but many people enjoy eating it as a side dish. NaturalNews.com says that sauerkraut should be unheated, or raw, because it preserves the probiotics and that the canned varieties found at the supermarket are just as beneficial if they meet this requirement. Look for a brand that doesn't contain chemical preservatives, as these may be more likely to contain active probiotics.
Kefir
According to The Conscious Life, kefir is made by adding kefir grains to cow, goat or sheep milk and allowing the mixture to ferment. Kefir grains are essentially bacteria and yeast combined. This popular health drink in parts of Europe is available at many grocery stores in the United States as well. Kefir has many kinds of probiotics that have positive effects on the digestive tract. Kefir is simple to make at home and involves mixing kefir grains into milk, then allowing it to culture.
Miso
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese food made by inoculating soybeans, barley or brown rice with a fungus called koji and allowing it to ferment. It is then used as a seasoning. The Conscious Life recommends adding miso to hot soup right before removing it from the heat to preserve its probiotics. Miso can also be served as a dip or spread for vegetables or crackers. Miso is widely available at specialty supermarkets and at many regular grocery stores.
References
- The ConsciousLife: Top Probiotic Foods You Are Not Eating
- Natural News: Heal Your Gut with These Probiotic Foods
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Introduction to Probiotics
- MayoClinic.com: Is It Important to Include Probiotics in a Healthy Diet?
- Usprobiotics.org: Probiotics Basics
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