Probiotics are similar to live microorganisms that normally live in the human digestive tract. Intestinal bacteria are important in keeping the digestive system healthy and working properly. When bacterial colonies are damaged, for example by therapy with antibiotics, the result may be diarrhea or other digestive disorders. Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking supplements containing probiotics may help keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy and may provide protection from harmful bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com.
Yogurt
The best known species of probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus, often just called acidophilus. Some research suggests that it supports immune function and helps relieve lactose intolerance. Many yogurts and yogurt-based drinks contain active cultures of several species of Lactobacillus, including acidophilus. These products must must be unpasteurized and not homogenized to avoid destroying the living cultures.
Fermented Soybeans
Several types of fermented soybean products are rich sources of probiotics. Natto is a type of fermented soybean used in Japanese dishes that contains Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic organism. Miso, another product made by fermenting soybeans, is also a good probiotic food. Miso is commonly added to soups or to other foods to make snack spreads. Both miso and natto may be purchased in some supermarkets and most Asian specialty stores.
Fermented Cabbage
Several types of fermented cabbage are also good sources of probiotics. Kimchi is a very spicy Korean dish that is a rich probiotic food. It contains Lactobacillus kimchii and other micoorganisms. If kimchi is used in cooking it should be added last to preserve the probiotics. Sauerkraut also is a good probiotic food that contains Lactobacillus and Pediococcus species of bacteria. Sauerkraut is available in most supermarkets and kimchi can be purchased at Asian specialty stores.
Member Comments