Probiotics, touted for their ability to improve digestive health, are available as dietary supplements and occur naturally in food. Probiotics are microorganisms that usually come in the form of bacteria. This type of bacteria occurs naturally in your gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are thought to help you digest lactose and are commonly used to treat medical conditions such as lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome. You don't have to rush out and buy a probiotic supplement to get the health benefits, instead try a few foods that already are rich in them.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut contains a naturally occurring probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum. This specific probiotic has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and colitis. When looking to buy sauerkraut at your local store, be sure that it has not been pasteurized. You'll also want to eat sauerkraut raw without cooking because the cooking process eliminates the helpful probiotics.
Yogurt
Recent hype in the yogurt industry has brought an onslaught of yogurts claiming to contain more probioics than other brands. While the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to investigate each of these claims, you can rest assured that no matter your yogurt choice, you're picking one that contains some probiotics. Yogurt is made using the live cultures of different types of probiotics. The yogurt you choose may just be a variation of strands, but each is promotes digestive health.
Kefir
Kefir is commonly used to treat lactose intolerance. Consuming fermented milk products can help improve lactose digestion according to researchers at Ohio State.
Kefir is fermented milk that comes in a slightly thicker substance. Kefir is similar to yogurt in taste, but not quite as thick. Kefir is a calcium-rich source that is often used in place of milk.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a soy product made from fermented soybeans. It comes in a flattened cake. Tempeh contains a high amount of probiotics. Most grocery stores and health stores carry tempeh. Some of the digestive health benefits associated with tempeh include improved digestion, reducing irritable bowl syndrome and diarrhea.
Miso
Similarly to tempeh, miso is made from fermented soybeans, grain and sea salt. Miso is commonly used as a seasoning, with its most common use being for soup in Japanese culture. Miso contains the digestive enzyme Lactobacillus. You can use miso to flavor your favorite recipes, but add at the end of food preparation to preserve the Lactobacillus. Never boil miso.
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