What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in our large intestine. They help break down fiber that we are unable to digest as well as fight off any foreign bacteria that isn’t good for us. This is how probiotics help us maintain a health immune system all year long!
Why Should You Incorporate Probiotics into Your Diet?
The microbes found in probiotics are good microbes that work together to reach a balance in your body and promote gut, immune, and mental health. Considering there are ten times more bacterial cells than human cells in your body, you need to be sure you are feeding your microbes nutrients, so they stay strong and abundant.
Probiotics and Immunity
Immune system health is an important topic right now as we are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Consuming probiotics can be a great way to boost your immune system and aid in fighting off infection and illness. When you consume probiotics, the microbes work together to build up a defense against the bad microbes trying to enter your gut. This defense mechanism aids in digestion while contributing to the overall strength and effectiveness of the immune system.
How Can I Start Adding Probiotics into My Diet?
You can consume probiotics through food or supplements. Some examples of probiotic-rich food sources include:
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Sourdough bread
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kefir
- Fermented cucumbers
Any other fermented food source, such as miso, tempeh, and kimchi are also great options.
What about prebiotics, are these the same?
They are NOT the same, prebiotics are a type of fiber found in many foods that our body cannot digest, but the probiotics in our gut can. Prebiotics are food for beneficial microbe, helping them flourish and prevent unfavorable microbe from overgrowing. When incorporating probiotics into the diet, it is also important to take prebiotics in as well. They are found in legumes, oats, berries, and fruits.
To learn more about probiotics click here and here
Learn how to make these delicious Probiotic Breakfast Bowls and Frozen Kefir Bark recipes.
Learn how to make Frozen Kefir Bark: