Best Sources of Probiotics: Foods, Supplements, and Drinks

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit your health when consumed in adequate amounts. They can help balance your gut flora, support your immune system, and prevent or treat various digestive disorders.

 

But where can you find probiotics? Here are some of the best sources of probiotics that you can include in your diet.

 

Foods

 

Looking to boost your gut health? Look no further than fermented foods! Fermentation, where bacteria or yeast break down sugars, not only creates delicious flavors and extends shelf life, but also produces beneficial probiotics. These live bacteria can improve your gut health, a key factor in overall well-being.

 

Some of the most common fermented foods that are good sources of probiotics are:

 

Yogurt: Yogurt is one of the most popular and widely available probiotic foods.

Unleash the gut-loving power of yogurt! This creamy treat, made from milk fermented by friendly bacteria like lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, offers a delicious way to:

• Support digestion: Yogurt can help your digestive system run smoothly.

• Boost immunity: It might give your immune system a helping hand.

• Lower cholesterol: Some studies suggest yogurt can contribute to healthy cholesterol levels.

For the most benefit, choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with “live and active cultures” on the label. These cultures are the key players in promoting gut health.

 

Kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is similar to yogurt, but with a thinner consistency and a tangier flavor. It is made by adding kefir grains, which are cultures of yeast and bacteria, to cow’s or goat’s milk. Kefir has more diverse and potent probiotics than yogurt, as well as other nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. Kefir can help improve your digestion, fight infections, and reduce inflammation. You can drink kefir plain or add it to smoothies, cereals, or baked goods.

 

Sauerkraut: Hailing from Europe, especially Germany, sauerkraut isn’t just a flavorful side dish or condiment. This finely chopped cabbage undergoes fermentation by lactic acid bacteria, making it a probiotic powerhouse. Packed with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron, sauerkraut can improve digestion, prevent constipation, and even boost your immunity. Enjoy it raw or cooked – your gut will thank you!

 

Miso: Beyond its use in Japanese soups, sauces, and marinades, miso offers a world of health benefits. This fermented paste, made from soybeans, rice, barley, or other grains, is a probiotic powerhouse. Packed with protein, antioxidants, and minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc, miso can contribute to improved digestion, lower blood pressure, and even liver protection. Just remember to keep it cool – overheating can destroy the beneficial probiotics.

 

Tempeh: Tempeh is another fermented soy product that has a firm texture and a nutty flavor. It’s high in probiotics, protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and phytoestrogens (plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body). Tempeh can also lower cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and reduce menopausal symptoms. You can bake, fry, or grill tempeh and use it as a meat substitute.

 

Kimchi: Kimchi is a spicy Korean dish made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables, and is rich in probiotics.

 

 

Probiotic supplements

 

If you don’t like or can’t eat fermented foods, you can still get probiotics from supplements. Probiotic supplements come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, or gummies.

 

They contain different types and amounts of probiotic strains, which may have different effects on your health.

 

If you’re looking for the best probiotic supplements, you might want to check out these three top brands:

 

Culturelle: This brand goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. They offer specialized probiotic formulas for digestive health, women’s health, immune support, and more. Their secret weapon? A science-backed strain called Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, clinically proven to survive harsh stomach acid and reach your gut, where it can thrive and contribute to your overall health.

 

Bio-Kult: This brand caters to your unique needs! They offer a variety of products packed with multiple live bacteria strains. Whether you’re a man, child, traveler, or looking to support mood or gut health, they have a formula for you. They even have a prebiotic and probiotic blend specifically designed to promote gut healing and a strong immune system.

 

Symprove: This brand takes a refreshing approach to probiotics! Their unique liquid delivery system ensures the live bacteria reach your gut alive and ready to work their magic. Plus, their delicious mango and passion fruit flavored drink boasts four strains of beneficial bacteria and caters to dietary needs by being gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

 

These are just some of the best probiotic supplements on the market, but you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

 

Probiotic drinks

 

If you’re looking for some tasty and healthy probiotic drinks, here are three options you might want to try.

 

First, there’s kombucha, a fermented tea drink that contains live bacteria and yeast. Kombucha can help improve your digestion, immunity and mood.

 

Second, there’s kefir, a dairy-based drink that is similar to yogurt but has more probiotics and less sugar. Kefir can boost your bone health, lower your cholesterol and fight inflammation.

 

Third, there’s water kefir, a vegan alternative to dairy kefir that is made with water, sugar and kefir grains. Water kefir can hydrate you, detoxify you and balance your gut flora.