The Best Probiotic Foods for a Healthy Gut
You probably know that the foods you eat can affect your body in different ways. But did you know how many different ways you can be affected?
Did you know that your diet can influence your...
Immune system?
Mental health?
Acne?
Mood and emotions?
How is it that our gut health affects our overall health so much? Recently, new research has been developing concerning our microbiome, the trillions of bacteria in our gut. Our microbiome is linked to almost everything, so it's crucial that we keep our microbiomes in balance.
Our diet plays a huge role in our microbiome, meaning that you are in control of building a better microbiome! Probiotics are bacteria that are good for your gut. Here are some probiotic-rich foods that you should implement into your diet.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is stock full of live and active cultures and is also high in calcium! Cottage cheese pairs super well with berries for a sweet breakfast, or with scallions and peppers to make for a savory snack.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean fermented-cabbage dish that provides a kick of flavor. Along with being full of probiotics, it can reduce inflammation and improve your immune system.
Sauerkraut
The cabbage found in sauerkraut is fermented with lactic-acid bacteria, which helps keep your gut in balance. On top of that, it is high in fiber, aiding digestion.
Yogurt
Yogurts naturally contain probiotic cultures that benefit your digestive tract. Strains of Greek yogurt also add specific probiotics to give your gut a boost. Add in fruits and granola to make a quick and healthy snack.
Miso
Miso is a fermented soybean-based paste found in many traditional Japanese dishes. Along with being rich in probiotics, it is also high in protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium. However, it is high in sodium, so use it sparingly.
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life BalanceExecutive Health Navigation with Dr. Dooreck | Private Healthcare Navigation and Advocacy
Accessibility ➕ Navigation ➕ Advocacy
By application onlyClick for Executive Health Coaching or Executive Health Navigation with Dr. DooreckPickles
Cucumber pickles that are brined in saltwater and fermented are full of good bacteria. Additionally, pickle spears are full of vitamin A, K, and potassium, improving blood, cell, and heart health. Consider adding a few chopped pickles to your next salad or wrap.
Kombucha
The reasoning behind the recent "kombucha craze" is the fact that the drink is full of health benefits. Essentially, kombucha is a fermented tea made with sugar, tea, bacteria, and yeast. Along with probiotics, it has tons of antioxidants that boost your immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar
As its name may suggest, this is a vinegar made from fermented apple sugars. The acetic acid found in this vinegar can aid digestion and weight loss. It makes for a delicious salad dressing, but its abrasive taste may take some getting used to.
Although probiotics provide your body with many benefits, it is important to know about the potential negatives as well. Find out more in this past blog post:
Here are some takeaways on this from a public health point of view.
While maintaining a healthy diet is important, balance and moderation are ultimately the keys to staying healthy. Be sure to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before implementing drastic dietary changes.
Personally
I eat a high fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.
"Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿"
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life BalanceExecutive Health Navigation with Dr. Dooreck | Private Healthcare Navigation and Advocacy
Accessibility ➕ Navigation ➕ Advocacy
By application onlyClick for Executive Health Coaching or Executive Health Navigation with Dr. Dooreck✴ Connect with Dr. Dooreck on LinkedIn where he focuses his sharing on Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.
gastroenterology | colonoscopy doctor | colonoscopy and gastroenterology services | gastro doctor | gi doctor | gastrointestinal diagnostic centers | public health