These days, you may be hearing a lot about probiotics, but the fact is that they are not something that is new. The word probiotic has a Greek origin which means ‘for life’. They are a type of good bacteria that can provide protection from bad or harmful bacteria in the body. Probiotics are found in fermented food and today, they are also available in supplement form. A number of studies have shown that probiotic foods can really aid in digestion. So, here’s a look at some of the common probiotic foods that you can consume for proper and healthy digestion.
Yogurt
Yogurt is the most common source of probiotics. Studies have suggested that probiotics can help find relief from lactose intolerance, diarrhea and other common digestive problems. If you are considering yogurt as your source of probiotics, ensure that you buy varieties that contain active and live cultures.
Miso Soup
Miso soup is made from fermented soybeans and it is a Japanese staple. If you visit a Japanese restaurant, you may be served miso soup with your sushi. But, you can also prepare this soup at home. You can follow the traditional recipe and make the soup from scratch or you can buy soup mix from the supermarket and simply prepare it by adding water and bringing it to a boil. Soups are great before a meal so consuming miso soup before you start your meal can really nourish your digestive system.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a side dish that is a staple of the Korean culture. This probiotic food is quite spicy and therefore anyone who has not tried it before needs some time to get used to it. Kimchi is a food that is known to prevent digestive disorders. It is available in supermarkets, mostly in the refrigerated food section.
Bananas
Bananas offer many health benefits and one of them is that it aids in digestion. The colon is the main part of the digestive system and when you eat bananas, you don’t only get fiber, but you also get digestive bacteria that improve colon health.
Sauerkraut
Made up of cabbage, sauerkraut is another side dish that is similar to kimchi. It contains immune boosting vitamins that can keep infections at bay. Sauerkraut is mainly consumed in Germany and other European countries. It comes in various styles and can be eaten in many different ways. It goes as a great accompaniment with any meal.
Kefir
Kefir is a probiotic filled drink that is thick and creamy. It has a taste that is similar to yogurt, but contains specific strains of probiotic bacteria as well as some helpful yeast varieties. This drink is a better probiotic than milk because of its fermentation process. According to a number of studies, kefir is believed to be a complex probiotic.
Sour Pickles
Some sour pickles, especially those that have been naturally fermented are a good source of probiotics. The growth of good bacteria can be promoted by using a mixture of water and sea salt. Naturally fermented pickles can be really helpful when trying to get relief from digestive disorders.
