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Many individuals are becoming more aware and interested in probiotics because of their many health benefits. While you can take probiotic supplements, there are many probiotic foods that you might not be aware of. Listed below are just a few probiotic foods to consider adding into your diet, as well as their benefits.

What Are Probiotics?

Before going into listing the probiotic foods, it is important to understand and know what probiotics are first. The best probiotic foods contain good bacteria. These good bacteria (probiotics), help to regain the supply of beneficial microbes you already have in your gut (gastrointestinal tract).

Your gut, is filled with trillions of tiny bacteria. There are good bacteria, but also harmful microbes. This environment that they live in is called your gut microbiome and the microbes living inside there are collectively known as the gut flora.

Your gut health can be affected when your harmful microbes outnumber the good one. This imbalance may lead to what is called, “a leaky gut syndrome.” This can occur when there are weaknesses in the lining of your intestines, allowing toxins to enter your digestive system.

So, in order to protect your digestive system and its health, you need to make sure that you are consuming plenty of beneficial microbes. This is where probiotic foods come in to play. You may have heard of some, or you might be learning about this for the first time. Let’s take a look at the top best probiotic foods to add to your diet as well as talking about their benefits to help protect your gut.

Kombucha

You are able to get probiotics through certain drinks such as kombucha. The fermented tea is packed with bacteria that helps support digestion, inflammation, increases your immunity and is a liver detoxifier. Some of these bacteria also play a role in producing cellulose, a substance that helps protect your cells.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is one of the best probiotic foods out there. You may have had it as a side dish, or as a topping, and you never realized the benefits it can provide. This amazing food is filled with probiotics.

In fact, it has several beneficial strains of good bacteria that contributes to your healthy gut flora. These microbes are not only helpful in absorbing nutrients but they also protect you from certain digestive issues.

Kimchi

This is closely related to sauerkraut because both come from fermented cabbage. The fermentation process is what produces the good bacteria that can help digestion. There are other benefits of this Korean dish as well.

Kimchi contains soluble fiber, which can help lower the levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also known as your “bad” cholesterol in your blood. Fiber also provides a feeling of fullness, so you will be less likely to consume too much at the dinner table.

Miso

This soup base is consumed for breakfast for many people in Japan. Miso paste can also be used to season vegetables and other foods. Not only is miso packed with probiotics, it also contains vitamin K, zinc, iron, copper, manganese  and B vitamins.

Other Probiotic Foods

These are just a few more probiotic foods that you might want to consider incorporating into your diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar– This is a beverage that has been around for centuries. It is filled with probiotics to keep your weight down, reduce blood sugar levels, and controlling cholesterol.

Tip: drinking straight Apple Cider Vinegar can harm your esophagus and may damage tooth enamel. It is encouraged to stir 1 teaspoon of ACV into an 8oz. of water.

Beet Kvass– This fermented drink originated in Russia. Beets are not only a great source of probiotics, but contains fiber and potassium as well.

Kefir– This is a fermented dairy product with a combination of milk and fermented kefir grains. Kefir is similar to yogurt, but because it is fermented with yeast and more bacteria, the final product is higher in probiotics.

The Wrap Up

As you can see, the best probiotic foods deliver a substantial amount of health promoting digestive benefits. These benefits not only help protect you gut health but also your overall health. However, you should always talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your eating routine.