There's one aspect of our bodies that we often take for granted — our gut. The super trooper of a bodily system is responsible for the very survival of our species, allowing us to break down nourishment, rid the body of waste, and so much more. While doing sit-ups and planks may help the exterior of our bellies along with improving general core strength, the real asset is all inside. It should come as no surprise that taking care of our gut health should always be a top priority. One of the best things that you can do is a daily probiotic regimen. This allows our bodies to reap the benefits that the helpful bacteria within probiotics can offer. But aside from supplements, finding great sources of probiotics can be tricky. Here's a collection of some of our favorite dairy-based and plant-based food sources of probiotics.
Note: there are alternate ways to get the probiotics you need through supplements. Always consult your physician before taking any probiotics supplement(s).
A List Of Common Foods With Probiotics
1. Yogurt
Not only a delicious and healthy snack, yogurt also provides a generous portion of probiotics derived from fermented milk. Some sources say that the probiotics from yogurt have been associated with
improved bone health and are a beneficial supplemental treatment for high blood pressure. Just be sure to check that the yogurt contains live probiotic cultures.
2. Pickles
You may be surprised to learn that pickles are a fantastic source of probiotics, assuming they are not made with vinegar. The process of pickling cucumbers in a salt and water mixture allows the fermentation process to begin, and the pickles will begin to develop lactic acid bacteria, giving them that signature sour attribute. Because of this, pickles are a great way to get probiotics as well as keep calories at bay. They also contain a good amount of vitamin K.
3. Certain Cheeses
Mozzarella, Gouda, cheddar, and cottage cheese are all aged cheeses that contain loads of good bacteria. Cheese is an excellent source of probiotics due to its fermentation process, and it also contains lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage, usually shredded, that contains a ton of probiotics. It's often used as a hotdog or sausage topping or even as its own side dish. Aside from the probiotics, sauerkraut is also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. If you’re looking to get probiotics from sauerkraut, be sure to obtain unpasteurized sauerkraut as the pasteurization process eliminates any live bacteria.
5. Kefir
Kiefer is a probiotic drink derived from fermented milk. It's created by combining goat or cow milk with kefir grains. Studies have shown that Kiefer may improve bone health, digestive issues, and help protect against infections. It contains many different strains of friendly bacteria as well as yeast.
Probiotics Are the Gut’s Best Friend
Finding the right foods with probiotics can be a bit of a challenge, but if you know where to look, the benefits of active bacteria are waiting just around the bend. And if you're looking for an easy way to get your daily dose of probiotics, consider THE BOSS! IMMUNITY BAR.
Lenny and Larrys
