Natural Ways to Add More Probiotics to Your Diet

You’ve probably heard about the ‘good’ bacteria that keep your gut healthy and digestion in check. And while there are dozens of probiotic supplements out there, one of the best ways to make sure these microorganisms are flourishing in your gut is simply by eating certain foods.

Fermented products contain certain strains of bacteria and you’ll find a lot of dairy products have high concentrations of good bacteria. Here are some of your best bets for adding more probiotics to your diet:

Try Kombucha or Kefir

Fermented beverages, such as kombucha or kefir, are a great source of healthy bacteria and can help soothe your stomach. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s rich in probiotic cultures. It’s known for helping improve digestion and can be a refreshing morning beverage. Kombucha is a fermented black or green tea that contains bacteria and yeast colonies. Kombucha or kefir make a great mid-morning drink and you’ll find them in a variety of flavors.

Enjoy a Yogurt Parfait

Probiotic yogurt, combined with some antioxidant-rich berries, granola, and honey, can be a healthy way to start your day. Plus, this combo is loaded with probiotics which can help improve digestion and support gut health.

Make It a Miso Day

Miso is fermented soybean paste and is easy to mix into a broth for a tasty soup. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber. You can mix it with other healthy foods, such as soybeans and brown rice to make a tasty and satisfying meal.

Snack on Pickles

You don’t have to be pregnant or hormonal to enjoy some pickles with lunch or as a snack! Most people don’t know that the pickling process happen after cucumbers have been fermented for a while. This is what gives them that sour taste -- it’s not only from the salt and water solution they’re stored in. Eating pickles can help with digestion and keep your gut healthy.

Know Your Cheese

Certain types of cheeses are loaded with healthy bacteria, while other aren’t really a source of the probiotics you’re looking for. Your best bets for probiotics are aged cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar and Gouda cheese. Cottage cheese made with full-fat milk is also a nutritious snack and a good source of probiotics.

Eating a variety of probiotic foods can keep your gut healthy which in turn, can have a positive effect on your skin! Try adding some of these tasty foods to your plate to improve digestion and overall health.

What are your favorite probiotic foods? Share in the comments below!