Nourishing News

Most people have heard that they need probiotics, but do you know how to get them (other than yogurt) and why it is so dang important? Take three minutes to learn more!

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that optimize gut function. Our body contains more microbes than it does human cells!! Those microbes can either promote health or illness depending on the type. While there is a lot of hype around getting rid of bacteria, this is one type that you WANT in your body! Antibiotics don’t discriminate what types of bacteria they are killing, and will often deplete you of your good bacteria, leaving you with digestive issues. Whenever you finish taking antibiotics, you will want to increase your intake of probiotic rich foods.

Probiotics Help You Absorb Nutrients

Probiotics assist our body by breaking down foods and making the nutrients more bioavailable to our cells. They are an important part of digestion, and without them we can experience discomfort and poor nutrient absorption. There are also studies that are linking probiotics to mental health. Studies have shown that probiotics can decrease anxiety, manic episodes, and depression. (*Please note, probiotics are not a replacement for prescribed medications) This is promising research in the link between gut health and mental health!

How Do I get More Probiotics?

These are the foods that are the best sources for probiotics. Remember that sugars feed (and therefor help multiply) “bad” bacteria, so make sure your sources are not also full of sugar! Probiotics are also living organisms, so if a fermented product has been pasteurized, those organisms are killed in that process.

• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Buttermilk
• Sauerkraut
• Natto
• Kombucha
• Yogurt (remember to look out for sugar)

If you are new to eating these foods, add them in slowly, don’t go crazy all at once. Taking in too many probiotics suddenly will likely upset your stomach, causing gas and discomfort.

Enjoy!

With Love & Gratitude,

AnaAlicia