Probiotics are, essentially, the good bacteria used to fight off the bad bacteria in our bodies. “Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body,” according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; “Among adults, probiotics or prebiotics were the third most commonly used dietary supplement other than vitamins and minerals.” Probiotics are known to be a popular and highly effective way to maintain or store healthy microorganisms into your body allowing for improvement in your digestive tract, fighting disease-causing cells, preventing vaginal or urinary infections and more!
Consuming Probiotics
WebMD offers great advice on different options to receive the maximum amount of probiotics into your food regime. Below are a few recommendations to definitely consider for yourself!
- Yogurt is the most traditional way to intake probiotics. It’s convenient and you can incorporate whatever fruits or nuts to cater to your taste buds.
- Supplement pills are taken once a day or as often your doctor suggests. Probiotics pills can be found over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
- Sour Pickles are pickles soaked in sea salt and water instead of, commonly, vinegar. This combination is what promotes the growth of the good bacteria in the pickles.
- Sourdough bread is surprisingly baked in rich amounts of probiotics. It’s still “bread” so try to consume in moderation with other healthy additions to your meal.
- Miso soup is a breakfast entre from Japan that has become a popular food option here in the U.S. This soup contains high amounts in, not only, probiotics but in vitamin B and other antioxidants.
These are just a few of many ways to increase your probiotic intake. If you are unable or won’t consume these choices, consider requesting more information and recommendations from your trusted doctor. There are so many other great ways to help promote a healthful lifestyle and probiotics is one of them!
