Probiotics

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 What are probiotics? Should I be taking them? 


Probiotics are living microorganisms that when consumed have many health benefits. Microbes in your gut regulate your intestines, digest food, and fight against infection. By consuming good bacteria, it protects against invading illness & dangerous bacteria. Try adding these probiotic foods into your diet: 

  • Kefir (also Coconut Kefir) 
  • Cultured Vegetables (Sauerkraut & Kimchi) 
  • Kombucha
  • Yogurt (aim to buy organic, grass-fed or labels that read "Live Active Cultures") 
  • Raw cheese 
  • Apple cider vinegar 
  • Greek yogurt 
  • Tempeh* 
  • Miso* 
  • Pickles (high sodium) 
  • Traditional Buttermilk 
  • Natto* 
* Contains soy  

As far as probiotic supplements, personally I advise not buying refrigerated probiotics because there is no way of telling if they were refrigerated during their transition to the store - you could be buying very expensive probiotics with dead organisms. 

My favorite probiotics are the NOW Foods Probiotic-10 25 Billion (not a paid-advertisement, just my favorite). 

Things to look for in probiotic supplements: 

1. Probiotics contain CFU (Colony-forming units), look for your probiotics to include at least 10 billion CFU and at least 9 strains. 

2. Look for 3rd party verification from places like Consumer Lab, USP or NSF international. These third parties test products for fillers, quality and purity. 

3. Good probiotics have prebiotics in them as well! 

If you struggle with constipation or GI irregularity, try adding a probiotic to your daily routine! 


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