It is official: Probiotics now have a cult following. Have you taken a stroll through any convenience store lately? Well, if you have, then their popularity and ultra-effective benefit is no secret. From being infused into pizzas, bread, pickles and chocolate, brands now list “live cultures” on hand sanitizers, breath mints and mouthwashes.

There seem to be good reasons for the hype. Probiotics are certain bacteria, that when taken in the right doses, can add good microbes to your intestinal tract, help with weight loss, and boost overall mental health. According to some research, “a healthy microbiome is instrumental in staving off inflammation, a risk factor involved in illnesses like colds, cancer, heart diseases, arthritis, and cognitive decline [1].”

Want to live healthy and happily ever after? Chow down some probiotics, apparently. Unfortunately, it’s not that straight-to-the-point. Caveats abound with this perception, since our digestive system play host to over 3,000 species of good bacteria, with each playing a different disease-fighting role. So what should you do?

You can never go wrong with Yogurt and Kefir
Yogurt

Microbes convert milk into yogurt and kefir, giving them that slightly tangy taste and creating the needed probiotics. These smooth, creamy dairy products have been fingered as healthy and containing different types of active microorganisms. You should try them out.

Discover the joys of pickles
Pickles

Naturally culture your own pickles and veggies with water, salt and spices. Right from your kitchen, try tossing them in some green beans, carrots and beets to get awesome results. For some guidance on how to keep bad bacteria out, follow recommendations by Pickl-It on how to use jars with special airlocks.

Try out some soymilk
Luckily, there are a handful of foods that aren’t dairy but can give some probiotic power. Cultured soymilk is definitely one. Comparable to yogurts, it is already bolstered up with vitamin D and calcium, making it a great boost for live, active cultures. With its suitability for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant, it is easy to see why it is so popular.


For more on the benefits of probiotics, visit https://www.befantastico.com/probiotics-why-you-need-to-start-taking-them-asap/