Probiotic Foods
What are Natural Probiotics anyway? These are the healthy bacteria that colon cleansers and probiotic supplements usually contain. They are usually called “probiotics” or “friendly bacteria.” These healthy bacteria actually populate the gut and help keep it healthy.
The good news is that many people today have access to both: natural prebiotic and probiotic supplements from organic foods. Here is a simple example of how you can get your daily dose of helpful bacteria right from your favorite foods: raw cabbage. The most widely used (and easiest to find) ingredient for supplements containing digestive enzymes are called “pickled cabbage.” Pickles, which are in fact a type of vinegar, can be pickled for up to three days and stored in any stainless steel container, although it is better stored in its original plastic container.
Most health food stores and online retailers carry a range of pickled cabbage products. You can find them in all different colors, as well as various forms such as pickled juice and pickled kimchi. Since fermented foods (also known as sauerkraut and sprouts) also contain live cultures, they also make excellent substitutes for natural probiotics. Many of these fermented foods come in pickling jars and boxes.
Probiotic Foods For Your Supplement Needs
When looking for probiotic supplements, it is best to go with those that are made from all-natural ingredients. It is also important to use high-quality products that are well-known brands. Ideally, you should be able to find an entire box of them with just one shipment. To maximize your benefits, you should always remember to pick your foods (raw vegetables and fruits) that are also fermented.
Probiotic supplements are usually formulated with cultures that have been grown in the same location for several months and then processed to kill any unwanted bacteria, enzymes, or yeast. The benefits of probiotics are numerous and can improve not only your digestive health but your overall health as well. Probiotic bacteria are able to provide a natural barrier to hinder the growth of harmful yeasts, and can also provide some relief from irritable bowel syndrome and certain allergies. They can also be used to treat conditions such as antibiotics and Candida (yeast infections). The best part is, probiotics can keep thriving once you make the switch to a healthy lifestyle!
While probiotic foods can be found in most grocery stores and health food stores, there are some supplement companies who source their products directly from farms that grow their own raw ingredients. There is no guarantee that you will get the same beneficial levels of probiotics as you would when eating fermented foods, but it is a proven fact that eating plenty of raw vegetables and fruit will provide a higher level of probiotic bacteria than you can get from processed foods. You may be interested in finding probiotic foods that are specifically made for supplement use, especially those that are organic. These will typically contain a smaller amount of beneficial bacteria than other types of fermented foods, and you should consult a dietician or a medical professional to identify which types of probiotic foods are right for your needs. Many brands of probiotic foods for supplement use include Acidophilus powder as an important ingredient.
