Learn How Probiotics Can Improve Your Digestive Health

Probiotics 101 For Everyone

What are Probiotics? They are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body. These bacteria inhabit your gut, mouth, urinary tract, skin, and lungs. These are the “good bacteria” that help you digest your food properly and boost your immune system when kept happy and in proper balance.

Probiotics are part of your microbiome. Your microbiome is a large part of who you are and made up of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that live on and inside the human body. Probiotics are found in food sources, like Greek yogurt and kefir. You can also take supplements if you don’t eat foods that naturally contain probiotics. For something to be considered a probiotic it needs to survive after ingestion and have a proven benefit to your body.

Our bodies need these good bacteria to function in a healthy way and probiotics can be added to your diet pretty easily in order to boost health and wellness. Many of our customers rely on them and they might just make a difference for you too.

Healthy benefits of probiotics and how to make sure you are consuming the proper amount of them.

The “Pro’s” of Probiotics

Why should you take a probiotic supplement or eat more foods containing probiotics? Well, one benefit is that it can help you lower the number of bad bacteria in your body, the stuff that causes illness and disease by crowding them out, so they aren’t able to take up long term residence and cause illness. They can also improve your digestive health, create necessary vitamins for your body, protect the other “good bacteria” in your body, regulate your immune system, break down and absorb medications, and keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.

Probiotics have been shown to produce protective substances, which may alert the immune system and prevent pathogens from taking hold and creating major disease. Using probiotics has been shown to reduce the number of colds someone experienced in a 12-month span of time. Some people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s have shown improvements after taking probiotics regularly.

Additionally, some early research is being done into their use in helping with weight loss, prevention and treatment of yeast infections, urinary tract infections, healthier skin, gum disease, sepsis, lactose intolerance, eczema, allergies, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Foods That Have Probiotics In Them

Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics and is linked to several health benefits. Some yogurts may be suitable for people with a lactose intolerance – almond, oat, coconut to name a few. Make sure to choose yogurt that has active or live cultures.

Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk drink. It is made by adding kefir grains to cow’s or goat’s milk and can be a better source of probiotics than yogurt. Usually, those with lactose intolerance can often drink kefir with no problems.

Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Make sure to choose unpasteurized brands that contain live bacteria.

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product. It forms a firm patty whose flavor is described as nutty, earthy, or like a mushroom. It serves as a popular, high-protein substitute for meat. It contains a decent amount of vitamin B12, a nutrient found in animal products.

Kimchi is a fermented, spicy Korean side dish and is usually made from fermented cabbage. Its lactic acid bacteria may benefit digestive health.

Miso is a fermented soybean paste and a popular Japanese seasoning. It is rich in several important nutrients and may reduce the risk of cancer and stroke, especially in women.

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink. It is claimed to have a wide range of health benefits, including probiotic and antioxidant support.

Pickles are cucumbers that have been pickled in water, salt, spices, and vinegar. They are low in calories and high in vitamin K. There are 2 types of Pickles – Quick Pickles – prepared in Vinegar with little to no probiotic effects and Fermented pickles – Pickles that are prepared with brine and undergo fermentation thanks to the bacteria naturally found in and on the vegetable.

Traditional buttermilk is a fermented dairy drink consumed around the world in places like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Cultured buttermilk, found in American supermarkets, does not have any probiotic benefits.

Natto is a fermented soy product that is a staple in Japanese kitchens. It contains a high amount of vitamin K2, which may help prevent osteoporosis and heart attacks.

Some types of Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda — contain probiotics. Cheese is very nutritious and may benefit heart and bone health.

Probiotic Supplements

If you don’t like to eat fermented foods or perhaps you need an extra boost due to a recent round of antibiotic use, then a probiotic supplement might be a great addition to your healthy routine! We carry a variety of probiotic supplements for both men, women, and children, as well as shelf-stable or refrigerated versions in capsules, powders, and even Gummies.

Garden of Life is one of our favorite brands here at Simply Nutrition and we cannot recommend their products enough! Garden of Life products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, U Kosher, LEED Gold, Certified B-Corp, and Green-e Energy Certified.

This means that the raw materials used by Garden of Life are natural, high quality, without pesticides, and purely made. The women’s probiotic blend has specific bacteria needed to have optimum vaginal health. The men’s one carries slightly different bacteria and ingredients for prostate and energy. Both of these probiotics are shelf-stable and doctor formulated.

Probiotics, from both foods and supplements can have a powerful effect on your wellness and are a great choice to boost your health.

Reach out to us here at Simply Nutrition if you have any questions about probiotics powders or anything else! We have some great people here to help!

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855 Twelve Bridges Dr. #155
Lincoln Ca 95648

916-253-9276

p.s. Just in case you are looking for a specific supplement solution, or any other wellness need, reach out to us here at 916-253-9276 and we would be happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

We are deeply committed to sharing our knowledge of health and therefore have carefully chosen the products we offer in our store. You’ll find only the highest quality brands and a large selection to choose from so you’re sure to find exactly what you need.

If you can’t make it into the store, we’re always happy to deliver it to you because your health and happiness are our #1 priority!