For years you have heard about the mythical benefits of probiotics. Some say these are universal remedies. They will solve all your health problems, others promise.
Probiotics have come a long way since they first hit the mainstream market. On the one hand, scientific research has confirmed many of the claims regarding the health benefits of probiotics (and has refuted others). On the other hand, probiotics can be obtained from many different sources, some of which are not of animal origin. But let’s start from the beginning, okay?
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can populate your gut and help your digestive system break down food into smaller pieces that your body will reuse as fuel. Most people are born with the ideal balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Sometimes, however, the “bad” bacteria outnumber the “good” bacteria in your intestines. It can be caused by something as common as a series of antibiotics to treat an infection..
Some scientists believe that this bacterial imbalance could cause irritable bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, although there is no conclusive research to support this claim. Research has found a link between restoring the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria and improving or better managing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.
In addition, due to the links between the gut, the brain and other parts of the body, it has also been shown that probiotics alleviate symptoms outside the digestive system. Scientific research has shown the potential benefits of taking probiotics for patients with skin conditions like eczema, acne and rosacea, mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, diabetes and kidney disease. .
Probiotics for a plant-based diet
With more companies focusing on specific diets, it’s easier than ever to find herbal probiotic supplements. The surge in popularity of alternative dairy products shifted them from specialty health food stores and mail order catalogs to traditional grocery stores.
Nowadays all you have to do is pay attention to labels to make sure you choose the right probiotic for you. Here’s exactly what to look for no matter what type of probiotic supplement you’re interested in.
Want to bite into the health benefits of probiotics? Here are our three best finds for the health of the whole body, thanks to natural probiotics.
Kimchi
Fermented Napa cabbage is just as essential as the spices in this Korean cooking staple. Scientific research suggests that kimchi is as good a source of probiotics as yogurt, with a significant bonus for the dairy-free quota among us: it’s completely vegetarian.
Sauerkraut
Although considered a staple food for Germans and East Europeans, sauerkraut originated in China and was transported to the West by immigrants, explorers and traders. Fermented cabbage is a rich source of probiotics. If you buy it in the store, look for raw or unpasteurized sauerkraut.
Non-dairy yogurts
Yogurt – where the probiotic craze started! Now you can buy them at your local grocery store or you can make your own vegan yogurt by ordering yogurt entrees online. If you’re not a strict vegan, look for non-dairy yogurts. If you’re a vegan, you should find yogurts that are specifically labeled ” dairy free ” Where ” vegan“.
You may also need to check with the manufacturer for make sure the bacterial culture he uses is not made from dairy products. Although dairy products are not part of the end product you consume, the initial step regarding animal products might be of concern to you.