10 Foods That Contain Probiotics You Should Try

We all know that adults need to take care of their bodies in order to be at their best. They need healthy food, regular sleep, and proper workouts. But there is one thing they might not have considered: probiotics.

Adults naturally put a lot more stress on the body with rigorous exercise routines and the daily pressure from work and family life, so it makes sense that they would want to make sure that their microbiomes are as strong as possible too.

This article will discuss what probiotics are, why adults should consider them, and finally some tips on how you can incorporate foods that contain probiotics into your diet.

The average person’s microbiome contains about 100 trillion microbes which are essential for digestion and immune function.

What are probiotics?

First, let’s talk about what probiotics are.  Probiotics, also known as ‘good bacteria’ or ‘healthy bacteria’, are found in foods like yogurt and supplements in pill form. When taken in adequate amounts, they can help the digestive system stay healthy by providing it with beneficial microbes to fight off harmful ones.  

It’s a good idea to take probiotics when you’re in a situation that might disrupt your microbiome, such as during traveling or experiencing a stressful event.

Researchers have found that people who take probiotics regularly have less stress and anxiety than those who don’t because their microbiomes are accustomed to healthy bacteria.  In other words, it helps your body maintain optimum balance.

Every adult should consider taking a probiotic

Researchers are also finding that having a healthy microbiome has many benefits beyond just stress and anxiety, including stronger immune function (so you’re less likely to get sick), fighting off autoimmune issues like Crohn’s Disease, fighting off digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, fighting obesity by regulating your appetite, and even aiding in mental health issues like depression. 

It might be a little early to say, but more research is showing that having an optimum microbiome could actually lead to living a longer life.

To make this easier, let’s break down which foods are rich in probiotics for active adult people who aren’t necessarily investing time into eating yogurt every day.

These are the top probiotic foods for adults:

1. Yogurt – Yogurt is the most well-known source of probiotics, with some brands having up to 6 different strains of healthy flora in each serving.  It is important that you buy yogurt that says it contains live cultures on the label or else it will be dead yeast cells. 

We recommend you try a brand with multiple strains, as studies have shown that the more different kinds of healthy bacteria there are in a single serving, the greater the impact on your digestive system will be.

2. Fermented Foods –  Korean kimchi and other fermented foods like sauerkraut are also great sources of probiotics, but make sure you check the label to make sure they contain live cultures.

3. Pickles –  Pickles are another great source of probiotics, especially if they are refrigerated rather than shelf-stable.  Be wary that many brands coat their pickles in vinegar or salt before sealing them in jars so you might want to check the label. 

If you want to give pickles a try, we suggest checking out the brined pickles at Trader Joe’s as they contain multiple strains of healthy bacteria.

4. Dark Chocolate –  Dark chocolate has been shown to be good for much more than just a sweet tooth and it might be because it contains certain strains of probiotics.  As with most snacks that contain healthy bacteria, the darker the chocolate is, the better it will be for you.

5. Non-Dairy Yogurt –  Non-dairy yogurts such as almond or soy yogurt are good substitutes for dairy-based probiotics that are just as beneficial for your body.

6. Kefir –  Kefir is a yogurt-like drink with more strains of healthy bacteria than most yogurts, making it the perfect choice for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.  It’s not incredibly easy to find kefir in stores, but it can be purchased online.

7. Green Tea –  Green tea is just as effective for your microbiome as fermented foods and contains the healthy bacteria Lactobacillus, which has been shown to improve your digestive system’s response to stress. 

You might not want to drink green tea all the time if you’re not used to it, but try drinking a cup or two every day to give your microbiome the healthy boost that it needs.

8. Miso Soup –  Miso soup is another fermented food that contains lactobacillus and has been shown to increase the number of healthy bacteria in your intestines after you eat it.

9. Kombucha –  Kombucha is a fermented drink that contains healthy bacteria and yeast, both of which have been shown to improve your digestive system’s response to stress. 

It also has a similar amount of caffeine as a cup of green tea, making it a great substitute if you’re not used to drinking coffee or tea with your breakfast in the morning.

10. Dark Leafy Greens –  Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods you can eat and they also contain probiotics that help regulate your digestive system. 

Spinach, kale, and other dark leafy vegetables should be a staple in everyone’s diet, and adding them to salads or vegetable juices will also give your body the healthy boost that it needs. 

Another good way to incorporate dark leafy greens is by making a green smoothie for breakfast with some fermented foods in there as well.

These are just some of the foods that contain healthy bacteria that you can incorporate into your diet to improve your microbiome and regulate your digestive system.  Not only will they help you feel better, but making these simple changes to your diet will improve your microbiome in just a few days!

In conclusion

10 Foods That Contain Probiotics You Should Try

Adding probiotics to your diet can do wonders for your gut health and, as a result, your overall well-being.

If you’re looking for ways to add more probiotics into your life, we’ve provided a list of some of the best foods that contain them. Try incorporating some of these Probiotic Foods into your next meal and see how you feel.

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