By this time, we’ve started to understand that our gut plays a major role in our overall health. With such a direct link, it’s no surprise that we are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a healthy gut. But first, let’s break down this “forgotten organ: the gut.”
Playing host to good-for-you bacteria, yeasts, and hundreds of other microorganisms, the gut is comprised of a very complex community that is known as the “gut flora.” Manufacturing vitamins, performing metabolic functions, protecting the gut lining, and stimulating the immune system are only a handful of the many necessary roles for which the gut flora is responsible. Normally, these functions run very smoothly because the majority of the microorganisms found in the gut are actually healthy. Unfortunately, however, harmful bacteria can find itself in the highly sensitive gut flora domain leading to an imbalance of good vs bad bacteria. These imbalances can be linked to numerous diseases including type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and obesity. This is where the addition of a probiotic comes in handy.
You might be asking yourself, “what is a probiotic?”… Well, they are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (ie gut flora). In the case of benefitting our gut, probiotics have shown beneficial results when combatting digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and also more severe symptoms pertaining to IBS and Crohns disease.
Probiotics can be taken in a supplement form, but (lucky for us) they are found naturally in some foods. Foods that have gone through a fermentation process typically have higher amounts of probiotics. A few examples include tempeh (fermented soy beans), kefir (fermented milk), and the ever-so-popular, kombucha (fermented tea). Sauerkraut, miso soup, yogurt, and pickles are other common foods that we might not realize pack a greater punch than we originally thought. With all the options you’ll find it’s quite easy to incorporate a daily serving of gut-benefitting probiotics into your diet, but in case you are still aren’t sold, check out our favorite probiotic yogurt alternative derived from coconuts! This coconut yogurt is dairy-free, gut-alkalizing, and naturally balances the digestive system to keep you feeling your best. Our favorite way to enjoy is with fresh fruit and protein-packed granola sprinkled on top.