While bacteria are generally associated with disease and infections, there are a plethora of ‘good’ bacteria thriving in your body. Among the many bacteria beneficial for your health, probiotics are good for the gut. Probiotics are beneficial and essential bacteria that help to control the growth of bacteria that harm the gut. They help to replenish the body’s microbiome with the help of health cultures. While several people take probiotic supplements, food items like kefir, kombucha, cheese, and yogurt fit the bill perfectly! Incorporating these food items in your diet can go a long way in ensuring that your gut remains healthy.

Best probiotic products
Here are a few of the best probiotic products you must incorporate in your diet today!

Yogurt:  Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. Not only is it healthy, but tastes good as well.

Kefir:  Kefir is another fantastic source of probiotics. It is a fermented probiotic milk drink made by adding kefir grains to goat’s milk or cow’s milk. Kefir grains are cultures of yeast and lactic acid that look like cauliflower to an extent. Kefir too has several health benefits apart from its effectiveness in providing for probiotics. It helps protect the body against infections, some digestive problems and helps improve bone health as well. While yogurt is the most popular probiotic food product, kefir in actuality is a better source of the bacteria. It contains several major strains of friendly yeast and bacteria. This makes it a more diverse and potent probiotic food item, to say the least. It is among the best probiotic products available on the market today and a must to incorporate in your diet.

Sauerkraut:  Sauerkraut is another good source of probiotics. It is basically finely cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid. It is one of the oldest sources of probiotics commonly used in Europe, among other regions. It has a salty, sour taste and can be stored in an airtight container for months. You can take the food item as a side dish or directly, as per your wish. Sauerkraut is rich in several vitamins like vitamin B, C, and K. It is also rich in fiber and has several health benefits. Avoid taking substance if you are suffering from high blood pressure though, as it has high levels of sodium. Sauerkraut also contains zeaxanthin and lutein. These antioxidants are important for eye health. Avoid using pasteurized sauerkraut as pasteurization kills the active and live bacteria. It is among the best probiotic products in the market today.

Pickles:  Pickles too are a great source of probiotics. Avoid eating pickles that are made with vinegar though as they do not contain live probiotics. Pickles are essentially cucumbers that have been left in a solution of salt and water to ferment. They are sour to taste and are a great source of healthy probiotic bacteria. They help improve digestive health, are low on calories and are a good source of vitamin K as well. They also help in the process of blood clotting. Avoiding eating pickles if you are suffering from high blood pressure.

Other good sources of probiotics include cheese, buttermilk, and natto. Do not hesitate from trying these today!

Make a trip to a supermarket and buy the above mentioned probiotic assortments today. While probiotic-enhanced food items do not prevent or treat any disease, to say the least, they are important as they help keep the gut healthy. Choose from the above-mentioned food items and try to incorporate as many as you can to your diet. If you choose to buy supplements as well, figure out what purpose it serves and why exactly you need it. Some supplements may not be safe for pregnant women and it is of utmost importance to choose a product from a brand which is safe and reliable. Choose from the best probiotic products and start a healthy way of living today!