The Ultimate Guide to Probiotic Foods That Boost Your Immune System
Good health is something that everyone yearns for, especially in the face of innumerable health risks that we confront every day as we go about our daily lives. The infections, germs and viruses all around us make our immune system work very hard to protect us.
What are probiotics?
The word probiotics is derived from the Greek words “pro” meaning “promoting” and “biotic” meaning “life”. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are good for our health, especially our digestive system. Our digestive tract comprises different types of bacteria, good and bad. Probiotics are classified as the good bacteria that keep our gut healthy and functioning correctly.
Why do we need probiotics?
Probiotics are essential for maintaining the natural balance of organisms in our gut microbiome. This balance can be disturbed by several factors, including taking antibiotics, eating an unbalanced diet, and stress. When that occurs, we’re more likely to suffer from digestive problems, including bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Aside from aiding digestion, latest research has shown that adding probiotics to your daily diet could also help fight off infections, viruses, and even decrease the severity of colds and flu.
Top Probiotic Foods
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is perhaps the most common example of probiotic food you’ll find in grocery stores worldwide. It contains live probiotics which help to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Yogurt is also rich in protein and calcium, which is excellent for strengthening bones and muscles.
2. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product that is rich in probiotics. It’s also loaded with folate, calcium, and vitamin B, making it a fantastic choice for maintaining digestive health and preventing infections. Kefir is easily available in most grocery stores, and it comes in a range of flavours, including plain, vanilla, and strawberry.
3. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables are an excellent source of probiotics, making them ideal for promoting gut health. The good bacteria in fermented vegetables such as white cabbage, carrots, pickles, and sauerkraut can aid digestion, improve the immune system, and even help to reduce inflammation.
4. Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly cabbage. As with other fermented foods, kimchi is a rich source of probiotics, which aid digestion and help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. Kimchi also has vitamins B, and C, and antioxidants, making it an excellent food for both digestive and overall health.
5. Miso
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, rice or barley. It contains many helpful bacteria making it a great probiotic source. Miso is also rich in protein, vitamin K, and minerals such as copper and manganese. It has a unique umami taste and can be added to soups or used to season meats or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Now that we’ve seen some of the best probiotic foods to boost your gut health and your overall immune system, it’s important to note that probiotics alone can’t make up for a poor diet, stress, or other factors that affect our well-being. Making healthy food choices in tandem with taking probiotic-rich foods can undoubtedly help prevent illnesses and keep us feeling great.
