Natural Probiotic Foods To Keep Your Gut Happy And Healthy

By Niharika Choudhary

Thursday, March 10, 2016, 19:04 [IST]

"Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to provide health benefits when consumed".

These probiotics boost the immunity system of the body. They improve the digestive system. They help our body fight harmful microorganisms that cause infections and allergies.

They decrease the effects of pathogens found in the body and, most importantly, they protect our DNA.

These probiotics are naturally found in our body and we can even take them through some foods and supplements.

Many types of live bacteria are classified as probiotics, each of these class of bacteria affect our body in a different manner.

Promotion of a healthy digestive system and boosting our immunity are the two most commonly identified functions of probiotics.

However, on a whole, probiotics balance the good and bad bacteria in our body and help them to function properly.

Foods such as yogurt, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, citrus fruits, products made of soybeans and other dietary supplements are rich sources of probiotics.

In the following article, we are sharing a list of foods that are rich in probiotics, so that you make sure to include them in your next meal. Take a look!

Yogurt

Yogurt is the king amongst the league of probiotic foods, this gives it the number 1 position in our list.

You can have it sweet, salted or top it with some masala.

Nothing beats yogurt in soothing down a spicy meal.

Regular consumption boosts the health of the gut.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, lime and other tangerines keep the risk of cancer at bay, thus keeping the gut healthy.

These fruits cleanse the gut and also aid in the digestion process.

They also fight the germs and improve our overall immunity.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres.

They give our body the required nutrition and also prevent bowel dysfunction, giving us a healthy digestive system.

Fibre-rich Food

Fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains are very important for the overall digestive health of the body.

These foods prevent constipation and smoothen the proper bowel function.

Miso Paste

Miso paste has made its mark among all of the superfoods and is slowly gaining popularity among all the health enthusiasts.

It is made up of aged, fermented soybeans. Miso paste is a very rich source of probiotics.

Lassi Or Buttermilk

Nothing soothes down the effects of a spicy Indian meal better than a glass of lassi or buttermilk.

Only a glass of these amazing curd-based drinks contains about 15 billion live probiotics per serving.

These good bacteria help to maintain a healthy gut.

Sauerkraut

This is a condiment made from fermented cabbage.

Sauerkraut is also a rich source of probiotics.

Regular consumption soothes the gut and keeps it healthy.

Cultured soymilk

Cultured soymilk is a form of soy yogurt.

If you are a lactose intolerant person or a vegan, then cultured soymilk is a great source of meeting your probiotic needs.

Kvass

Kvass is originally a traditional Russian drink.

It is made up of fermented beetroot juice.

Beetroot is a rich source of nitrates that boost the oxygen flow to the muscles, resulting in an active digestive system.

Chocolate

Some chocolate-making companies have started infusing probiotics in their products.

If some studies are to be believed, then these chocolates with probiotics were able to reach the gastrointestinal (GI) tract faster and also fuelled the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.