Top 5 Best Sources Of Probiotic Foods, Key Benefits Explained

The digestive system has trillions of bacteria that can impact the digestion, immune system, metabolism, and mood.
Probiotics can bring down digestive issues like bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea.
Probiotics can bring down digestive issues like bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. Photo Credit: istockphoto
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Summary

The health benefits of probiotics are linked with preventing and decreasing several diseases such as allergic diseases, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics have amassed strong popularity in last few years amid their potential role in improving digestion and overall health. Probiotics is also known as “good bacteria” as they can help in maintaining a powerful balance of microorganisms in the gut.

The digestive system has trillions of bacteria that can impact the digestion, immune system, metabolism, and mood. When the balance gets disturbed duet to factors like inadequate diet, anxiety, illness, or antibiotics, it can cause digestive discomfort and other health-related problems. It is imperative to include probiotic-rich meals in the everyday diet as probiotics can support overall well-being and gut health.

Benefits of Probiotics  

Improves Digestion: Probiotics can help in breaking down food and enhancing nutrient absorption. It can bring down digestive issues like bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. Consuming probiotic-rich foods can restore healthy gut balance after the course of antibiotics or anxiety.  

Boosts Immune System:  Approximately 70% of the immune system has been located in the gut. When an individual has a healthy gut microbiome, it can help the body fight against dangerous bacteria and viruses. Consistent consumption of probiotics can alleviate the frequency of common infections

Enhances Mental Health: It is worth noting that the gut and brain and closely connected via the gut-brain axis. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome can positively impact the mood and bring down symptoms of anxiety.  

Decreases Inflammation: Probiotics can also bring down systemic inflammation and oxidative stress by improving the intestinal barrier integrity, reducing gut leakage, and modulating immune response. Probiotic-rich food function by reducing pro-inflammatory markers.

It is especially helpful for inflammatory bowel diseases or IBD and metabolic conditions. Probiotics can strengthen the gut lining by reducing leaky gut and preventing the leakage of dangerous toxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the bloodstream. It is worth mentioning that inflammation has been linked to many chronic conditions.  

Improves Lactose Digestion: Some probiotics strains can help in breaking down lactose that can make dairy easier to digest for people with mild lactose intolerance. According to a research conducted by National Library of Medicine, “a large number of food items, including yogurt, powdered milk, frozen fermented dairy desserts, cheese and cheese products, ice creams, baby foods, cereals, and fruit juices, are among numerous probiotic foods.”

The health benefits of probiotics are linked with preventing and decreasing several diseases such as allergic diseases, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, added the National Library of Medicine report.

Also Read
7 Foods That Can Support Healthy Gut
Probiotics can bring down digestive issues like bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea.

Best Sources Of Probiotics Foods

1. Yogurt or Curd

It is one of the most easily available probiotics foods. It is prepared by fermenting milk with healthy bacteria namely Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Homemade curd is a powerful way to support gut health. Opt for plain and unsweetened yogurt with live cultures for higher benefits.  

2. Kefir

The fermented milk is quite similar to yogurt but thinner in consistency. It includes a vast variety of probiotics strains when compared with regular yogurt. Kefir is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and healthy bacteria that can improve digestion and immune system.

3. Buttermilk

When it is prepared from cultured curd, it will contain probiotics that can aid and calm the digestion. It is extremely light, refreshing, and frequently consumed post meals to support digestion.  

4. Fermented Vegetables

It includes foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and fermented dishes like pickled vegetables or fermented bamboo shoots. These foods offer beneficial bacteria, fiber, and essential vitamins.  

5. Idli & Dosa Batter

It is naturally fermented before cooking. Cooking can bring down some probiotic content, but the fermentation process can still boost gut-friendly properties and enhance nutrient availability.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, took to his Instagram account and shared some foods rich in probiotics.   

Regular intake of probiotic rich meals can improve digestion, immunity, and overall health. At the same time it is significant to include balanced diet, sufficient hydration, regular exercises, and sound sleep to boost overall well-being. If you have some underlying health issues, it is better to get in touch with your healthcare professional before introducing dietary changes.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.

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