Probiotics are live microorganisms that are a powerhouse when it comes to not only our gut health but also our general wellbeing due to the effect of the gut on other systems in our body. Their benefits include the following but are not limited to:

• improve digestive heath
• reduce depression
• promote heart health
• improving atopic dermatitis and acne
• recovery from vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Improve teeth and gum heath.

Most people resort to taking probiotic supplements, which is great but is it necessary? The answer is no!

In fact, taking a probiotic supplement should be the last option. This is because supplements usually contain other ingredients and flow agents that are not only not needed by the body but can actually harm the body. Probiotics also aren’t regulated by the FDA, so manufacturers don’t have to prove the quality or even the contents of their products. It’s a good idea to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider about which probiotics might work best for your needs. This is not to discredit probiotic supplement at all but one must be careful when taking this route and truly research the brand and ingredients before taking the chance.

With that being said, and without further ado, allow me to introduce to 5 of the best natural sources for probiotics that you can start incorporating in your diet now!

Sauerkraut

Yogurt and Kiefer

Pickles and pickle juice

Sourdough bread

Cheeses such as cottage cheese

Anything fibrous and fermented is known to tremendously improve gut heath, hence why the above 5 options are at the top of the list. Foods that are fermented go through a process of lactofermentation in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food, creating lactic acid. This process creates an environment that preserves the food and promotes beneficial enzymes, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as various species of good bacteria.

Keep in mind that baking and canning remove the probiotics so not all fermented foods are created equal!