5 Ways to Consume More Probiotics

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5 Ways to Consume More Probiotics without taking a supplement
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The human body has more bacterial cells that human cells and a large part of these live in the digestive system. New research is constantly showing the relationship of gut bacteria to many aspects of health. Unfortunately, the modern diet is largely deficient in foods that nourish this gut bacteria in a healthy way since many foods are pasteurized, irradiated or created in a sterile lab.

The balance of bacteria in the gut is important for immune health, hormone balance and many other aspects of wellness. Many of the foods that are most often consumed these days are high in sugar, processed grains, vegetable oils and foods that often let the “bad” bacteria grow more than they should.

Adding probiotic-rich foods and drinks to the diet is an easy way to give gut bacteria a boost and to keep the digestive system in proper balance. Here are five easy ways to consume more probiotics:

1. Make Some Kraut

Traditional homemade sauerkraut recipe-packed with probioticsThink you don’t like sauerkraut? You probably have just never had a traditionally made sauerkraut. Unlike canned and store-bought options, traditional sauerkraut is crispy, salty and delicious.

You can make it on your kitchen counter for the cost of some cabbage and it is a great way to add vegetables and probiotics to your diet. Almost any vegetable can be fermented and books like Wild Fermentation and Nourishing Traditions have a lot of great recipes.

Click here to see my recipe for delicious homemade sauerkraut.

2. Or Some Kvass…

How to Make Beet Kvass and whyLike sauerkraut, Kvass is a naturally fermented and probiotic-rich drink with other health-boosting properties. Nourishing Traditions explains that it is:

“valuable for its medicinal qualities and as a digestive aid. Beets are loaded with nutrients. One glass morning and night is an excellent blood tonic, promotes regularity, aids digestion, alkalizes the blood, cleanses the liver and is a good treatment for kidney stones and other ailments.”

We drink Kvass and use it in salad dressings. I sometimes mix Kvass with slightly cooled broth for a warm drink.

Here is the recipe for Beet Kvass.

3. Water Kefir “Soda”

How to make healthy probiotic water kefir natural sodaThe kids’ favorite way to consume probiotics is in the form of Water Kefir “Soda.” Water Kefir is made by using a natural colony of beneficial yeast and bacteria to ferment a sugar water solution.

The bacteria consumes the sugar in the water and in the process creates probiotics and enzymes. If a secondary fermentation is done, the result is a naturally fizzy fermented probiotic drink that is reminiscent of a fruit soda. There are endless ways to customize water kefir soda flavors.

Water Kefir is dairy free and easy to make on the kitchen counter. Click here for my full tutorial.

4. Kombucha

how to make kombucha easy recipeKombucha has gained a lot of popularity lately and many stores now carry pre-bottled kombucha drinks. Kombucha contains a host of enzymes and probiotics and has a naturally tangy and fizzy taste. While I love store-bought versions, I’m not a fan of the $5/bottle price tag.

Kombucha is very simple to make at home and once you purchase a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) the cost per gallon is less than $2. This is another thing that is often sitting on our counter. I actually brew two different ways:

We always do a secondary ferment with some organic juice to get the natural carbonation and this homemade kombucha is definitely my favorite way to get probiotics. Click on the links above to see the recipes. I recommend finding someone local who can share a SCOBY if possible, or buying from Kombucha Kamp if you can’t find one near you.

5. Homemade Ginger Ale

How to make natural ginger ale- a healthy and delicious treat full of probiotics and enzymesAnother favorite at our house is homemade ginger ale. This recipe uses a ginger “bug” made from fresh ginger, natural sugars and wild bacteria to create a beneficial colony of bacteria that is then used to ferment a strong ginger tea.

Unlike conventional soda which often contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, this natural recipe combines the digestive benefits of fresh ginger with beneficial bacteria for a fizzy and refreshing “soda.”

If you haven’t already tried these fermented foods and drinks, I’d really encourage you to give them a try! Not only are they delicious, but full of health-boosting properties.

The suggestion to add probiotic rich fermented foods to my diet was one of the best pieces of health advice I’ve ever gotten. I HIGHLY recommend it!

What is the best food advice you’ve ever received? Ever fermented anything? Share below!

Fermented foods and drinks contain probiotics that boost gut bacteria. Probiotic rich recipes for sauerkraut, water kefir, kvass, kombucha and ginger ale.

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

60 responses to “5 Ways to Consume More Probiotics”

  1. Daylin Taylor-Cooper Avatar
    Daylin Taylor-Cooper

    Hi Katie,
    Thank you for all the information that you share. I have been following you for years and trust the information you post. I would like to add a daily probiotic to my diet and have had some negative responses with different brands. These negative responses usually involve significant brain fog. I am a veterinarian and have experienced such dramatic brain fog from some probiotics that I was unable to perform surgery. Is there a particular brand that you recommend?
    Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
    Sincerely, Daylin Taylor – Cooper

  2. Leo Avatar

    Adding probiotic food to our daily life routine can lead to healthy digestion. Thanks to this simple but informative tips for your article.
    Keep it up.

  3. Melania Avatar

    Hi Katie! These recipes and instructions will come in handy. I can’t wait to try to make some sauerkraut, as I never knew it would be so simple (love it, but my hubby hates it… maybe he’ll like it if it’s homemade!). Do you by chance also have a guide for making miso paste? I’ve been trying to eat better and a friend recommended Plant Paradox. According to them, miso and miso paste is another good way to include fermented foods in your diet, but there’s no recipe or anything.

  4. Aaen Victor Avatar
    Aaen Victor

    Other Bacillus Probiotics like SC208, SL307, SC109 are well known for its clinical efficacy in several human conditions.

  5. Lezelle Avatar
    Lezelle

    My three year old has been constipated since she started solids. I introduced water kefir about four months ago to see if this will help and I can give her less laxatives. The water kefir helps but it gives her vaginal thrush. How can I introduce probiotics without it causing thrush?

  6. Mike Avatar

    Having probiotics in your food is very helpful and essential for your health. There are a lot of benefits that you can get if we add probiotics to our daily diet.

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