Probiotics is a word we often see on everything from packaging to health magazine, but rarely do we stop to ask, ‘what are probiotics?’ Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria. Probiotics are the good guys, continually helping our digestive system stay health by replacing the good bacteria that can be lost due to the consumption of things such as antibiotics.
Probiotics 101: Creating a Balanced Gut for Good Health
The balance of your overall health lies in your gut, where countless bacteria are found. Most of these organisms are necessary to support various functions throughout the body, even though you are unaware of how your gut biome works – don’t worry, most of us are! But with gut health, its all about balance, and the use of probiotics helps ensure that the balance of good bacteria is maintained in your stomach.
Though term “bacteria” often carries a negative connotation because certain types of bacteria cause infection, but there are ways that bacteria support your health. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer a variety of health benefits for the human body. Common strains of probiotic bacteria include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces Boulardii. More than simply being difficult to pronounce, these are “good” bacteria that balance the “bad” bacteria, ensuring that your body is functioning the way it should.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics for Your Health?
Why should you be proactive in including probiotics as a regular part of your balanced diet? Here are some of the benefits:
- Improved digestive health
- Weight loss
- Reduced inflammation
- Mental health management for anxiety and depression
- Skin health including rosacea, eczema, and acne
- Immune support to prevent illness, such as the common cold
- Rebalanced gut health, especially after taking antibiotics
Keep in mind that probiotics won’t cure every health concern. Instead, they balance the friendly bacteria in the digestive system, which optimizes the overall function and performance of your body. As a result, it is common for people to see improvements in a variety of ways as probiotics can contribute to the overall healthy of your body.
Foods That Contain Probiotics
Everyone should add probiotics to their diet regularly to maintain digestive wellness. This good bacteria can be found in a variety of supplements, but lets face it, delicious food is definitely more appealing! Here are a few options if you want to include more probiotics in your diet:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Tempeh
- Fermented pickles
- Traditional buttermilk
- Certain types of cheese
Nature’s Garden: Delicious Probiotic Snacks
Not only can you add probiotic foods to your meal planning, but also look for ways to incorporate these healthy ingredients in your daily snacks as well. At Nature’s Garden, we not only specialize in delicious healthy snacking alternatives, but we also offer two delicious options that are packed with probiotics: Keto Snack Mix & Probiotic Apricots. These products are shelf-stable with micro-encapsulated probiotics to support overall health. If you are looking for general gut health and digestion, then our Apricots are a good option to consider. Or, if weight loss is your priority, then the Keto Mix can be helpful due to the probiotic strain that's clinically proven to help with the reduction of belly fat.
At Nature’s Garden, we believe in snacks that are functional – offering something more than simply curbing your hunger. These snacks are not only convenient, but also help your body be the best it can be with the finest ingredients nature has to offer.