We all have a multitude of good and bad bacteria living in our colon. When this balance is off (more bad ones than good ones that protect us) we can see a variety of health issues that range from intestinal troubles to lowered immunity.

The number one culprit for destroying our healthy bacteria is antibiotics. Others are sugar and refined foods. Probiotics are foods and/or supplements that contain the good bacterial cultures and thus can help us restore a healthy balance in the colon. Most of us have heard about probiotic supplements that we can get at any health food store.

 

But there are many food sources of active bacterial cultures that we can consume on a regular basis to help support our healthy intestinal tracts. Yogurt is probably the one we’ve all heard of, but there are many others: miso, kefir, chutneys, sauerkraut, and tempeh. These fermented foods with lactic acid bacteria not only contain good bacteria but increases the bioavailability of our foods, and can help enhance the absorption of protein and minerals, particularly calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.

They also screte lactic acid which lowers the pH of the intestinal tract slightly, fostering a more welcoming environement to good bacteria, while not so welcoming to the bad guys. Research shows the adding fermented foods to our diets can help with symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea gas, gastric reflux, heartburn and much more.

A couple of my favorite ways to add fermented foods / probiotics to my daily diet:
* Add 1/2 cup of kefir to my morning protein shake.
* Add a tbsp of miso, an enzyme rich fermented soybean paste, to any soup or dressings I make.
Easy-peezy, healthy made easy 🙂