Probiotics are the bacteria and yeast that are beneficial for the digestive system. Probiotics refer to “good bacteria” found in many foods and supplements that are harmless. Doctors suggest these foods to tackle the digestive disorder.
Probiotic food helps the body in many ways. After the intake of antibiotics, the body loses “good bacteria”, so probiotic food helps to maintain a balance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body. However, there are many situations where these probiotic foods can cause problems in the body like in case of mild infections. So, consuming probiotic foods with proper care is very important.
Here are a few tips you should follow while consuming the probiotic foods:
- While choosing a probiotic supplement, keep in mind to choose a probiotic supplement with at least 10 billion live bacteria in every dose. You can verify this information from the label of the supplement container.
- Do not ever consume probiotic foods with chlorinated water. Chlorine is added to kill the bacteria’s from the water. Chlorinated water kills the probiotic bacteria also. Hence, the water reduces the effectiveness of probiotic food.
- You should consume the probiotic food on an empty stomach for best results. During the empty stomach, the acidic level of the stomach is very low, which allows the probiotic foods to yield the best results.
- It is advised to provide a nurturing environment for the probiotic organism by consuming probiotic fiber. You should choose the supplements made from acacia gum and baobab fruit due to their high effectiveness and tolerance. Food rich in probiotic fiber such as onion, garlic, etc, should be consumed. These provide a suitable environment for the probiotic food.
- It is advised to choose probiotic with a wide variety of bacteria. There are 5 key organisms that should be a part of your probiotic food.
These 5 key organisms include:
- Lactobacillus Plantarum: This organism is commonly found in milk products like cheese, fermented sausages, stockfish, and in fermented products of meat and vegetables like pickles, brined olive etc. It helps in maintaining immunity, controlling gut inflammation and in quick digestion of protein that helps in reducing the allergies.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: It is found in a good amount in fermented dairy products like yogurt. This hampers the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that causes infections in women. It maintains cholesterol level and is good for intestine.
- Lactobacillus brevis: Sauerkraut and pickles are the main source of this bacteria which strengthens immunity and regulates brain growth hormone.
- Bifidobacterium lactis: Fit is found in yogurt and it helps in killing bacteria causing diarrhea.
- Bifidobacterium longum: This reduces the chances of food allergies and is mainly found in food items like yogurt and buttermilk etc. Image sources: Google