750 trillion single cell bacteria sit in your gut. While it might sound like a nightmare, the little guys help your immune system ward off more-dangerous bugs, break down nutrients, and even manipulate how the body stores fat. Maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora is key to stellar digestion, hormone regulation and nutrient absorption. Say no to bloating and PMS, while welcoming radiant skin and unstoppable energy! Keep the peace in your belly with these tell tale signs of imbalance and probiotic eats.
How would you know if your system was out of whack? Check in with some of the most common symptoms:
* Symptoms of GI sensitivity (cramps, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, IBS)
* Gluten or sugar sensitivity
* Yeast infections, cold sores, thrush
* Urinary tract infections
* Headaches, migraines, stuffy nose, increased mucus production
* Joint aches
* Rosacea, acne, or other skin problems
* Other inflammatory conditions, like asthma
* Fatigue, irritability
* Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
* Increased symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, or menopause
Intestinal microbes can die off by the millions with illness, stress, medication use, and poor diet, but what we eat is the most important factor in keeping the gut healthy. Good bacteria feast on fiber. The bad guys love refined sugar and animal fat. One of the reasons I have fallen in love with a more vegan lifestyle.
Microbes battle for space in our intestinal track and it’s up to you to make sure the beneficial guys take root. It’s a jungle in there! Here are a few yummy probiotic foods you should add for optimal flora balance.
Fermented Foods: Kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kombucha, soy sauce, and yogurt introduce active probiotic cultures that help wedge out unfriendly bacteria.
For those not sensitive to dairy Dannon’s Activia yogurt is an option that’s flying off shelves. Click the pic to grab free coupons.
I personally adore kombucha tea elixirs, home made raw sauerkraut and tempeh for happy flora.
So how is your happy bunch? Could you use some spicy kimchi? What other probiotic foods can you think of?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
We love plain goat and sheep yogurt as it’s easy to find in Europe ( & Trader Joe’s in US) since we avoid cow dairy and also without the sugar that is in Dannon’s Activa.
Sugar and processed foods are the biggest contributors to the problem, so cutting out sugar is the first step.
Silk also has a soy yogurt with live cultures, if you’re staying away from dairy. I add it to my smoothies sometimes
Great tips, thanks!
Activia is a great way to help regulate your digestive system. I started eating Activia every day for breakfast and I have seen an improvement. I recommended this product to several of my co workers and they also agree with me.
Soultraveler- I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been dairy free for a long time for a slew of various reasons. Mainly digestion. Yogurt cultures are great for those who can tolerate dairy. Goat’s is much more easily digested then cow milk. Processed sugar should be avoided at all costs! Thanks for your thoughts.
Michelle- yes! Great idea. I love soy products, but found that I can easily overdue it as I’ve gone more vegan. I try to stick to nut milks instead of soy because of it’s estrogen mimicking. Love those smoothies!
Krista- great! I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you. Everyone is unique and finding what works for you is key. Thanks for your thoughts.