Spiced Persimmon Smoothie Bowl
Probiotics are a form of live bacteria that are a key part of the natural world, and crucial to our survival. Probiotics help beneficial bacteria to flourish in the body while hindering the growth of harmful microorganisms.
There are a few ways to get probiotics into your system, and one of the best is to simply eat foods that are rich in probiotics. Probiotic-rich foods are likely fermented foods.
Here are a few probiotic-rich foods you can eat now — plus some recipes from Solluna’s collection to help you get inspired to cook.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is the most popular food source of probiotics, because it’s more common in the West, easy to find, and easy to eat. The number and type of bacteria species can vary depending on the yogurt brand. Look for labels that read “live and active cultures.”
For our recipe, top off this spiced persimmon smoothie bowl with some coconut yogurt for a delicious and healthy dish.
2. Tempeh
Tempeh is a soy-based, fermented food that is similar to tofu. It comes from fermented soybeans and so is rich in probiotics and protein. Tempeh can be used in many dishes, including salads, stir-fries, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Plus, it’s vegan.
Try out our tempeh gyro lettuce wraps for a healthy on-the-go meal.
3. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean food that’s made by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). It’s considered a vegetable probiotic food, where yogurt, for example, is a dairy probiotic food. Kimchi is ideal if you would rather avoid dairy when consuming probiotic foods.
Learn how to make traditional Korean kimchi with the help of our recipe.
4. Miso
Miso is a seasoning commonly used in miso soup. It’s a paste made from fermented soybeans. The Japanese often eat miso soup for breakfast, but miso soup can be an excellent side dish, and the seasoning can go in a variety of different dishes if you’re inventive and daring enough.
Try miso on a salad with our ginger miso fennel salad recipe.
5. Pickles
Pickled cucumbers are known to be a source of probiotic bacteria that enhances digestive health. Cucumbers are left to ferment in their own natural lactic acid. They contain vitamin K and are also low in calories.
Looking for Another Option? Try a Probiotic Supplement
If you don’t enjoy any of these foods or want an easy, surefire way to include probiotics in your diet, you can take a probiotic supplement. The right probiotics will make sure you get the right combination of friendly bacteria that your body needs for optimal digestion and a healthy gut. But be careful— not all probiotics deliver on the benefits they promise.
That’s why I recommend a soil based probiotic supplement like my Feel Good SBO Probiotics+.
My formula is composed of soil based probiotics, and contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. These keep your gut bacteria in balance and ensure that all those good bacteria keep any bad bacteria in check. They’re also hardier than traditional probiotics— most traditional probiotics can’t survive in your gut or stomach acid while an SBO probiotic can. Soil probiotics are also naturally vegan, unlike many traditional probiotics, which are derived from dairy.
On top of maintaining your gut health and promoting healthy gut flora, SBOs help support your immune system and enhance your mood. These good bacteria also support healthy skin, help boost your energy, and support healthy weight loss. I recommend taking 1 capsule twice a day, or 2 capsules in the morning with or without food. (I never start my day without them!)
Related: Prebiotic vs. Probiotic vs. Postbiotic: What’s the Difference?
