Did you know that there are trillions of microbes, including bacteria, inside our intestines?
Besides viruses and fungi, the good bacteria constitute the gut microbiome, and they are pivotal in maintaining the digestion process and benefit our health in various ways. The digestive system in our body does an excellent job of processing the food we take, thus aiding the absorption of nutrients and energy. Stress, sadly, is a roadblock in our route to a healthy life. The fast-paced lifestyle most of us lead combined with eating processed foods can affect gut health. It can ultimately have a negative impact on other functions of the body, including the immune system, brain, weight, heart, and brain.
For maintaining gut health, probiotics play a pivotal role. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts beneficial for the body and helpful in improving digestive health. Additionally, they provide other health benefits.
Super Healthy Sources of Probiotics
There are several healthy probiotic foods for the gut readily available in your kitchens. We share some options:
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best foods to include in your diet for gut health. It is produced from milk fermented by friendly bacteria, which include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. All yogurts do not contain live probiotics, so make sure to check when you buy it.
2. Buttermilk
Consuming buttermilk every day is beneficial for cooling the digestive tract. Traditional buttermilk also contains probiotics and is a fantastic low-fat food option rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Idli or Dosa
The widely-popular south Indian dishes, Idli, and Dosa are delectable and nutritious at the same time. They are prepared from fermenting rice and lentils. The fermentation process increases the bioavailability of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, along with enzymes and lactic acid, thus helping in the digestion.
4. Paneer (Cottage Cheese)
Cheese is among the foods rich in protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and probiotics. All fermented cheese may not contain probiotics. However, Indian Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is a good source of probiotics. Paneer not just adds flavour to your meals but also gives eases the digestion process.
5. Pickles
Some fermented pickled vegetables make for the best foods for gut health. Moreover, one should note that pickles made with vinegar do not contain live probiotics. Pickles are high in sodium content, which is why one should consume them in moderation.
Takeaway
Some signs of an unhealthy gut to watch out for are frequent stomach upsets, unusual weight changes, constant fatigue, and food allergies. The role of good bacteria goes far beyond keeping the digestive system healthy. They also aid in boosting immune functions and tackling anxiety and obesity. One should understand the importance of maintaining gut health, and therefore, including probiotics in the diet proves beneficial.
Health is vital if we intend to achieve our life goals without any hindrance. Neglecting health problems can lead to a medical emergency, which can be stressful. Also, since medical costs are rising, it is a good idea to invest in a health insurance plan that will provide your family with the much-required financial cushion in the hour of need.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only.