The Importance of Taking Probiotics for Family Health

Health is indeed equivalent to wealth. When you and your loved ones are in good health, achieving the high-quality life you desire becomes significantly simpler.

There are numerous strategies for maintaining good health, but the top two ways to boost one's physical well-being are to follow a healthy diet and to exercise.

When it comes to diet, sensible eating should be observed. This means that you do not just control portions, but you also take into great consideration the kinds of food that you consume.

When you study the kinds of food to eat to make you fit, stronger, and resistant to illnesses, you make sure to zone in on what they can contribute to your health goals. For instance, if your family often suffers from digestive issues, including more fermented food in your diet can alleviate the discomfort and generate even more health benefits for the family.

What makes fermented food exceptionally good for you? The probiotics they contain are the answer.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are basically live and good bacteria that support the digestive system. They keep the gut healthy, so toxins are easily expelled from the body. Likewise, after taking antibiotics due to an illness, consuming probiotics can help restore balance to the immune system, thus expediting recovery.

The following are the best natural sources of probiotics:

1. Kefir

This is a fermented cow or goat's milk that is loaded with probiotics. It possesses cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast.

2. Kimchi

This is a traditional Korean side dish that can be made with a variety of fresh vegetables. The most common vegetable used for kimchi is cabbage, and it has fermented fish, different kinds of seasoning, as well as spices. The ingredients are preserved in clay pots and are always served in Korean meals. The Michelin Guide lists kimchi as one of the best superfoods in the world.

3. Kombucha

This is a fermented black or green tea that is rich in live bacteria and yeast. It originates from Asia and is often consumed by people who have trouble eliminating every day.

4. Miso

This is a fermented soybean paste that is commonly used in authentic Japanese cuisine. It's a little salty, but also provides that flavor of umami. For people in Japan, a meal is not complete without miso soup. Also, miso is used to season fish. But recently, a popular brunch destination in California has begun using miso to season bacon to bring a diversity of flavor as well as improve the nutrition of the pork strip.

5. Natto

Natto refers to fermented soybeans and is rich in nutrition. It is sticky and has an unconventional texture and scent, but it's a Japanese breakfast staple. It goes really with white rice because it makes up for the amino acids that the body needs, which rice cannot provide.

6. Sauerkraut

This is like the European version of kimchi. It is made of cabbage fermented by lactic acid, and it's often served as a side dish or paired with meats such as sausage. It can also be stored for months in an air-tight container.

7. Yogurt

This is perhaps the most popular out of all sources of probiotics. Children and adults can consume them, and they come in pudding-like versions as well as in beverage forms.

Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics are known to treat the following health concerns:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Infection diarrhea (which is common among really young children who still struggle with proper hygiene practices) and diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics

Inflammatory bowel disease

Aside from these digestive concerns, numerous studies also show that probiotics contribute to the improvement of other health woes, such as:

High cholesterol

Unhealthy weight

Skin irritations and conditions

Seasonal allergies

Colds

Yeast infection

Periodontal disease (which is common among the elderly)

It is also worth mentioning that some studies correlate good gut health (brought about by the consumption of non-dairy-based probiotics) with the improvement of behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. A healthy gut for people with both conditions can alleviate the uncomfortable sensations (caused by gastrointestinal inflammation) that trigger meltdowns.

Probiotics Are Safe for Everyone

Maintaining a healthy gut is a must for people of all ages. Even babies and toddlers can be given probiotic supplements. There are formulations created specifically for tots that can be administered through a medicine dropper. These are perfect for children who are quite picky with food and do not want to try the fermented probiotic-rich food listed above.

There are also other types of probiotics to suit different needs. Some formulas are intended for daily maintenance while others are designed for the effective treatment of diarrhea.

To sum it all up, probiotics are beneficial for all the members of the family. Therefore, for the improvement of your loved ones' health, one of the best things to do is to make taking probiotics (either through natural food or in supplement form) a daily habit.