For many people, the term probiotic is a trendy buzzword that conjures thoughts of yogurt and maybe a fleeting notion of beneficial bacteria. But here at Clean, we want you to know how powerful these amazing microorganisms really are. Eating foods rich in probiotics, and also supplementing with a quality formula, is so important to your health, digestion, and getting a gorgeous glow to your skin.
The World Health Organization defines a probiotic as any living microorganism that offers benefits when ingested. Probiotic is a Greek-derived word meaning promoting life. A robust and growing body of research shows that probiotics help ward off many health problems, such as digestive disorders, infections, mood disorders, and lowered immunity. There’s also evidence of an important connection between probiotics and weight loss. This all sounds great, right? But not all probiotics are created equal. Let’s take a look at how to correct GI tract imbalance while nourishing a thriving internal ecosystem.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
At Clean, we recommend a diet high in probiotic-rich foods combined with regular supplementation with a good probiotic. Here are the best foods to add to your gut reset schedule and long-term diet.
Non-Dairy Coconut Kefir: This great-tasting, dairy-free kefir is made by fermenting the juice of young coconuts with kefir grains, and it contains multiple bacteria strains that are excellent for your health. You can purchase coconut kefir in health food stores or make your own at home.
Natto: A good option for those who can tolerate soy, and a long-standing traditional Japanese dish, Natto (made from fermented soybeans) contains a powerful probiotic called bacillus subtilis, which is proven to boost the immune system, enhance digestion, deliver vitamin K, and support cardiovascular health. Natto also contains nattokinase, which is an anti-inflammatory enzyme shown to fight cancer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a great daily addition to your dietary routine, and taking a small amount before meals is an effective way to enhance digestion. Apple cider vinegar may also be beneficial for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, and may even promote weight loss.
Miso: Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning paste created by fermenting soybeans, brown rice, or barley with koji (a fungus), and this process produces a wonderful probiotic food with amazing flavor. Gluten-free varieties are easy to find these days, and miso makes delicious soups and salad dressings. Try this hearty miso-mustard roasted chicken recipe to enjoy the health benefits and rich flavor of miso in a nutritious meal.
Cultured Vegetables: Brimming with live enzymes and probiotics, raw, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi are some of the best probiotic foods you can eat. We recommend adding some to your salad each day.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Gut Health Detox
Stress, lack of sleep, and poor dietary choices all take an eventual toll on gut health, and most of us have some level of distress or symptoms related to an imbalanced GI tract. Here’s how gut rebalancing with probiotic foods and supplements can help your body heal.
Balancing Gut Bacteria: Probiotics help maintain healthy gut bacteria. Factors like poor diet, stress, and antibiotic use can disrupt this balance, leading to issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. By replenishing good bacteria, probiotics can help restore harmony in the gut.
Improving Digestion: Probiotics aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. They produce enzymes that help digest food and enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals, ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs.
Strengthening the Gut Barrier: A strong gut barrier prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. Probiotics contribute to the production of mucin, a protein that strengthens the gut lining, thus enhancing its barrier function.
Boosting Immunity: A significant part of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics stimulate the production of antibodies and support the activity of immune cells, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to various health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gut inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.
A high-quality probiotic supplement combined with a whole foods diet rich in probiotic foods is the best way to heal, balance, and restore your GI tract. We recommend our Biome formula, which contains 9 powerful bacterial strains and a 45 billion CFU count per capsule. This highly potent formula supports a healthy bacterial balance in your gut, fortifies your immune system, supports your cleansing and weight loss efforts, and may also help address frustrating IBS symptoms.
One of the most powerful ways to support your overall, systemic health is to balance, heal, and restore the GI tract. A thriving gut supports a thriving body and is the foundation of your health at the deepest level. The evidence is clear that probiotics help modulate the immune response, improve digestion and nutrient absorption, and facilitate the detoxification process. Our understanding of just how powerful probiotics are is ever-evolving, but we know enough to recommend them as an essential part of your daily routine –– both during resets and year round.
Remember, before making any significant changes to your diet or starting new supplements, it's always best to consult your trusted healthcare professional. A happy gut is the foundation for sustained well-being for years to come, so invest in the best when it comes to foods and your supplement routine. As always, our coaching team is here to help with questions that come up along the way.
Written by Carolyn De Lorenzo, Health Coach at Clean Program
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