Your body is resilient, tough, and can put up with most things you throw its way.

But even the strongest bodies need a helping hand to function properly from time to time.

Maybe you find yourself getting sick more often or maybe your tummy just isn’t as flat as you’d like it to be. Whatever the case is, it might be time to consider using some backup, and by backup, we mean probiotics! What exactly are probiotics? We’re glad you asked.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are tiny organisms like bacteria and yeast that can help improve your health.

Now, before you think we’ve completely lost our mind, these bacteria really are good guys!

Here’s why. They… 

• Help with digestion
• Assist in nutrient absorption
• Provide immunity defense
• Keep your stomach’s acidity level normal so the “bad” bacteria don’t grow and make you sick
• Support the movement of food through your body
• Fight obesity
• Improve brain function
• Lower bad cholesterol
• Improve high blood pressure

You see, in order for you to feel your absolute best, there needs to be a balance of probiotics and the “bad” bacteria.

Factors like where you live, what you eat, what medicines you take, stress, and even lack of sleep can upset that balance and make you feel sick.

Enter: probiotics!

They can help restore the balance of bacteria in your stomach so you can go back to feeling on top of the world!

WHERE CAN I GET PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are actually hanging out everywhere! Here are just a few places you can find them:

• Miso Soup
  Miso is fermented soybeans and a GREAT source of probiotics. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins and contains a ton of other minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. It’s also thought to have anti-cancer properties!
• Sauerkraut
  Sauerkraut is basically fermented cabbage. Not only is it chock-full of probiotics but it can also help reduce allergy symptoms.
• Kombucha
  This fermented tea delivers plenty of good bacteria to your stomach. It’s great for increasing your energy and it can also help you lose weight!
• Pickles
  Not what you expected? Pickles are actually a great source of probiotics! Make sure you get the kind that isn’t fermented with vinegar; the sea salt and water mixture promotes the growth of good bacteria. And, make sure they don’t contain sugar!
• Kefir
  Kefir is usually sold as a dairy product but it’s also available in non-dairy and water forms. It’s said to have way more probiotics than yogurt. Not only that, but it’s also a great source of B vitamins and protein. Research shows that kefir can help prevent or treat digestive issues, too!
• Supplements
  To keep things simple, you can also get probiotics in supplement form. These will deliver probiotics right to the source without getting damaged by heat and stomach acid.

Slowly add this good bacteria into your everyday life and take notice of how much better you start feeling! Your gut will thank you for it.

Looking for more ways to support your gut health? Head here Everything You Need to Know About Digestive Enzymes.