What should I be taking?

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria also known as ‘microbiome’ or ‘live microorganisms’. The word ‘probiotics’ is the combination of two Latin words ‘pro’ and ‘biot’a, which together mean ‘for life’.

Probiotics help restore and replenish the good natural bacteria in the digestive system helping reduce the growth of harmful organisms. Probiotics also aid in the breakdown of food’s tough fibres, enzymes and various proteins.

Probiotics a.k.a. ‘good bacteria’ can be consumed in a supplement form in high doses for fast improvements or consumed through the ingestion of fermented foods such as dairy products which includes yoghurt. However probiotics (good bacteria) can also be found in olives, sauerkraut, kim chi, miso, tempeh, pickles, kefir and fermented beverages such as kombucha.

Since 6000 BC (even as far back at 10000 BC) every culture throughout history has had at least one fermented dish in their repertoire contributing towards a healthy digestive tract so why are we now seeing the rise and revival of the importance of probiotics and fermented foods in today’s society? Simply, our bodies need it. Due to the over consumption of processed foods our health is suffering along with our digestive tracks so we are now in a healing phase and to do that, we need the help of good bacteria. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around.

Good bacteria in the body serves to improve bowel health, aid digestion, enhance and support immune function, increase B vitamin absorption, digestive enzymes and other immune system chemicals that serve and protect the body and help us better absorb nutrients from foods. All this combined has to make you think ‘am I consuming enough good bacteria?’

Kombucha

Bursting with healthy bacteria Kombucha is traditionally made by fermenting a lightly sweetened tea with a traditional culture known as a scoby. Kombucha tastes like a tangy cider or vinegar and can take some getting used too but the benefits are vast outweighing the initial acquired taste:

• Liver detoxification
• Improved pancreas function
• Increased energy
• Better digestion
• Improved mood
• Helps nutrient assimilation
• Beneficial for weight loss

Whether you choose a probiotic supplement or choked to eat/drink a fermented food, getting good bacteria into your body is an important part of health & wellness.

Our favourite brands of fermented foods (in no particular order)

• Remedy Kombucha
• Meru Miso
• Pat’s Veg
• Botanical Cuisine fermented pots
• Vital Biome PowerKraut
• Applelachia Sparking Prebiotic
• Spiral Miso
• Gwen Tempeh
• Coyo Coconut Yoghurt