The best natural sources of probiotics are fermented, raw foods. The practice of fermenting foods for health, digestion and practical food storage dates back over 2000 years. http://www.courtyardchiro.com/summary-of-your-hut-health-the-big-picture/
BEST SOURCES OF PROBIOTICS:
Not commercial yogurt: It’s pasteurized or cooked, killing off all beneficial bacteria, often loaded with sugar, sweeteners and fillers, then single strain may be added back. An exercise in good marketing, not beneficial nutrition.
Sauerkraut: look for RAW sauerkraut, in the refrigerated section, not canned. Pasteurization kills much of its beneficial bacteria. This fermented cabbage is a vehicle to deliver health promoting probiotic bacteria to the gut.
Kimchee: this traditional Korean condiment of spicy fermented cabbage with various ingredients like garlic can also contribute to improve gut health. Current research is showing a promising connection between the bacteria found in Kimchee and improved immunity.
Natto: fermented soy beans (if you can manage the taste and texture. Check out Dr. Gerber’s episode on probiotics on the Steve & Chris Show :-) Hilarious! (http://www.courtyardchiro.com/)
Kombucha: fermented black tea -fizzy drink
Kefir: a fermented dairy food/beverage that is full of healthy, living bacteria —- lactose has been fermented, people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate kefir.
Coconut water Kefir: Coconut on its own as a whole food promotes a healthy immune system, contains antiviral properties, and has been shown to boost liver and brain health. When the water or milk from coconut is cultured with kefir grains to make coconut kefir, the benefits skyrocket. Coconut water kefir contains more beneficial strains and organisms than dairy-based kefir, or any kind of yogurt. Yogurt doesn’t colonize good bacteria in the digestive system, but kefir does.
If you are currently re-balancing your system, or you don’t currently eat probiotic-rich foods or don’t like them, then absolutely consider choosing a HIGH-QUALITY supplement as another option.
For ex: We carry a 12 strain supplement by Seroyal/Genestra Multi strain probiotic supplement: 10 to 50 billion colony forming units per capsule. Lactobacillus acidophyillus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. animalis, L. salivarius, L paracasei, B. breve, Streptococcus salivarius.
NB: ‘Kefir’ refers to the ‘grain’ or live culture that starts the fermentation process. You can make different kinds of kefir like water kefir, coconut water kefir etc.
STAY TUNED FOR OUR BLOG ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN FERMENTED PROBIOTIC FOODS AT HOME