Most people associate the word “bacteria” with disease-causing microbes. There are “good” bacteria called probiotics. They are naturally present in our bodies and aid our digestive system. We get them by eating certain foods.
Dairy products are the most popular source of probiotics, but what about people who are allergic to lactose? Or those following a vegan lifestyle? Contrary to popular belief, vegan probiotics are found in certain plant-based products and drinks. They are just as effective as the bacteria in dairy products and have many extra benefits.
Vegan Probiotics: Their Effect and Work
Gut microbiota is balanced by replenishing good bacteria, which helps our bodies to avoid disease. Its main task is to move food through the intestines and extract essential elements. Researchers do not fully understand probiotics, but they have been proven to help with problems such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diarrhea (both caused by viruses and antibiotics).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Skin Conditions
- Allergic reactions
- Conditions Urinary
- Oral diseases
Vegan Probiotics: Best sources
- It’s not necessary to eat and drink dairy products if you wish to maintain a healthy gut. You can get probiotics from a variety of sources, including plants.
- Sauerkraut. Low calorie, full of vitamins and probiotics. It is best to consume it unpasteurized as pasteurization usually removes many of the beneficial components. Sauerkraut is easy to make at home. Learn a few recipes.
- Kimchi.
- This staple of Korean cuisine is a vegan probiotic made from fermented cabbage. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and lots of good bacteria. This side dish can be very spicy. However, you can control the heat if you prepare it yourself.
- Miso.
- Miso, a Japanese contribution to the cuisine, is known for its delicious taste and for containing about 160 strains of beneficial bacteria for the stomach.
- Tempeh.
- This popular Indonesian dish is made of legumes. It’s a great source of probiotics, which is more beneficial than tofu. The fermentation process increases the amount of good bacteria, making the tofu product better for your digestive system.
- Sourdough bread
- Many people are surprised to learn that sourdough is packed with beneficial bacteria. It can be used to make a healthy soup or sandwich. Be aware, however, that it may contain gluten.
- Pickles with a sour taste.
- Did you know these products contain a lot of stomach-friendly bacteria that are already a part of your diet? It is best to ferment the food naturally, using water and salt (sea salt is ideal). Most sour pickles found in grocery stores are artificially flavored.
- Soya and nut milk
- The term “lactobacilli,” however, does not necessarily refer to dairy products or lactose. These probiotics are found naturally in soy and nut milk or added during production. Check the label of the milk to see if it contains vegan probiotics.
- Kombucha.
- Kombucha, while not a food worth mentioning yet, is an excellent source of probiotics. Kombucha, when combined with detoxification and active enzymes, is a perfect combination for your intestines.
Signs of Probiotic Deficiency and Useful Tips
Antibiotic Treatments
- A probiotics deficit is unavoidable after a course of antibiotics. These anti-life medications are often used to combat diseases by killing bacteria. Probiotics, too, are removed in part from the body along with bacteria that cause disease. It’s essential to consume more vegan probiotic foods in order to restore your immune and digestive systems.
- After completing a course of antibiotics, it’s important to replenish “good” bacteria. As the probiotics are still removed, eating more fermented food during the system won’t change your condition.
Digestive Disorders
- You may need to add more probiotics to your diet if you suffer from diarrhea, gas, or other digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consult your doctor if you have a serious illness, but do not forget to take a look at what you eat.
- It would help if you always switched to a vegan diet that includes more probiotics instead of supplementing. In many cases, the diet can be the key to recovery for patients with mild or severe digestion disorders.
Food Poisoning
- Food poisoning can be caused by an excess of bacteria that is produced when you eat a lot of low-quality foods. Increase your intake of vegan probiotics if you suspect you have this condition. Quit eating foods that are hard to digest, such as those containing gluten or soybeans.
- When you travel, eat probiotic-rich food before, during, and after your trip. This will boost your immune system and ensure the safety of your digestive system.
Skin problems
- If you have skin problems, changing your diet could be the answer. Poor digestion can lead to skin problems, from acne and allergies to eczema or psoriasis.
- If you have excess fat or fried food in your diet, eliminate them. Once your gut microbiota is in balance, you should see a reduction in these symptoms.
Yeast infections
- A surplus of bacteria causes most yeast infections. It would help if you eliminated probiotics deficiencies to solve this problem. As soon as you start to notice symptoms of disease, increase your intake of probiotics.
- Reduce your intake of sugary carbs to aid probiotics in relieving symptoms. The bad bacteria feed on sugary carbohydrates, which makes the lack of good bacteria worse.
Allergies
- When your allergies worsen, it could be due to a gut flora imbalance. Eating more vegan probiotic foods will help you rid your body of allergens and fix the leaky-gut problem. It is important to make it a routine. If you reduce your intake immediately after an allergy has gone away, it could come back at once.
- Remember that you must also remove any potential allergens in your diet along with the probiotics. You need to eat the foods that you are allergic to to be able to solve your problem.
Eat Vegan Probiotics Daily
- Include the foods listed above in your daily diet. These products contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can improve your health by combining essential nutrients with the good bacteria in your intestines.
