Probiotics dominate the supplement market place these days, but did you know you can actually get probiotics naturally from fermented foods and drinks? Yes, before the days of high heat ultra pasteurization our ancestors got plenty of the beneficial bacteria contained in probiotics through their diets alone. Today you can still get probiotics without through your diet by choosing to eat foods like kefir, some yogurts, and lacto fermented sauerkraut and pickles. In addition to these food options, you can also sip your way to more beneficial cut bacteria through a drink called kombucha. Teeming with probiotic cultures, kombucha is one drink worth giving a try!
What Is Kombucha?
Though it has an unusual name, kombucha is actually just fermented tea. Kombucha is made by using a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to start the fermentation process in the tea. This promotes the growth of the desired probiotics and leaves you with the slightly fizzy tea known as kombucha. Kombucha comes in both plain and flavored varieties.
Why Try Kombucha?
What sets kombucha apart from an ordinary glass of tea is its probiotic content, but you may be wondering just why probiotics are so important in the first place. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that help to balance out our guts. They are linked with a host of health advantages. Among their greatest and most researched attributes is the help they provide to gastrointestinal (GI) health. Probiotics are credited with easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), calming digestive discomforts like gas and bloating, and easing diarrhea. Probiotics have also been linked with supporting a strong immune system, and newer studies are even investigating the link between a well-balanced gut and good mental health. Scientists feel we are only on the brink of discovering the many important ways probiotics help our health, but it is safe to say they are a key part of good health.
How Do I Add Kombucha to My Diet?
A wide variety of kombucha teas can be found at both health food stores and ordinary grocery stores. If you discover you love kombucha and its gut healthy benefits, you may even wish to try your hand at making kombucha at home. Starting with just a few basic ingredients, you can brew your own kombucha right in your own kitchen.
The Bottom Line: If you experience any digestive problems or just want incorporate probiotics without taking a pill, kombucha is well worth a try!