What are probiotics and how can you add them to your diet?

Probiotics are foods that contain live bacteria. This might sound a bit odd, but the bacterial species in probiotic foods are all beneficial to our health.

There are trillions of bacteria that reside in our guts and they are essential for our general health and well-being. They play important roles in breaking down the fiber in the foods that you eat, which can promote healthy digestion and metabolism.

Since your gut is closely linked to your brain, eating probiotic foods can boost your mental well-being and mood. Your gut bacteria communicate with your brain via the vagus nerve, so keeping them happy is key to your mental health.

You can easily add probiotics into your diet through the many probiotic foods that are now available. Here are some of the best foods that will provide you with lots of healthy bacteria:

• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Yogurt
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Pickled foods
• Natto