Gut health is a hot topic these days, and it’s no surprise. Your gut does more than just digest food. It actually plays a huge role in your immune system and even affects your mood.
If you’re living a vegan lifestyle, you might be missing something important. Can you guess what it is? It’s probiotics.
Probiotics are live bacteria that do wonders for your health. They help with digestion, boost your immunity, and can even improve your mental health.
Let’s explore how probiotics can elevate your health. Keep reading to find out how to give your gut the love it deserves.
Probiotics are the Major Shift For Your Gut Health
Gut health goes beyond digestion. Your gut plays a key role in immunity, energy, and even mood. Probiotics are known as those tiny good bacteria that keep your gut in balance.
It’s crucial to know that nearly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. It is worth mentioning that Harvard Medical School research shows probiotics strengthen immunity and improve overall health.
Are All Probiotics Vegan-Friendly?
You might assume probiotics are plant-based. This is not true. But, many supplements come from dairy sources. These don’t fit a vegan lifestyle.
It’s important to check labels. Therefore, it would be a great approach if you look for naturally fermented plant-based foods like tempeh, sauerkraut, and dairy-free yogurts. They provide the same gut benefits without animal-derived ingredients.
Do You Know Vegan Diet Needs More Than Fiber?
We all know very well that fiber-rich foods can perform many functions. These can support digestion, but probiotics help nutrient absorption. Without them, your system of digestion slows. It is somehow problematic because it can lead to bloating and discomfort.
It is worth noticing that a Nutrient study shows probiotics improve gut health in plant-based diets. It found that there are many strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium involved in this mechanism. They are noticed very prominently to reduce bloating and improve digestion.
Why Fiber Isn’t Enough Without Probiotics?
Fiber feeds good bacteria, but probiotics help balance gut health. So, if you want to optimize your gut then you should pair probiotics with prebiotics—foods that fuel them.
Prebiotic-rich foods include:
- Garlic and onions
- Bananas and apples
- Oats and flaxseeds
- Asparagus and leeks
There is another best thing to mention here. There is a study that confirms that prebiotics boosts probiotic effectiveness which also leads to the improvement of gut health.
Vegan Probiotic Powerhouses You Should Try
It is very important to mention that there are many Plant-based foods available that offer great probiotic options. So, one can easily include these in their diet for the results.
- Sauerkraut and kimchi
- Miso and tempeh
- Dairy-free yogurts
- Kombucha and coconut kefir
- Fermented vegetables like pickles
Should You Consider Probiotic Supplements?
You might have heard that a balanced diet provides probiotics. But it is not the full story. Sometimes, it is important to get additional help from good supplements. In such a situation, you should choose those with proven strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum.
It would also be a great approach to look for vegan-certified probiotics that are dairy and gelatin-free. Also, don’t forget to check labels to ensure they fit your plant-based lifestyle.
Probiotics are Good For More Than Just Digestion
Probiotics don’t just improve gut health. Studies show they also enhance mental health, skin health, and immunity.
A Psychological Medicine study found probiotics reduce anxiety and improve mood. Not only this, but interestingly it also revealed that gut bacteria influence serotonin production. All to affect the mental well-being.
It is not only confined to one study. There are plenty of studies conducted on this topic. Another study in Nutrients links probiotics to stronger immunity. So, it would not be wrong to say that regular intake helps reduce infections and supports overall health.
Simple Ways to Add Probiotics to Your Diet
You should know that the addition of probiotics is easier than you think. So, try these simple swaps for the maximized results.
- You should start with dairy-free yogurt.
- It is really a good step to drink kombucha instead of sugary drinks.
- Try to add sauerkraut or kimchi to salads.
- Eat tempeh in stir-fries and sandwiches for an enhanced flavor with additional health benefits.
- Don’t forget to take a vegan probiotic supplement.
Keep in mind that a consistent routine with fermented foods, prebiotics, and supplements supports a healthy microbiome. So, you should be careful about all these things to get your desired results.
Bottom Line
Probiotics are crucial for more than just digestion. Remember a healthy microbiome is all that you need to boost your body’s immunity, energy, and even bone health.
Moreover, if you are more conscious to support your bone health then it’s time to include essential plant-based vitamins for optimal bone health alongside probiotics.
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