Fermented foods have been increasingly touted as highly beneficial to gut health. These foods contain “good bacteria,” which can help with immunity and digestive health when regularly included in your diet. Some fermented foods may go down easier than others—kombucha is a great option if you like sparkling, fruity drinks, while kimchi is delicious but also more of an acquired taste. You may even have some fermented foods in your fridge already!
Yogurt
If you’re choosing yogurt as a source of probiotics, it’s best to go with an unsweetened variety so as not to outweigh the benefits with too much sugar. Be sure to check the label for sugar content and to make sure that the yogurt contains live cultures. If plain yogurt is too tart for you, try adding some berries and a tablespoon of maple syrup.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a beverage made from fermented tea with origins in China. Its takeoff as a popular beverage choice over the last few years has led companies to create all kinds of different flavors; some companies have even created soda-inspired varieties like root beer. Most companies do remove the alcohol created during fermentation, but some may leave up to 1%, so be sure to check the label if it’s sensitive to you.
Kimchi
Made from fermented cabbage, this Korean dish is a great source of probiotics for anyone looking to incorporate friendly bacteria and fiber into their diet. It has a sour and garlicky flavor that can definitely take some time to get used to. We recommend incorporating it into other Korean dishes like dumplings or fried rice.
