A healthy digestive system is important if you value your overall well-being. It’s why many health-conscious people in Singapore now take probiotic supplements to improve their gut biome.
But you don’t have to rely solely on buying these health supplements at your Singapore wellness store. You can also eat more probiotic-rich foods. Let’s walk you through the best sources so you can add them to your diet today.
What Exactly Makes Probiotics Important?
Probiotics are helpful microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract that improve many bodily functions. These include improved digestion, a stronger immune system, youthful skin, and even better mental health.
These good bacteria naturally live inside us, but the balance can be easily disrupted by factors like stress or the use of antibiotics. A diet with probiotic foods would be a simple and effective way to support our gut and, by extension, our general health.
What Foods Are Rich in Probiotics?
Here are some notable probiotic-packed additions you can make to your diet:
Yoghurt
Yoghurt comes from fermented milk and usually contains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. You can make sure you’re getting high-quality yoghurt by checking the label if it declares there are live and active cultures.
Miso
This is a Japanese staple made from fermented soybeans and a special mould called koji that comes from grains like rice and barley. Apart from its probiotic content, the paste also contains antioxidants that lower your risk of chronic health issues.
Tempeh
Another soybean product, tempeh is a popular meat substitute in plant-based diets due to its high protein content. But it’s also a great source of helpful bacteria.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage is popular in sandwiches and salads or as a standalone side dish. It’s also high in fibre, making it doubly helpful in supporting good digestion.
Kimchi
Are you fond of Korean food? You’ve likely eaten or at least heard of this delightfully tangy and spicy dish at least once in your life. It’s loaded with healthy bacteria and has capsaicin to boost your metabolism.
Kombucha
Unlike the others which are foods, kombucha is a fizzy tea with plenty of probiotics and antioxidants. However, it’s quite acidic due to the presence of acids such as acetic acid, so drink it in moderation to avoid problems like bloating.
Where Do Supplements Come In?
Some people in Singapore use probiotic supplements apart from eating probiotics for a variety of reasons, such as:
- You might need to increase your intake even more than what your food already provides.
- You have dietary restrictions that limit the fermented foods you can eat.
- You’re looking for a certain strain to deal with specific issues like diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome.
Whatever your needs may be, you should consult your doctor before buying any health supplement in Singapore. They’ll consider your health and suggest safe dosages for you.
Infographic: 5 Benefits of Taking Daily Probiotics
Don’t Forget Your Prebiotics Too
If you want your gut biome to thrive, you need to feed them too! That means you should have more prebiotic-rich foods. These are fibres that the bacteria eat to keep them fuelled.
Here are a few that are easy to add to your diet:
- Onions, garlic, and leeks
- Apples
- Seaweed
- Cabbages
- Radishes
- Legumes (such as beans and lentils)
- Oats and barley
Nurture Your Gut With a Healthy Microbiome
One of the best ways to keep your gut in good shape is to have a diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics. I hope reading this quick list will get you started on the right path!
If you need to give your microbiome a boost, supplements can help you out. Let’s go ahead and explore the options we have so we can give our best for our health and future.
Organic Stuff by Chrisial Ling 