BACK TO NEWS
MEDITERRANEAN, INTERNATIONAL and NUTRITION
ADD THOSE 3 PROBIOTIC FOODS TO YOUR MEDITERRANEAN DIET PLAN
ADD THOSE 3 PROBIOTIC FOODS TO YOUR MEDITERRANEAN DIET PLAN

IN TODAY’S STRESSFUL WAY OF LIVING, MANY PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS. The intestines are said to be humans’ “second brain”, and we have all heard about the so- called brain-gut connection.

Apart from that, other factors like bad nutrition and heavy medication can lead to such issues.

Luckily, we can benefit from probiotics that foster a good gut health, as live microorganisms that have a positive effect on our digestion.

Although we can find probiotics in specialized supplements, it is always a wise choice to consume foods that are naturally rich in probiotics. With that being said, we strongly advice you to include the following 3 foods in your diet!

1. YOGURT

There is evidence that yogurt with active or live cultures can play an important role in dealing with gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. Before you buy a yogurt at the grocery store, make sure you read the label to avoid added sugar, and make sure that it has live probiotics.

Obviously, you can consume yogurt in many ways: As a breakfast with fruits and honey or chocolate, as a dip (it goes very well with paprika), as a substitute of cream cheese for spreading your toasts, as a base for puddings and cheesecakes, and so on.

2. KEFIR

Kefir is a soupy, yogurt- like cultured and fermented milk drink with a sour taste, that is rich in probiotic bacteria which help with bloating and other IBS symptoms. Because the taste is unpleasant for many people, you have to be a bit creative and find enjoyable ways to eat it!

For example, you can use it instead of buttermilk when preparing your morning pancakes, or make a smoothie with frozen berries, chia seeds, and other ingredients of your preference. If you are a fan of overnight oats, you can use kefir and add the toppings you like!

3. PICKLED VEGETABLES

Naturally fermented vegetables are a great probiotics-dense option for people who do not want to consume dairy like the ones we mentioned earlier. It is, again, important to check the labels so that you buy a naturally fermented jar of pickles, as those are the ones that can actually improve your digestion. Pickles are a versatile product as well, so you can, for instance, eat them in salads, sandwiches, and soups, or use them to make hummus. Plus, you can “drink” them, meaning that you can add them in your happy hour Bloody Marys and Martinis!