Want a Happy Gut? Eat More Aged Cheese

Despite bacteria causing everything from allergies to infections, not all bacteria are harmful. Many microorganisms are essential for maintaining a balanced system and controlling harmful germs, such as probiotics, a microbe that promotes good bacteria growth in your body. Maintaining a well-regulated diet of probiotic-rich foods can encourage proper gut health, lessen inflammation, and support overall body health and well-being. Here are a few you should add to your diet.

Kimchi

Often found in Korean cuisine, kimchi is a spicy fermented cabbage dish that is low in calories and high in probiotics. The Lactobacillus found in most kimchi helps promote a stronger immune system while regulating the serotonin levels in your gut and enhancing your overall mood.

Aged Cheese

Unlike processed cheese, aged cheeses are rich in beneficial bacteria. Eating probiotic-rich cheeses, such as Swiss, Gouda, and cheddar, balances out the body’s intestinal microflora, helping produce a stronger immune response and lower cholesterol levels. However, avoid heating these kinds of cheese — temperatures above 115 degrees Fahrenheit will kill probiotic cultures. 

Buttermilk

The probiotics in buttermilk help lessen inflammation in the gut and facilitate quicker, more efficient digestion. Drink 3 tablespoons of buttermilk daily for these health benefits.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut contains high levels of lactic acid-producing bacteria, or the most common type of probiotic found in most food. While lactic acid may cause gas and bloating, its benefits —  a stronger immune response, more potent cell health, improved digestion, and even weight loss — far outweigh the cons.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented yogurt drink that contains up to 61 different strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast. Kefi also includes a unique probiotic called Lactobacillus kefiri, which helps prevent infection by slowing the growth of harmful bacteria.

Labneh

Labneh is a strained yogurt dip that is thicker than traditional yogurt. This soft Mediterranean cheese contains probiotics that lessen digestive issues like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Some studies also claim that the probiotics in labneh can help with losing weight and lowering cholesterol.

Miso

Miso is a popular fermented paste in Japan that can be made into a soup, salad dressing, or used as a marinade. The probiotics found in miso balance bacterial levels in your gut and help improve blood circulation throughout the body.

Tempeh

The probiotics found in tempeh — an Indonesian dish made from fermented soybeans — help stimulate anticarcinogenic activity, which can help prevent serious diseases like cancer. Tempeh can also reduce oxidative stress levels, which may cause general fatigue, muscle pain, and memory loss.

Natto

Natto is a Japanese dish made of slimy, fermented soybeans. If you can look past its unique consistency, natto has incredible benefits thanks to naturally occurring high levels of gut-healthy bacteria, which makes it easier to digest food and absorb nutrients.

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