Did you know that probiotics in yogurts are typically useless? One of the most common misconceptions that I hear is, “Oh yeah, I get enough probiotics – I eat a lot of yogurt!” Truth be told, most store bought yogurts are made with strains that are not necessary for the health and wellbeing of our guts and immune systems. Furthermore, the yogurt you purchase at the store is pasteurized, a process which kills off the helpful bacteria along with the harmful. Lastly, most yogurts (especially those marketed to children) have such excessive amounts of sugar, genetically modified ingredients, hormones, and antibiotics in them that they are the complete opposite of healthy.
Instead of relying on yogurt for your daily dose of probiotics, try the following:
- Take a QUALITY probiotic. Be mindful of your choice, as many companies are now using genetically modified (GM) bacteria strains, which really counteracts any health and wellness you would receive from taking a probiotic in the first place. Call the manufacturer and ask about their strains before purchase.
- Enjoy kombucha, kevita, and other yummy, organic, fermented drinks.
- Eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso (buy the organic paste and add to hot water for soup, or marinades), and organic tempeh.
- Make your own yogurt at home and add your own culture. Our friend Matt was kind enough to share his recipe with us:
Bring milk to a simmer for about 15 mins, than cool down to a temp that is a little warm on the finger and add a good yogurt culture… you can cover and leave out in the sun and have a nice cultured yogurt in a few hours… or longer and you got a greek style… or longer and you have sour cream.
Read more about probiotics in this awesome article by Dr. Lipman.
In wellness,
Lauren
