Suffering from gut health issues? Did you check the food and beverages you are consuming? If you are suffering from constant bloating, constipation, or flatulence, it might be time to start including probiotic drinks in your daily routine. They are a fantastic substitute for soda or packaged drinks and have a delicious flavour. Let us look at some of the probiotic drinks that may improve your gut health and digestion.
What are Probiotic Drinks
Fermented drinks that contain living, active cultures of good bacteria are called probiotic drinks. These beverages with good bacteria assist in keeping the microorganisms in your digestive system in a healthy balance.
Probiotics in fermented beverages aid in,
- Immune function
- Enzyme production
- Drug metabolism
- Nutrient absorption
- Appetite control
- Energy metabolism
5 Best Probiotic Drinks for Your Gut
Let us look at some of the beneficial probiotic drinks that can be easily taken regularly to improve gut health.
#1 Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a traditional probiotic drink that has been in use in Indian homes for ages. It has live cultures and is sometimes referred to as Grandma's probiotic. However, always remember not to heat buttermilk. Heating buttermilk during cooking eliminates its live cultures.
How to Make Buttermilk:
Ingredients
- Yogurt: 4 tablespoons
- Water: 1 glass
- Whole Cumin1 tsp
- Green chilli & coriander leaves - optional
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and give it a mix.
- You may add ice if you want and serve with some ground pepper and chopped coriander leaves
Note: This probiotic drink has a slightly sour taste due to its lactic acid content.
#2 Lassi
Lassi is another common yogurt-based beverage in India which is a natural source of probiotics. Making lassi involves fermentation, which promotes the growth of good bacteria that can facilitate digestion and enhance gut health. Mango, strawberry, or rose water flavours are common in lassi, which makes it a delightful and refreshing way to add probiotics to your diet.
How to Make Lassi:
Ingredients
- Yogurt: 1 cup
- Water: 1 glass
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl or matka and mix with a whisk.
- You may add ice or elaichi powder for flavouring
Note: Avoid refined sugar. For sweetness use honey or jaggery.
#3 Kombucha
Kombucha is a probiotic drink made by the fermentation process. A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is added to sweetened tea for preparing kombucha - a popular Chinese probiotic drink. It tastes slightly sweet and tangy and has a fizzy texture. Kombucha is rich in probiotics and can also contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants.
You can easily find Kombucha at supermarkets as they have gained quite a popularity.
How to Make Kombucha:
Ingredients
- Sweet tea (black or green) - 1 Teaspoon
- Water - 7 cups
- SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) 1 sachet
Method:
- Brew your preferred tea and let it cool to room temperature.
- Place the SCOBY and a small amount of starter kombucha (if available) into the jar.
- Cover the jar with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.
- Place in a warm, dark place for 7-10 days.
Note: After fermentation, taste the kombucha. If it's too tart, add a sweetener like honey or fruit juice. Bottle it for carbonation or drink it immediately.
#4 Miso Soup
Japanese cuisine is known for using fresh produce and fermented foods. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is quite popular in Japanese culture. It can be included in marinades, stews, and soups and is a good source of probiotics.
#5 Kanji
Kanji is a traditional Indian probiotic drink that has been made for centuries. Originally made from dark carrots, today kanji is made from beetroot which gives this a bright red colour. Kanji - the hot tart probiotic drink - can also be made by adding cauliflower, radishes, and carrots. It is helpful for intestinal health.
How to Make Kanji:
Ingredients:
- Vegetables (carrots, beetroot, radish), 1 cup - peeled and cut in long pieces
- Water - 7 cups
- Mustard seeds - 1 tablespoon, crushed
- Salt - 1 tablespoon
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a large glass mixing bowl
- Cover with a lid
- Let it sit in a sunny spot for 1 week
- Stir it every day
- Strain the liquid and store it in a bottle
Note: You can eat kanji by itself or as a foundation for stews and soups. You can eat pickled vegetables with many other foods.
Conclusion
By incorporating probiotic drinks into your diet, you can support your gut health and overall well-being. At What’s Up Wellness we understand you might not get all the time to try different recipes due to your hectic schedule. That is why we have simplified your probiotic intake without gut health gummies. These probiotic-rich gummies are supplements that are easy to take and fulfill your daily probiotic requirement. Our health gummies are made from vegan sources and do not contain any added flavours or preservatives.