Dietitians Say These Probiotic-Rich Yogurts Work Wonders for Your Gut Health (2023)

FAQs

Dietitians Say These Probiotic-Rich Yogurts Work Wonders for Your Gut Health? ›

Some studies suggest that having certain types of good bacteria may help insulate people from certain health woes. There is some evidence that probiotics, like those found in yogurt, can help improve symptoms of some digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and certain types of diarrhea.

Some studies suggest that having certain types of good bacteria may help insulate people from certain health woes. There is some evidence that probiotics, like those found in yogurt, can help improve symptoms of some digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and certain types of diarrhea.

Why it's good for you: A fermented food, yogurt naturally contains lots of probiotic cultures that strengthen the digestive tract. Some Greek yogurt also boasts added probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei that may help increase the good bacteria in your gut.

Kefir contains more probiotics than any yogurt. With up to 61 different strains of microbes, it can be an excellent source of probiotics. People use specific clusters of microbes called kefir grains to ferment the milk.

If you are looking to boost your protein intake or prefer a thicker yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great option, however, regular yogurt is equally as nutrient-dense and rich in probiotics.

Kefir, another fermented milk product, has many important nutrients and far more probiotic cultures compared to yogurt to help aid and balance your gut bacteria. Kefir has 30 types of probiotic yeasts and beneficial bacteria—that's approximately three times the number of probiotic cultures compared to yogurt!

Because microbes used as probiotics already exist naturally in your body, probiotic foods and supplements are generally considered safe. They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them.

It's very nutritious, and eating it regularly may boost several aspects of your health. For example, yogurt has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, as well as aid in weight management.

What is Probiotic Yogurt? Activia is a probiotic yogurt that may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort when consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Another study showed that four weeks of probiotic yogurt consumption by healthy adults increased gut content of probiotic Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria strains while not significantly altering microbial community structure [5].

How much yogurt should I eat a day for gut health? ›

Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.

Typically, the best choice is plain, unflavored yogurt. But if you don't like plain yogurt, there are a few things you can try instead. One option is to sweeten it yourself with your favorite fresh fruit. You can also make your own chia seed yogurt to make plain yogurt less tart.

ACTIVIA, a unique fermented dairy product

Most yogurts only contain two ferments. Activia is different. It contains a unique mix of no less than five ferments, including its exclusive Bifidus, all carefully selected by Danone scientists. Not only that, but Activia takes longer to make than a classic yoghurt.

If you are eating your greek yogurt plain, unsweetened, and adding your own fruit, chia/flax/hemp, then GO YOU! However, if you're buying the greek yogurt that has the berries or flavour pre added, then it's no better than your every day Activia.

Chobani is a Greek-style yogurt brand. This yogurt contains live and active cultures, including L. acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Not only is this yogurt a great source of probiotics, but it is also gluten-free, kosher-certified, and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMO).

The most common fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread and some cheeses.

For one, fermented foods are far more potent than probiotic supplements. To give you an idea, 2 ounces of sauerkraut has more probiotics than 100 capsules. 4-6 ounces of fermented vegetables has around 10 trillion bacteria, compared to the average probiotic supplement that contains around 10 billion.

How can I get good gut bacteria without yogurt? ›

That's all thanks to miso paste, a fermented paste made from barley, soybeans, or rice. According to research, miso contains approximately 10² to 10⁷ colony forming units (CFU) per gram of probiotics, making it an excellent naturally-occurring dietary source of the good gut bacteria.

Regularly taking probiotics has generally been shown to be safe, according to the NIH, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The most common side effect is gas. Some cases of infections have resulted in severe illness in immunocompromised or severely ill patients after taking probiotics.

Even though the bacteria may be familiar to your body, it is possible to experience side effects from taking large amounts of probiotics. You may experience bloating, gas, nausea, or diarrhea when taking high amounts of probiotics.

The best time to eat yogurt is in the morning and on an empty stomach. Yogurt is an important component of diet as it is rich in essential minerals and vitamins. The probiotics reach the large intestine the most when yogurt is eaten on an empty stomach, especially during the morning.

With the four recommended times mentioned above, the best options to consume yogurt are in the morning or on an empty stomach. This is because the good bacteria or probiotics in yogurt must reach the large intestine alive to maintain digestive efficiency and health.

For example, the report indicated it takes 8-25 daily servings of Danone's Activia yogurt (1 billion cfu per serving) to get the needed dosage of probiotic to reduce bloating, gas, and improve stool consistency demonstrated in clinical trials.

The short answer: It takes most people 2 to 3 weeks to feel significant benefits when they start taking probiotics. That's because probiotics need time to accomplish their three key goals: increase your good bacteria count, decrease your bad bacteria count, and reduce inflammation.

Yes! Each serving of Activia contains billions of our probiotic culture. Activia may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort when consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The study also found that yoghurt consumption before meals is capable of reducing blood sugar by improving the glucose handling by the body especially in obese individuals. After a meal this yoghurt can rapidly reduce blood glucose, they noted in the study.

Should elderly take probiotics? ›

Studies have shown that probiotics can be beneficial to seniors and aging adults for more than just the keeping the body regular. Probiotics can help older adults maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system while fighting off harmful bacteria such as Clostridia and Bacteroides which are more common with age.

According to Lauren Popeck, RD, a dietitian at Orlando Health, Greek yogurt is perfect for bedtime, because it contains the sleep-inducing chemical tryptophan. And because it's such a rich source of protein, Greek yogurt can also help you avoid that same glucose spike.

“Don't take a probiotic supplement with hot food and drinks such as tea or coffee as this can lessen the chance of the bacteria getting to your gut unharmed. Give it 30 minutes after taking them before you reach for the teapot.”

Vasant Lad notes that yogurt shouldn't be paired with milk. In addition to this, he also lists down a couple of everyday foods, that you may have been combining all your life with yogurt but shouldn't be! These include sour fruits, melons, fish, mango, starches, cheese and bananas.

Yogurt is thought to reduce inflammation by improving the integrity of the intestinal lining. And, by bolstering this layer of tissue, endotoxins — produced by gut bacteria — cannot cross into the bloodstream and promote inflammation.

Yogurt is full of probiotics, and they supply healthy bacteria to fortify the tract's natural flora, helping digestion and boosting the body's immune responses. Basically, yogurt brings good bacteria into your gut to kick-start digestion and help you get rid of toxins.

As part of a balanced diet, eggs contribute to a healthy digestive tract and can be helpful during acute digestive problems. In addition to being packed with nutrients, eggs are usually easy to digest compared to some other high-protein foods, such as meat and legumes.

The Culturelle® Probiotic Advantage:

Considered the premier probiotic in the world, over 1,000 scientific studies and over 30 years of research have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG^®).

Broccoli and other vegetables in the cruciferous family are in the list of probiotic food in India as they are rich in fibre. So it is recommended that you include cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage regularly to your diet.

Bananas are not only packed full of fibre but also prebiotics and probiotics, with them being a rich source of fructooligosaccharides. All of these compounds are important when you have digestive conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

What cheese has probiotics? ›

Typically, probiotics are in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.

Plain Greek yogurt

When it comes to protein, Greek yogurt delivers. Just one cup has 17 grams of protein as well as 20% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. Why else is Greek yogurt considered one of the best superfoods for seniors? It contains probiotics, which help us maintain gut health.

Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Arguably, Activia's biggest downside that it has been positioned as a diet food, and diet culture has shifted dramatically in recent years, eschewing manufactured diet products, like Special K, for more healthful, natural foods. Meanwhile, Activia has been working on rebranding itself as a female-positive brand.

Think of kefir as yogurt with attitude; plain kefir has fewer calories, less sugar and more protein than your Activia. It's is also generally richer in probiotic bacteria than yogurt.

Experts agree that not all yogurts are good probiotic sources, so we've gathered the ones you can count on to keep your gut healthy (and taste delicious!).

May support gut health

Greek yogurt that is labelled 'contains live cultures', provides beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which when eaten regularly may support gut health. This is because regular inclusion of fermented foods, including yogurt, appears to increase the microbial diversity of the gut.

Besides healthy doses of calcium and protein, yogurt is a prime source for probiotics, the "good" live bacteria and yeasts. Why are these helpful? Having a proper balance of bacteria in your gut improves digestion, blocks dangerous organisms that can cause infections, and boosts your immune system.

All forms of yogurt contain some amount of healthy bacteria that keep your gut flourishing. This strengthens the integrity of your gut and digestive system and can buffer against health issues.

Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.

How much yogurt should I eat A day for gut health? ›

Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.

While it's certainly worthwhile to eat yogurt as a healthy snack and a good source of protein, you're much better off getting your daily dose of probiotics from a quality supplement.

Study finds 2 to 25 servings of yogurt per day would need to be consumed to offer any health benefits. CTV News Channel: Not enough 'good' bacteria? Study co-author Mary Scourboutakos comments on the research results on products that promote probiotics.

When selecting yogurt, the better option is to pick brands with the least sugar per serving. This means as little as possible over the around 7 grams per cup (245 grams) that is already present from lactose. Typically, the best choice is plain, unflavored yogurt.

Chobani is a Greek-style yogurt brand. This yogurt contains live and active cultures, including L. acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Not only is this yogurt a great source of probiotics, but it is also gluten-free, kosher-certified, and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Typically, probiotics are in cheeses that have been aged but not heated afterward. This includes both soft and hard cheeses, including Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese.