In the beverage industry, probiotic drinks are becoming one of the hottest trends. Many more consumers want drinks that are made with natural ingredients and provide some health benefits. You can find a wide range of these probiotic beverages on your local supermarket shelf, from kombucha to kefir.
If you have always wanted to learn about probiotic drinks, keep reading. With this buyer's guide, you will understand all the benefits of these healthy probiotic drinks.
What Are Probiotic Drinks?
Probiotics are known as "good bacteria." These microorganisms are types of yeasts and live bacteria that can help the immune and digestive systems. In your grocery store, you can find several of these beneficial drinks that contain probiotics, such as:
- Kefir: This dairy product is known as a drinkable yogurt. However, it is made from kefir grains and contains several strains of good bacteria. Kefir is known to help with lactose digestion and immune system health.
- Water Kefir: This is the plant based cousin of dairy kefir as it’s made from water kefir grains and also contains several strains of good bacteria. It’s a great alternative to those who are sensitive to dairy or have lactose intolerance. Like it’s cousin, it also is known to provide general support of immune system health and digestive aid with a friendly taste profile.
- Kombucha: This tea-based drink contains yeast and sugar. It is an option for those seeking a digestive tonic.
- Kvass: This Slavic beer-type beverage is a fermented grain juice. It does have a sour taste, and it is traditionally made from fermented rye bread.
Learn More: What Are Probiotic Drinks
Are you interested in improving your immune system and gut health? Make sure to try our refreshing probiotic shots from Sunny Culture.
Health Benefits of Probiotic Drinks
Now that you know about the different types of probiotic drinks, here are some of the benefits of these beverages.
Related: 10 Health Benefits of Kefir
Supports Gut Health
Many people choose probiotics because they have probiotic bacteria that will help boost gut functionality. These probiotics are known to support your intestinal tract health and help keep those nutrients more absorbable. Probiotics can help maintain balance in the gut and reduce bouts with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Fight Infections
For many years, probiotics are the top choice to build defenses and strengthen the immune system. When you regularly drink these beverages, you might be able to prevent urinary tract and yeast infections. Some drinks, like kvass, can support the liver, cleanse the gallbladder, and improve bile flow. All these steps can help the body cleanse from harmful bacteria.
Along with that, these probiotic drinks will fight free radical inflammation and damage while boosting nutrient absorption. As a result, you might be able to reduce symptoms of the flu, colds, skin issues, and digestive disorders. Some probiotic drinks have been studied for their antihypercholesterolemic and antihypertensive effects, which can benefit the heart.
May Enhance Mental Health
The digestive system is often called the "second brain." It is the second-largest part of the neurological system and contains neurotransmitters that can boost your mental health and mood. Along with that, these probiotic drinks can combat inflammatory responses and leaky gut syndrome that lead to fatigue, anxiety, and mood issues.
Reduce Risk for Allergies or Food Sensitivities
When you strengthen your immune system, it will prevent a leaky gut and seal the GI tract. Probiotics are one way to accomplish this task as it decreases your food allergies and reduces any symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Provides a Good Source of Other Nutrients
Along with their great gut-friendly bacteria, probiotic drinks can also help you introduce calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and other nutrients into your system. For example, kefir contains healthy fats, essential minerals, and protein. With a fermented vegetable drink, you will enjoy your daily supply of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Kombucha is an excellent way to drink the ideal amount of beneficial acids, vitamins, and healthy enzymes.
May Help in Weight Loss
If you are looking to lose weight, probiotic drinks may help you stay on track. These beverages are better for you than beer, juice, or soda. Some drinks, like kombucha, are lower in sugar and calories than those bottled sweet teas and beverages. For the most part, many people grab a probiotic drink to help with their gut health. Losing weight is just an added benefit.
Learn More: How Many Probiotic Drinks Should You Take Per Day
Probiotics Can Help Prevent and Treat Diarrhea
Probiotics are well-known for their ability to prevent or lessen the severity of diarrhea.
On the other hand, antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which is a typical adverse effect. This happens because they can disrupt microbiota flora in the gut.
A study done by researchers showed that taking probiotics reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 42%.
Probiotics can also help with other forms of diarrhea not associated with antibiotics.
Certain strains of probiotics can lessen the length of infectious diarrhea by an average of 25 hours, according to an analysis done on 35 people. However, the effectiveness of a probiotic will vary based on the type and amount used.
Probiotics Help Alleviate Symptoms of Digestive Disorders
Inflammatory bowel illnesses like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease affect about one million people in the United States.
A great way to alleviate ulcerative colitis (UC) is taking probiotics from the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
A study done in 2015 showed that supplementing with the probiotic E. coli Nissle was just as effective as drugs in maintaining ulcerative colitis patients in remission.
Increasing your probiotic intake in a natural way can help you immensely if you suffer from the following problems:
- Constant Colics
- Chronic constipation
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Lactose intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Related: GUT MICROBIOME & YOUR HEALTH
Probiotics May Help Boost Your Immune System
It's possible that probiotics aid in the strengthening of your immune system and the inhibition of the growth of dangerous gut bacteria.
Several probiotics have shown to be a great ally to boost the body's natural antibody production. Also, the body's immune cells, such as IgA-producing cells, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells, may be boosted as well.
Lactobacillus GG was also proven to lessen the frequency and severity of respiratory infections by 17 percent in a study including approximately 570 children.
Lactobacillus crispatus, a probiotic, has also been proven to cut women's risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by half.
There is no doubt that one of the most natural methods to improve your gut microbiome and your health is by intaking foods rich in probiotics. Foods rich in probiotics are:
- Olives
- Dark chocolate (70% or more)
- Fermented foods
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Greek yogurt
Probiotics May Improve Vaginal Health
Probiotics may also help to keep urogenital health in check. The vaginal canal, like the digestive tract, is a delicately balanced ecosystem.
In most cases, the dominant Lactobacilli strains make the environment too acidic for dangerous microbes to thrive. However, various things, including birth control tablets, antibiotics, and spermicides, can put the internal system off balance.
Female urogenital issues such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections may improve from probiotic medication restoring microflora balance.
Although there isn't enough evidence to recommend Lactobacilli above traditional treatments for bacterial vaginosis, there is no harm in trying oral administration of Lactobacilli to help treat bacterial vaginosis.
Nonetheless, the use of probiotics to treat urinary tract infections is still being researched.
Looking for organic probiotic shots? Check out our catalog to find different shots like turmeric ginger, ginger lemon, lemon spirulina, and elderberry ginger!
Best Types of Probiotic Drinks
If you are ready to choose the right probiotic drink for you, there are several options. For first-time drinkers, you might want to try kefir. This dairy drink is made from goat's milk, and it is unsweetened and organic. You can also find plenty of other drinkable yogurts, but you need to look for the seal with the words "Live & Active Culture.” With that, you will know the product contains live probiotics.
Related: Water Kefir
Kombucha is another great drink to try, especially for those who love the taste of tea. However, you want to choose a product that is low in sugar. Coconut kefir is a hot item on the market. Instead of dairy, it uses coconut water in the drink.
Some probiotic-infused waters are an excellent way to stay hydrated and introduce those probiotics into your digestive system. Finally, kvass might sound scary, but you can find this drink made with beet or strawberry juice for a sweeter taste. Whatever your preference, you can choose a probiotic drink that will taste great and provide a boost to help with your digestive system.
You might want to try several drinks to find your favorite. Make sure to read the labels and look for a product that identifies the strain of probiotics in the drink. Along with that, you need to know the CFUs (colony forming units) that are also contained in the probiotic beverage.
From turmeric to elderberry, Sunny Culture offers a wide range of probiotic drinks that may boost the health of your digestive system.