Dear Kosterina Family,
A couple of months ago, we wrote about the Top 5 Supplements worth taking and probiotics made the cut. So, why are we so obsessed with probiotics? Simple: they are essential for a healthy gut microbiome and healthy self.
We’ve heard many doctors and wellness experts explain that an inflamed gut is an inflamed mind. Or as Dr. Uma Naidoo puts it, “Chronic inflammation of the gut leads to neuroinflammation, inflammation of the brain and nervous tissue.” We’re focused on gut health because a healthy microbiome can not only mean less inflammation, improved mood and better mental health but also lower risk of disease, weight management, good digestion, more energy, and the list goes on. Probiotics and prebiotics are here to stay, and they really do work. Both supplementing and getting them from foods are effective and beneficial. Let’s dive into what probiotics and prebiotics really are and how they work together as the perfect pair.
Probiotics help populate your gut with beneficial bacteria. Our microbiome is made up of a diverse population of microbes - and good bacteria microbes keep us healthy. Taking a probiotic and eating probiotic rich foods assist us in diversifying and finding the right balance of good bacteria. Not only do different strains of probiotics regulate many functions they also reduce bad bugs in the gut. They have a big job and as long as you are taking them, they do their work and help change the ecosystem of your gut. Key takeaway: consistency is key for seeing results. Choose a probiotic or probiotic rich food that effortlessly integrates into your lifestyle and current routine.
But hold up – not all probiotics are created equal. They've got to be alive and kicking to work their magic. And guess what? They thrive with a little help from their pals – prebiotics. Prebiotic fibers act as food for gut loving probiotics. They're frequently employed to enhance the effectiveness of probiotics by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. While not always necessary for probiotics to function, incorporating a prebiotic can certainly give those live bacteria an extra boost. Do you remember our book report on Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsiewicz MD. MSCI? One of the key takeways: Making diverse fiber intake (eat the rainbow!) a priority in your diet can lead to a healthier gut microbiome and, in turn, superior overall long-term health and vitality.
Now, onto the fun stuff – our favorite gut-loving foods! Think pickled veggies, naturally-cured olives (have you tried our Kosterina olives yet?), kimchi, Greek yogurt, kefir and coconut yogurt. We also have to mention our newest collaboration with The Coconut Cult. Our teams came together to create the most creamy, delicious probiotic (and prebiotic!) filled coconut yogurt that we could ever dream up – Lemon & Olive Oil Wedding Cake. Why not get all the probiotics and prebiotics you need from a few heavenly spoonful’s of, dare I say, the best thing I’ve tasted made with EVOO? The Coconut Cult’s yogurt is super probiotic rich, loaded with prebiotics and naturally preserved with fermentation. Do yourself a favor, and order a jar asap, you won’t be disappointed.
Peace, Love & EVOO
Katerina and The Kosterina Team
