Category: Probiotics

Over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, making gut health critically important for overall wellness. To support this complex ecosystem, incorporating beneficial probiotics, such as *Bifidobacterium lactis*, through diet or supplements is a popular strategy.

One 8-ounce serving of kefir can provide approximately 25-30% of your recommended daily intake of calcium. This fermented dairy beverage is an excellent source of this vital mineral, and its benefits for bone strength go beyond just calcium content alone.

While most people are familiar with common probiotics like those found in yogurt, a spore-forming bacterium called *Bacillus subtilis* is also a powerful probiotic with unique benefits. It is predominantly found in certain traditional fermented foods, particularly those from East Asia. Understanding which foods contain B. subtilis can help individuals seeking to diversify their probiotic intake.

According to a 2022 review published in the National Institutes of Health, the consumption of yogurt and other fermented foods has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and immune function. This is largely due to the beneficial microorganisms in yogurt, which help to balance the gut microbiome and support overall wellness.

Over a century ago, a Russian scientist linked the longevity of Bulgarian people to their high consumption of yogurt containing *Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus*. This beneficial bacterium, a key starter culture for traditional yogurt, is a well-documented probiotic capable of providing numerous health advantages for humans.

According to recent studies, a combination of *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium* strains is often recommended for optimal digestive and immune benefits, as they provide complementary protective activities. The question of which is better, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, depends on your specific health goals and the location in the gut you want to target.

Studies have shown that certain Lactobacillus gasseri strains can help reduce abdominal fat in adults with obese tendencies. This beneficial probiotic, commonly known as the Gasseri strain, is a versatile microorganism found naturally in the human body that plays a significant role in digestive, metabolic, and women's health.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii, first isolated in 1905, is primarily used as a starter culture for fermenting dairy products, most famously for making yogurt. This lactic acid bacterium is valued for its ability to produce lactic acid, which creates the characteristic tang and texture of many fermented foods, and for its documented probiotic potential that can benefit gut health.

According to the manufacturer of Dutch Mill Delight, consuming a couple of bottles per day is perfectly safe for probiotic intake, which can boost gut health. This reassurance, however, prompts a deeper look into the nutritional profile, raising the key question: can you drink 2 Delight a day without concerns related to other ingredients like sugar?

An estimated 65% of the global population has a reduced ability to digest lactose, making dairy-free options essential for good health. This comprehensive guide explores what is the best dairy-free probiotic, covering supplements and fermented foods to help you maintain a healthy gut without dairy.