While the science on beneficial fungi is still in its infancy, the research on supplementing with beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, is well underway.
Probiotics have shown benefits in treating everything from IBS to UTIs, and they support overall gut and immune health.
Here are some ideas to help you incorporate probiotics into your busy holiday season.
Probiotic foods
Start the day with a homemade kefir smoothie; make it a festive green color by adding a handful of spinach.
When your holiday baking goes into the oven, take a moment to eat half a cup of yogurt—before you have a chance to be tempted by the fresh-baked treats.
Use fermented kimchi as a condiment to eat with leftover chicken or turkey.
Probiotic supplements
After you get home from a holiday gathering, pop a probiotic supplement just before bed.
Add probiotic powder to a glass of milk or eggnog to enjoy at the end of the day.
Mix a small amount of powdered probiotic supplement into a serving of whipped cream immediately before using it to top a dessert.
This excerpt was originally published in the December 2019 issue of delicious living as part of the article “Welcome to the ‘Mycobiome.'”
