Eating probiotic foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, natural yogurt, kefir and certain types of pickles on a regular basis can help you to keep your bowels functioning smoothly. Probiotics help to improve the health of our microbiome, and a healthy microbiome equals healthy digestion, a stronger immune system and much more.
A 2008 study published in the journal Pharmacotherapy tested the effects of probiotics on individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). On their results, the authors wrote:
“Four of five studies of the effects of probiotics on colonic transit time revealed a benefit compared with placebo. As probiotics have shown benefit and possess a favorable adverse-effect profile, their use may represent an option for symptom relief in patients with IBS.”
All in all, eating a healthy, clean diet filled with fiber-rich and probiotic foods, getting plenty of exercise, drinking plenty of water and controlling your stress levels is a good way to keep yourself from getting constipated. When it does happen though, the foods on this list should have you feeling lighter in no time.
— Tanya Mead
