LIVE kombucha review

Raw & Organic LIVE Kombucha Soda
LIVE Kombucha Soda is 99% raw, organic kombucha

I purchased these at Target, and unfortunately they were out of 2 other flavors they have, but it's a good start! I decided to have one Kombucha drink a day in January, so I was very pleased to find such variety of Kombucha available for me to try! And these were absolutely delicious! I almost felt guilty, as it felt like I was drinking soda.

Bottle top says - Things Are Looking Up

Dreamy Orange

A sweet and tangy blend of vanilla, cream, and orange. As soon as it hits your lips you’ll remember those hot summer days when you enjoyed a dreamcicle in the sun. You can now enjoy the blissfully fresh combination of orange and cream with healthful benefits of kombucha.

LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
This was the first flavor I tasted and I was estatic about how delicious it was! It tasted like orange soda (something i haven't had in many years). It was sweet but it wasn't overpowering like the unhealthy soda on the market. Knowing it was healthy I was super pleased with it. What I miss most about soda is the bubbles, and Kombucha naturally carbonates itself.
~ I give the flavor a 10 out of 10.  

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Bottle top says - Enjoy

Pure Doctor

Sweet with a touch of spice, Pure Doctor packs a punch. We concocted this delicious brew for lovers of other 'doctored-up' fizzy beverages, if you know what we mean (wink, wink). You'll recognize the delicious notes of sweet cherry, spicy clove, smooth caramel, and deep molasses for lip-smacking flavor that not only tastes good - it's good for you!
LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
This was the second flavor that I anticipated to not be too great, having the title be pure doctor I thought it would be more of a harsh healthy taste (much like my first experience with kombucha...the healthiest one I could find, that I couldn't even swollow). But, i was very pleasantly surprised as it was just as delicious as the orange! I don't know how to describe the flavor other than it was like drinking a soda!
~I give this one a 9 out of 10 as well. I would choose the orange flavor over it if I had to choose.  

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Bottle top says - This Looks Good On You

Living Limon

Living Limon is bright and fruity for a perfectly balanced zest. When you need a drink that will quench your thirst and put a smile on your face, reach for Living Limon. Pleasantly sparkling, this citrusy beverage is more than meets the eye - it's a taste of the good life.
LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
This one was good, but not my favorite. It reminded me of beer, maybe the lime and lemon in it...kombucha always reminds me a bit of beer (which is what I don't like about it). But it wasn't horrible!
~I give it a 7 out of 10.   

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Bottle top says - Taste of Wellness

Culture Cola

Culture Cola takes classic flavor known the world over and brings it to you with authenticity we dare you to deny. But this crisp pick-me-up is more than just a refreshing soft drink. It naturally refreshes your whole body!
LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
This one was very soda like. No beer like reminder, just reminded me of bubbly soda, so it was a thumbs up. Still not my favorite, but it was good!
~I give it a 9 our of 10.  

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Revive Rootbeer

Revive Rootbeer is creamy, bold and refreshingly smooth. It makes the perfect topper for rich vanilla ice cream or the just-right sip to quench your thirst after a long, hot day. The undertones of vanilla and bright sizzle of sassafras will take you back to a simpler time - and the health benefits of our raw, organic kombucha will make you feel young again!

LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Natural Flavors, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
Personally I'm not a fan of the root beer taste. There are several root beer flavors, but there is one strong flavor that reminds me of Bengay, or Deep Heat...the ointment for sore muscles! This is because I didn't grow up with root beer, and tried it in my early teens, and at first taste the resemblance was uncany! This is what this drink tastes like. 
~I give it a 4 out of 10

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Bottle top says -Kombucha Wellness

Sparkling Ginger

A burst of ginger, spiced just right. When you twist off crown you’ll meet the refreshing and supremely drinkable taste of ginger kombucha. Walking the line between a ginger ale and ginger beer. You’ll enjoy the complexity of ginger spices with lasting refreshment.

LIVE Soda Kombucha is made with raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. It combines the great taste of soda with the raw benefits of kombucha - aiding in digestion and detoxifying the liver. 

Ingredients

Organic Raw Kombucha (Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Tea, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ Evaporated Cane Juice, and Organic Kombucha Culture fermented in purified water), Ginger Extract, Organic Stevia Extract (Natural Sweetener).

Review
This drink didn't have the most pleasant taste to me. I don't think I'd purchase it again, I would always choose the Orange over this one.
~I give it a 5 out of 10

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WHAT IS KOMBUCHA

Kombucha is a sparkling probiotic tea, fermented for a fixed period of time to produce a slightly sweet and sour fizzy tonic. It's a living drink that's both delicious and detoxifying (meaning it goes down easy and cleans you right out). It's wellness magic.

KOMBUCHA IS ANCIENT.

Kombucha has ancient Asian origins dating back 2000+ years. Passed around the globe from culture to culture (pun intended), it has provided healthful refreshment for centuries. During the Chinese Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century BC, this Eastern tea was referred to as the Tea of Immortality. Every household had a pot brewing. It's since been known as Sea Treasure, Stomach Treasure, Champagne of Life, Tea Cider, etc. Its current name reportedly stems from a Korean physician, Dr. Kombu, who introduced the tea to the Japanese emperor in 414 AD. The drink quickly became popular in Japan, and Samurai warriors carried it with them in battle for extra stamina and vitality. They called it 'Tea of Kombu,' or, in Japanese, 'Kombu-Cha.'

We prefer to call it, simply, 'the 'booch.'

KOMBUCHA IS WELLNESS.

This potent, fermented tea is recognized worldwide for its detoxifying, energizing, immune-enhancing, digestion-regulating properties. Survivors of the horrific Chernobyl debacle in the 1980s also credit drinking kombucha with helping protect them from radiation exposure. It's said that Nobel Prize winner Alexsander Solzhenitsyn survived while he was in Siberian exile by drinking kombucha.

• Legends of the healing powers of kombucha abound the world over,
• from Asia to Russia to Europe and now the Americas.

KOMBUCHA IS LIVING.

Yep, you heard that right. The beverage you're about to consume is alive. Think of it like this: kombucha is to tea as yogurt is to milk. It's a cultured beverage made from a living blend of healthy bacteria and beneficial yeast called a SCOBY, which stands for Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast. This floppy, rubbery disk is also called the "mother" (as creepy as that sounds). 

Billions of tiny but powerful probiotics (a word which actually means 'for life') live in each 12oz serving of LIVE Soda Kombucha, ready to move into your digestive tract, help keep your tummy clean and boost your immune system by promoting the health of your gut. Our raw kombucha also contains a world of other balancing elements necessary for your well-being:

• Enzymes which help you break down sugars and process nutrients
• B-vitamins your body needs for energy, healing, and brain function (the happy vitamins!)
• Electrolytes that aid hydration
• Antioxidants which reduce cell oxidation, i.e., slow down the aging process and prevent proliferation of ugly intruders like cancer cells
• A number of different organic acids, including lactic acid, which is essential for healthy digestive and liver function; malic acid, which is helpful for liver detoxification; butyric acid, which guards and protects the lining of your stomach; amino acid, the building block of muscular tissue; and others.

REED's Kombucha - passion mango ginger

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As part of my new years resolution of adding more probiotics to my diet, along with cultured veggies I have added kombucha daily as well. I became aware of this healthy drink in 2013, as a good friend of mine would make some for me. I have found yet another delicious Kombucha drink at my local co-op! Reed's passion, mango, ginger Kombucha.

 You know it's fresh when the good start settles at the bottom ^_^

 So I gently turn it upside down to mix it up...never shake it! Kombucha naturally carbonates so you don't want to open a bottle and experience an exploding fountain of wasted goodness!

 The subtle bubbles are delightful ^_^ I really like this kind!

What is Kombucha?

Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. 

Kombucha is a fermented beverage of black tea and cane sugar that is used as a functional food.  Kombucha contains b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic, and lactic), which have the following effects:

• Improving Digestion
• Weight Loss
• Increasing Energy
• Cleansing and Detoxification
• Immune Support
• Reduces Joint Pain
• Cancer Prevention

The sugar-tea solution is fermented by bacteria and yeast and is commonly known as a “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).
You can make kombucha yourself at home or buy it for $3-5 a bottle at most health food stores and some coffee shops. An article published in the journal Food Microbiology has established that the following probiotics make up this health elixir.

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Beneficial Probiotics in Kombucha 

• Gluconacetobacter (>85% in most sample)
• Acetobacter (<2%)
• Lactobacillus (up to 30% in some samples)
• Zygosaccharomyces (>95%)

Ultimately, this cocktail of good bacteria interact together in a unique way to produce some unbelievable health benefits for those who drink it.

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7 Kombucha Health Benefits

In the newest research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food 2014, researchers from the University of Latvia say the following about the health benefits of kombucha:

It is shown that [kombucha] can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies, and promotion of boosting immunity.
We agree! In fact, according to research there are 5 main health benefits of kombucha.

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#1 Detoxification – The detoxifying capacity of kombucha is immense. A perfect example has been observed in its ability to counteract liver cell toxicity.
In one study, the liver cells being evaluated were protected from oxidative injury and actually maintained their normal physiology, in spite of being exposed to the toxin! According to researchers, this was “probably due to its antioxidant activity and could be beneficial against liver diseases, where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.”

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#2 Digestion – Naturally the antioxidant prowess of this ancient tea counteracts free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system. However, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid, probiotics and enzymes.

Extensive work has even been conducted to test kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal leaky gut and stomach ulcers. No surprise to us, it was proven to be as effective as drugs like Prilosec, which are commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.

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#3 Energy – Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people has been credited to the formation of iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process.  It also contains some caffeine and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.

Through a special process known as chelation, the iron released helps to boost blood hemoglobin, improving oxygen supply to tissues and stimulating the energy producing process at the cellular level. In other words, by helping the body create more energy (ATP), the ancient tea can help those who regularly drink stay energized for extended periods of time.

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#4 Immune Health – The overall effect that kombucha has to modulate the immune system is best seen in its ability to control free radicals through unbelievable antioxidant measures.

Clinically proven to decrease oxidative stress and related immuno-suppression, a powerful antioxidant known as D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL) has been discovered during the kombucha fermentation process that is not found in black tea alone. Also, we know the probiotics found in kombucha support the immune system.

Scientists suspect that DSL and the Vitamin C present in kombucha are its’ main secrets in protecting against cell damage, inflammatory diseases, tumors and overall depression of the immune system.

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#5 Joint Care – Kombucha can help heal, repair and prevent joint damage in a number of ways. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This supports the preservation of collagen and prevents arthritic pain. In the same way it supports joint collagen it can also support collagen of the entire body and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

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#6 Cancer Prevention – Kombucha has also been proven beneficial for cancer prevention and recovery.  A study published in Cancer Letters found that by consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.

President Reagan reportedly drank kombucha daily as part of his regimen to battle stomach cancer.

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#7 Weight Loss – Data from a study in 2005 showed evidence that kombucha can improve metabolism and limit fat accumulation.  Though we’ll need to see more studies before we can confirm these results, it makes sense that kombucha supports weight loss since it’s high in acetic acid and polyphenols which have in other studies been proven to increase weight loss.

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Kombucha Side Effects 

Most people experience great benefits drinking kombucha and have no negative side effects. However there are possible interactions and side effect symptoms to be aware, mostly in populations that already have weakened immune systems and digestive problems:

Use caution if you have a weakened immune system-
People who have compromised immunity due to certain viruses like HIV/AIDS will need to be careful about consuming kombucha, since there is always a possibility that the yeast can grow harmful fungus and bacteria that can possibly cause illness. This is especially true of homemade kombucha where contamination is more likely to happen if it’s brewed in an unsanitary environment.

Women who are pregnant or nursing-
While kombucha hasn’t been studied much at all in pregnant women, there is always concern that pregnant women should not consume alcohol or caffeine, both of which are present in kombucha in small amounts. Before more formal research is conducted showing that it’s completely safe, pregnant women are advised to air on the safe side and avoid kombucha.

Those who cannot tolerate even low levels of sugar, caffeine or alcohol-
Kombucha is brewed using black sea and sugar, which when fermented turn into alcohol is very small amounts (only about 1% of kombucha is believed to be alcohol). For people with existing diabetes, kombucha likely won’t cause much of a problem considering it is very low in sugar (about 2 grams per 8 oz.) but it’s worth being careful about and monitoring blood sugar levels and related symptoms. For those with digestive problems like IBS or anxiety disorders, the low level of caffeine in kombucha is also something to be conscious of, since caffeine can sometimes aggravate these conditions.

Health Benefits of Sauerkraut

 One of my biggest new year's resolutions this year is to add probiotics to my diet via whole foods. One of those foods include Sauerkraut! I've never been a big fan of the food...but certainly am a big fan of all the health benefits, so I'm on a mission to grow to love it! The first kind I tried is Wildbrine Red Beet and Red Cabbage Sauerkraut. It's not bad! I eat a small amount with my meals.

Some of the health benefits of sauerkraut include its ability to increase your digestive health, boost your circulation, protect your heart health, provide you with quick energy, stimulate your immune system, strengthen your bones, reduce your overall cholesterol levels, eliminate inflammation, protect against certain cancer, and even improve your vision and skin health.
 
Although as a child, you may not have liked the taste or smell of sauerkraut (I know I didn’t), this slightly unique form of finely cut cabbage can be a major source of health benefits for you! Basically, sauerkraut is cabbage that has been fermented, which is where the distinct sour taste comes from. It is popularly used as a side dish or even as a condiment in certain cultures, which can be added to sausage or hot dogs. Fermented foods are commonly found in cultures throughout the world, but sauerkraut is one that has managed to find a global market, and is popular throughout Europe, Asia, and America.

Historical records point to its origin being somewhere in China, having been brought to Europe at some point during the Roman Empire. Pickled or fermented foods like sauerkraut were very valuable in the era before refrigeration, as it allowed food to stay fresh during long journeys. Many people now associate sauerkraut with Eastern European countries and Germany, which does feature it heavily in certain cultural dishes, but it is truly an international favorite. The fermentation process of sauerkraut is similar to the process of making kimchi or pickles, meaning that heat is not applied during the process, as this will kill the bacteria that makes the fermentation process possible. Besides being a delicious addition to a number of meals, sauerkraut also makes for a health addition to any diet. Let’s take a look at some of the nutritional elements that make this “sour cabbage” so important!

Nutritional Value of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut contains high levels of dietary fiber, as well as significant levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins. Furthermore, it is a good source of iron, manganese, copper, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, in addition to contributing a moderate amount of protein to your diet.

Health Benefits of Sauerkraut

Energy Production: The high levels of iron found in cabbage (sauerkraut) can be very beneficial for the body in a variety of ways. First of all, iron helps to contribute to energy production, as it increases the body’s metabolism and also boosts circulation, which increases oxygenation of organs and cells. This increased blood flow is a result of more RBC, of which iron is a key component. High iron levels helps prevent anemia (iron deficiency) and the side effects associated with that condition (headaches, fatigue, cognitive impairment).

Digestive Health: Cabbage is famed for its high fiber content, which is well known as one of the key points in any diet for the benefit of digestive health. Sauerkraut obviously shares this benefit, and can help to move food through the bowels, eliminating constipation, bloating, cramping, and excessive gas along the way. By regulating your digestive and excretory system, you can also prevent more serious conditions, like gastric ulcers and even colon cancer.

Heart Health: Fiber may be commonly consumed for digestive health, but it is also very important for the health of your heart. Fiber is able to scrape off dangerous cholesterol from the walls of arteries and blood vessels by binding with the fats and cholesterol and removing them from the body. Therefore, less cholesterol enters the bloodstream and your overall cholesterol level is balanced. This can prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and a variety of other cardiovascular issues.

Eye and Skin Health: Sauerkraut also contains quite a few carotenes and a significant amount of vitamin A. This essential vitamin acts as an antioxidant, as do the carotenes, and eliminate free radicals from the body’s systems, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate. Sauerkraut has been linked to improved eye health, as vitamin A reduces the chances of macular degeneration and cataract formation. Furthermore, in terms of the skin, vitamin A helps to maintain the integrity of your skin, slowing down the appearance of wrinkles, eliminate blemishes, and generally keeping your skin looking young and healthy, thanks to the free-radical neutralizing powers of sauerkraut!

Immune System Booster: As most people know, when you’re feeling under the weather, have some orange juice, as it’s such a rich source of vitamin C. Well, a single serving of sauerkraut has 35% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is one of the most important elements of our immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells and increases cellular regeneration and repair, while also playing a key role in the formation of collagen, a foundational component for almost every part of our body, including organs, blood vessels, skin, hair, muscles, and bones.

Inflammation Reduction: If the many vitamins and minerals present in sauerkraut weren’t enough, there are also certain organic compounds found in this cabbage variant that work as anti-inflammatory agents. Phytonutrient antioxidants contained in sauerkraut can double as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing the pain and discomfort of joints, muscles, or other inflamed areas.

Cancer Prevention: Although research is still underway to reveal the exact impact of sauerkraut on cancerous cells, the presence of antioxidant compounds in sauerkraut (as with all cruciferous vegetables) means that free radicals can be eliminated, which are one of the main causes behind cancerous cell formation.

Strong Bones: The wide range of minerals found in sauerkraut make it ideal for building strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. The high level of vitamin K (23% of daily recommended intake in a single serving), which is a somewhat uncommon mineral, is particularly important for maintaining the integrity and strength of your bones, as vitamin K produces the proteins that regulate bone mineralization!

A Final Word of Warning: Despite all of these health benefits, sauerkraut is very high in sodium, which can be a dangerous dietary addition to people suffering from various cardiovascular and renal diseases. Speak to your doctor about an appropriate level of sauerkraut consumption if you suffer from these types of health concerns.

List of Fermented Foods for Healthy Gut

by Amy Goodrich
Fermented foods are becoming one of the new probiotic powerhouses to boost the good gut bacteria and improve digestive, cardiovascular and immune health. In this article I will give you a list of fermented foods for healthy gut. Our gut is the biggest part of our immune system and fermented foods will help you to heal and restore gut imbalances. And indeed, probiotics and fermented foods are one of the best foods to cleanse your colon.

Our body is made out of 100 trillion bacteria that help us to stay healthy. These days common household products, cosmetics, antibiotics, and chemical laden fast foods are damaging and killing those beneficial bacteria, causing health issues and diseases. 

Luckily, fermented foods can undo the damage and restore the balance of your internal gut flora to keep your body healthy and free of diseases. You can read here more about the 5 reasons your digestive system doesn’t function properly and what to do about it.

What Are Fermented Foods

Lacto-fermentation is a process where micro-organisms – such as bacteria, yeast or molds – break down proteins and carbohydrates in food. The process preserves the food and creates lactic acid, enzymes, vitamins, omega-3 and probiotics. Natural fermentation preserves the nutrients and makes it more digestible.

Although the fermentation of food is an ancient technique known by almost all cultures, these days those foods are lost to our modern society and processed foods took their place.

Why You Should Be Eating Fermented Foods?

Fermented foods are good for your overall health. They introduce good bacteria into your digestive system and help you to restore the balance. They improve bowel health, aid digestion, and improve and support your immune and nerve system.

When combined with a healthy, whole food diet, fermented foods help you to absorb more nutrients from the food you eat. But not only will they help you to absorb more nutrients, they add lots of beneficial nutrients of their own. Those nutrients include B vitamins (vitamin B12 included), omega-3 fatty acids, enzymes and lactic acid.

Lacto-fermentation allows you to store foods for longer periods without the loss of nutrients, and they won’t cost you a fortune. Most of them can be made at home for a few pennies per serving.

Top 10 Fermented Foods For You To Try

1. Yogurt or kefir are made with live beneficial cultures. But keep in mind many store bought yogurts or kefirs contain lots of additives and sugar, so make sure to buy plain yogurt or make your own. If you try to avoid dairy, try coconut yogurt instead.
2. Kombucha is fermented black tea that contains a wide range of beneficial gut microorganisms.
3. Sauerkraut, or fermented cabbage is easy to make. The only thing you need is cabbage and salt.
4. Pickles are well known and loved by many people. These days they are often made with vinegar.
5. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans and grains. They are full of essential minerals, vitamins and consist out of millions of beneficial microorganisms.
6. Tempeh, another form of fermented soybeans is full of protein and amino acids.
7. Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage, just like sauerkraut but spicier. It improves digestion and nutrient assimilation, and is known to improve the look of your skin and boost energy.
8. Fish sauce is made from mashed up fish, packed in salt. Make sure to buy the right stuff, as some fish sauces are made through a chemical process instead of natural fermentation.
9. Vinegar is made through fermenting wine or cider with a bacterial culture.
10. Cultured butter or cheese are made from soured milk or cream.

Making your own fermented foods is cheap and easy, but if you decide to purchase them make sure they are raw and unpasteurized. Pasteurization kills the good bacteria.

When you decide to add more fermented foods to your diet to improve your intestinal flora, start slowly and allow your body to get used to them.