DAIRY FREE PROBIOTIC

By Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

What is dairy free probiotic? The term “Probiotics” comes from the

words pro (for) and biota (life). This refers to the live microorganisms

such as bacteria which are known to be beneficial to its host.

Probiotics are known to be very beneficial in the functioning of the digestive and immune system.

Not everyone is able to tolerate probiotics containing dairy. For those who have this situation, the alternative is dairy free probiotics.

Dairy-free probiotics do not contain ingredients such as casein and lactose.

Why are probiotics essential?

The good bacteria (probiotics) can play an integral role in surviving everyday life. These bacteria interact with the body’s immune system.

In a theory called “Hygiene Hypothesis”, it was discovered that an overly sanitary environment or lack of exposure to microbiota may play a part in the development of autoimmune diseases. So, the beneficial bacteria aids in helping the immune system to recognize harmful bacteria (pathogens). Actually, the beneficial effects of probiotics go beyond the strengthening of immune system.

Other roles of probiotics in the body Aids in the absorption of nutrients in the

body Breaks down several potentially harmful

components such as oxalic acid Helps in the production of natural vitamins Beneficial in health of vital systems of the

body such as the digestive, immune, reproductive, cardiovascular

Have been said to contribute in the body’s defence against cancer cells

Probiotics and Fermentation Fermentation refers to the ancient

process wherein the beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) prevents the bad bacteria from spoiling foods.

In this process, the beneficial bacteria increases the amount of vitamin B, C, & K in the food, enhance the food’s enzyme content, and promote nutrient release in the food that would have not been available biologically.

Some fermented foods are dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and many more.

Dairy free probiotics

1. Kombucha A fermented tea which is commonly

consumed in Russia and China Prepared from kombucha mushroom,

mother or scoby. It looks like a beige solid gelatin . This is derived from strands of viscous strings which appear at the bottom of the scoby.

Rich in vitamin B12, probiotics, and glucaric acid. According to research, Glucaric acid functions as a detoxifying agent which can aid in the prevention of cancer.

Dairy free probiotics

2. Sauerkraut One of the favorite fermented

cabbage dish in Northern Europe Contains lots of vitamins B and C When cabbage undergoes

fermentation, a substance called isothiocyanate is formed. This is believed to have an anti-cancer effect.

Other forms of fermented cabbage are kimchi from Korea and cortido from Latin America.

Dairy free probiotics3. Miso Derived from soybeans that are

combined together with rice or barley.

A Japanese condiment which is commonly used in soups or as a seasoning for meats, vegetable, and fish

Fermented by aspergillus oryzae which is a mold that enables the transformation of soybeans into tamari or shoyu.

Known to be a very nourishing food because it contains vitamin K, vitamin B6, Manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Zinc is an important mineral for immune system function.

Dairy free probiotics

4. Kefir Water kefir (also known as Japanese water

crystals or tibicos) has a gelatinous and crystal like appearance. The grains of water kefir are formed as a symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria which includes lactobacillus hilgardii.

Coconut kefir is a known probiotic that comes in the form of a beverage. It is formulated from a starter culture and young coconut water. The combination of coconut and probiotics have great benefits to the body. Coconut is rich in potassium and calcium. The introduction of beneficial bacteria enables the production of lactic and acetic acid. This lowers the overall sugar content of the beverage.

Dairy free probiotics

5. Non-dairy yogurt Though most yogurt products contain

dairy ingredients, there are other forms of yogurt which use coconut milk and soy milk instead.

This type of yogurt is made in the same process as the dairy ones. Actually, dairy and non-dairy yogurts both undergo the process of pasteurization. This process is a problem because it kills off the bacteria available in the product.

However, most manufacturers add more live probiotics to solve this problem.

Dairy free probiotics

6. Dairy free probiotic supplements May come in powder, capsule, tablet

or liquid forms The most common is the capsule

form. With capsules, the multiple probiotic strains can be easily taken to an empty stomach with a glass of water.

On the other hand, powdered probiotics usually contain a single strain and are absorbed more readily by the body. Likewise, liquid probiotics can be absorbed easily though they can lose their potency quickly.

My Favorite Probiotic

7. Probacto In terms of commercial

probiotics my favorite is called Probacto. It is free from soy, gluten and dairy allergies.

It contains 8 different strands of bacteria as well as a yeast cleanse and a prebiotic.

It is a guaranteed 13.6 billion CfU’s per serving until the expiration date. Most companies guarantee it at the manufactured date.

Conclusion

Probiotic foods which are dairy free are huge benefit for people who cannot take the usual form of probiotics. These are the people who are intolerant to casein and lactose containing foods. Though the use of dairy free probiotic foods is very appealing. It must be remembered that the probiotics contained in these foods are very fragile. This means that the beneficial bacteria may be killed off in just a matter of days due to factors such as heat. So, in order to ensure that the optimal number of probiotics is obtained, the food product must be consumed immediately after its purchase.