Top 6 Foods and Drinks for Gut Health

Gut health is a hot topic in the wellness world. From social media influencers to your next-door neighbor, it seems like everyone is talking about how to nurture a healthier gut with fermented foods and prebiotic beverages. 

That’s because the probiotics and prebiotics found in kombucha, kimchi, and more are scientifically proven to boost gut health, strengthen immunity, and support your overall wellbeing¹. And the best part? They can all be found at your local grocery store! 

In this blog, we explore how to improve your gut health naturally with nourishing foods and drinks you can find at Browns Valley Market. 

What Are Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support the balance of your gut microbiome. They occur naturally in your body and are essential for digestion. 

Probiotics offer many scientifically proven benefits¹. They support your health by:

• Helping fight off pathogens 
• Strengthening the stomach lining 
• Improving nutrient absorption 
• Lowering inflammation 
• Producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish gut cells 

These advantages contribute to a happier, healthier gut and better wellness overall. 

Prebiotics are also incredibly beneficial for digestive health, but they have a different function than probiotics. 

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

Although probiotics and prebiotics work together to deliver the same benefits, they are responsible for separate roles. 

The difference between probiotics and prebiotics: 

• Probiotics: the beneficial bacteria that keep our body healthy by supporting digestion and strengthening the stomach lining 
• Prebiotics: foods or food ingredients that naturally stimulate the growth or activity of probiotics 

Both probiotics and prebiotics are naturally occurring in many different foods and drinks that we carry at Browns Valley Market! 

Probiotic Drinks and Prebiotic Drinks for Gut Health

Today, many popular beverages are packed with probiotics and prebiotics to help boost gut health. From kombucha to kefir and more, below are just a few of the gut health drinks we carry at Browns Valley Market. 

Kombucha 

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that’s rich in probiotics. It’s often combined with fruit juice or spices to create a mildly sweet beverage with a carbonated kick, comparable to sparkling cider. 

At Browns Valley Market, we love GT’s Synergy kombucha for benefits like: 

• 100% raw and fully fermented for 30 days 
• Contains 9 billion naturally occurring and diverse probiotics 
• Made by hand in small 5-gallon batches using whole ingredients 
• Packaged in glass bottles 
• Vegan and gluten-free 

Studies also show that kombucha has powerful antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties². Plus, it aids in liver detoxification, reduces the amount of free radicals in your body (which cause cell damage), and lowers inflammation². 

With so many incredible health benefits, kombucha makes it easy to nourish your gut and enhance your overall well-being. 

Prebiotic Sodas and Beverages 

Looking for an alternative to sugary soft drinks? Poppi is a natural soda that’s taking the wellness world by storm. It satisfies your soft drink cravings with the fizz and flavors of sodas you love…just without all the sugar, and with the added benefits of prebiotics! 

At Browns Valley Market, we love Poppi because it helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Every can contains agave inulin, which is both a prebiotic and a natural sugar alternative. So, it’s great for both your sweet tooth and your gut health! 

Kefir 

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage with a thicker consistency that’s often compared to yogurt. It’s been celebrated for its proven health benefits for centuries, and it’s packed with probiotics that help balance your gut microbiome². 

Kefir is also an excellent source of: 

• Calcium 
• Protein 
• Magnesium 
• Vitamin B2 
• Vitamin B12 
• Vitamin D 

Kefir has a slightly tangy taste and makes a great addition to smoothies, salad dressings, overnight oats, and more. 

Fermented Foods for Gut Health

Many fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt are rich in probiotics that help your gut microbiome flourish. Below are some of the delicious gut-friendly foods we carry at Browns Valley Market. 

Yogurt 

Yogurt is made from fermenting milk with live bacteria. This process creates lactic acid, which gives yogurt its tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s also rich in gut-friendly probiotics! 

You can add yogurt to smoothies, and savory dips, or layer it with your favorite seasonal fruits and granola for a delicious breakfast. 

Kimchi 

Kimchi is a popular Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables like cabbage, radishes, and scallions. It’s often seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and ginger to give it a mouthwatering, spicy kick. It’s also incredibly rich in probiotics that help balance your gut’s microbiome! 

Kimchi can be enjoyed all on its own, added to soups and stews, or used as a flavorful topping for rice bowls and sandwiches. 

Sauerkraut 

Sauerkraut is a German dish made from fermented shredded cabbage. Celebrated for its tangy and slightly acidic flavor, it’s packed with probiotics that aid digestion and improve immunity¹. 

Sauerkraut can be enjoyed on its own, added to sandwiches and hot dogs, or used as a topping for soups and stews. 

Find Gut Health Superfoods at Browns Valley Market 

At Browns Valley Market, we carry an extensive selection of specialty foods and drinks for gut health. Whether you’re craving kimchi, kombucha, or a healthier soda alternative like Poppi, our shelves are stocked with many options that help support your gut microbiome naturally. 

Stop by our store in Napa Valley today or call (707)-253-1873 to speak with one of our market team members!

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