9 Probiotic-Rich Recipes That Can Help End Digestive Issues

POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

If you suffer from stomach issues, then you already know the larger effect this can have on your day-to-day well-being. And whether it be constipation, IBS, or poor digestion, probiotics can help. The good-for-you bacteria help to protect the body from bad bacteria that may be to blame for the stomach issues plaguing you. Get your fill of the friendly bacteria by incorporating fermented foods into your diet; besides being rich in probiotics, the fermentation process also helps to create foods that are full of beneficial enzymes, omega-3s, and B vitamins. And speaking from experience, these foods are also pretty fun to make at home.

Yogurt
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Yogurt

While it's easier to make your own yogurt with a an actual yogurt-making machine, it's also possible to use your oven, slow-cooker, or even a thermos for similar results. For yogurt that is both creamy and tangy, we recommend starting with organic whole milk.

Kombucha
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Kombucha

While a little more labor intensive than the other recipes on this list, homemade kombucha is well worth the effort — especially when you consider most store-bought brands go for $5 a bottle! Besides a wealth of probiotics, kombucha is also full of B vitamins.

Spicy Pickled Green Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Spicy Pickled Green Beans

A crunchy snack in their own right, these spicy pickled green beans would be even more amazing in a lightened-up Bloody Mary.

Probiotic Soda
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Probiotic Soda

Destined to become the next big thing in health drinks, probiotic soda is relatively easy to pull off at home. Once you have the base recipe down, make things even more exciting by experimenting with flavors like you'll find in this refreshing probiotic strawberry soda.

Cottage Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Cottage Cheese

All you need is raw milk and a little patience to make DIY cottage cheese at home. Then use your fresh batch of cottage cheese to make one of these 10 healthy recipes.

Kimchi
Flickr user Jin Li

Kimchi

If you've never had kimchi, you are in for a treat! This traditional Korean side dish is eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and for good reason. It's spicy, tangy, and sour all at once. While it's often made using Napa cabbage, you can use this basic kimchi recipe to ferment vegetables like daikon radish, cucumber, or bean sprouts.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

If you want the benefits of fermented foods, but have no desire to go through the process of an elaborate recipe, this three-ingredient apple cider vinegar drink is your best bet.

Sauerkraut
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Sauerkraut

Once you make sauerkraut at home, it's unlikely that you'll ever go back to the store-bought stuff. It's ridiculolusly easy to make, so you'll want to top all of your dishes with it — or you may find yourself eating it straight out of the jar.

Limoncello
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Limoncello

OK, while the alcohol in this homemade limoncello may kill the beneficial probiotics created during the fermentation process, we can keep our fingers crossed that this isn't the case. Salute!