Probiotics are one of the most increasingly marketed aspects of nutrition. Our small intestines, where much of our digestion and nutrient absorption takes place, need to have an optimal balance of intestinal flora, or gut bacteria, to do their jobs and keep our digestive and immune systems in order. One way to support our intestines is through consuming probiotics, either through supplement form or a range of fermented foods. The yogurt and milk kefir, two types of fermented food, are both easy to find and are good sources of probiotics. I didn’t include any sweeteners because sugar can actually do the opposite of probiotics and feed the bad bacteria in our intestines, but if you like it sweeter then a drizzle of maple syrup or raw honey or some chopped fresh fruit are good options.
- ½ cup quick oats
- ¾ cup brewed chai tea (I recommend the Yogi brand chai rooibos)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ⅛ - ¼ cup milk kefir (depending on preferred thickness)
- 2 tablespoons chunky almond butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- a few dashes each of ground ginger and cinnamon
- Bring the tea to boil in a small pan over medium heat on the stove. Pour in the oats, vanilla, ginger and cinnamon and stir until all the water is gone and the oats are thick. Remove from heat and stir in the almond butter, then the yogurt and milk kefir. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with more cinnamon and any sweeteners desired.