How to Make Probiotic At Home | Different Types of Strains

A probiotic is a live microorganism that can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.

Some strains of probiotics may have a positive impact on mood and mental health, although more research is needed to establish their effectiveness.

The concept of a gut-brain connection has gained attention in recent years. It is believed that certain probiotics could help improve mood by positively influencing the gut microbiota. They may also promote the production of neurotransmitters that play a role in mood regulation.

Here are some probiotic strains that have been studied for their potential effects on mood:

1. Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175:

A combination of these two strains has been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as improve overall mental well-being.

2. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG:

This strain is linked to reduced anxiety and depression in some animal studies, although human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

3. Bifidobacterium infantis:

This strain has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body, which could help improve mood and mental well-being.

4. Lactobacillus plantarum PS128:

In a small study, this strain was found to improve mood and cognitive function in individuals with major depressive disorder.

5. Lactobacillus casei Shirota:

Some research suggests that this strain might help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

It’s important to note that not all probiotics are the same, and different strains can have different effects on the body.

Before taking any probiotic supplement for mood support, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can recommend the most appropriate strain and dosage based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Additionally, it’s essential to remember that probiotics are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting mental health.

Don’t consume commercial yogurt or kefir high in sugar or fructose

A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques are all crucial components of maintaining good mental health.

When To Consume Probiotics

The optimal time to consume probiotics can vary depending on individual preferences and the specific probiotic product.

However, some general guidelines can help you determine when to take probiotics for the best results:

1. With or just before a meal:

Consuming probiotics with or just before a meal, especially a meal which contains some fat, may help buffer the stomach acid. It may also increase the chances of the probiotics surviving their journey through the stomach and reaching the intestines.

Eating food also slows down the digestive process, allowing more time for the probiotics to interact with the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Morning or evening:

Some people prefer to take their probiotics first thing in the morning, while others choose to take them in the afternoon.

The most important factor is consistency, so choose a time that works best for your schedule and stick to it. Drinking 1 to 2 glasses a day is sufficient.

According to Ayurveda, consuming milk Kefir or yogurt at night increases mucus build up in the respiratory system because our body temperature drops after sunset.

Alternatively Kefir water or buttermilk is a better option for night time.

3. Follow the product instructions:

The packaging or instructions for your specific probiotic supplement may provide guidance on the best time to take the product.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, as different probiotic strains and formulations may have different requirements for optimal effectiveness.

4. Consult your healthcare professional:

If you are taking medications or have specific health concerns, consult with your healthcare professional to determine the best time to take probiotics.

Some medications, such as antibiotics or antifungal drugs, can affect the balance of gut bacteria. In this case, your healthcare professional can guide you on the appropriate timing and dosage for taking probiotics in conjunction with these medications.

Ultimately, the most important factor is to consume probiotics consistently.

The timing may vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific product.

However, ensuring that you take probiotics regularly will help support a healthy gut microbiome and promote overall health.

Taking probiotics on an empty stomach can be beneficial for some people because this increases their effectiveness. It allows the probiotic bacteria to reach the small intestine more quickly, as they are not hindered by food.

However, this can also depend on the specific type of probiotic you are taking and the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to note that some people may experience mild digestive discomfort when taking probiotics on an empty stomach, especially if they are sensitive to changes in their gut microbiome.

In these cases, taking probiotics with food may be more comfortable.

How Probiotic Supplements Are Made

Probiotic supplements are made by isolating and cultivating specific strains of live microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, that have potential health benefits when consumed.

The production process typically involves several stages, including strain selection, fermentation, concentration, stabilization, and packaging. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Strain selection:

The first step in creating a probiotic supplement is choosing the specific strains of microorganisms that will be included.

Carefully select these strains based on their potential health benefits, safety, and ability to survive the manufacturing process and reach the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Fermentation:

Cultivate the selected strains through a fermentation process in a controlled environment, typically using a nutrient-rich medium that supports their growth.

Fermentation can be carried out using various methods, such as submerged or solid-state fermentation.

3. Concentration:

Harvest the microorganisms from the fermentation medium, usually by centrifugation or filtration, which separates the live microorganisms from the medium.

4. Stabilization:

Stabilize the probiotics to ensure their viability and stability throughout the manufacturing process and shelf life of the product, often using methods such as freeze-drying (lyophilization) or spray-drying.

These techniques remove moisture from the microorganisms, which allows them to be preserved in a dormant state until they are rehydrated and consumed by the user.

5. Formulation:

Combine the stabilized microorganisms with other ingredients, such as prebiotics, stabilizers, or fillers, to create the final probiotic supplement.

These ingredients can help to protect the probiotics during storage and transit through the gastrointestinal tract, as well as provide additional health benefits.

6. Packaging:

The formulated probiotic supplement is then packaged into various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids.

The packaging materials are designed to protect the probiotics from environmental factors like heat, moisture, and oxygen, which can negatively impact their viability and effectiveness.

7. Quality control:

Throughout the manufacturing process, stringent quality control measures are in place to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of the probiotic supplement.

This may include testing for the presence of contaminants, verifying the concentration and viability of the microorganisms, and confirming the absence of harmful pathogens.

It’s important to choose a reputable probiotic supplement manufacturer that adheres to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and has third-party testing to ensure the quality and potency of their products.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic supplement to determine the most appropriate strains and dosages for your specific needs.

Kefir Probiotic

Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by adding kefir grains to milk. It’s also a great source of calcium for bone health.

The grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that form a symbiotic culture.

There are many different strains of bacteria and yeast that can be present in kefir grains, which can vary depending on the source of the grains and the conditions in which they are grown.

Some of the common bacteria strains found in kefir include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Some of the common yeast strains found in kefir include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Candida kefyr.

These bacteria and yeast strains work together to ferment the lactose in milk, producing lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and alcohol.

This fermentation process gives kefir its characteristic tangy flavor and effervescence, and also produces beneficial probiotics that can help support digestive health.

One of the best times to take kefir water is at night before bedtime. It helps reduce the bad mood you feel during the day from dealing with stressful situations and can help improve sleep.

It increases your serotonin levels making you feel much better throughout the day. And reduce the need to take substance and too much alcohol when consuming Kefir.

Kefir can be made up to 5 times from the same batch.

Simply add a cup of milk kefir to a liter of milk, cover with cheesecloth and let it ferment for 12 hours at room temperature.

Keep it in the fridge once it’s ready and repeat when needed. The instructions are similar for water kefir, except you add the kefir grains to sugar water.

How to Make Probiotic

Making probiotics at home is possible through the process of fermentation, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria.

There are several types of fermented foods that are rich in probiotics, and they can be made with simple ingredients and equipment.

Get the starter kit from your local health food stores

Here are some examples of probiotic-rich foods that you can make at home:

1. Yogurt:

Homemade yogurt is one of the easiest probiotic foods to make.

All you need is milk and a yogurt starter culture, which can be purchased online or at a health food store.

Alternatively, you can use a few tablespoons of store-bought plain yogurt with live active cultures as a starter.

– Heat the milk to 180°F (82°C) to pasteurize it, then cool it to around 110°F (43°C).

– Mix the yogurt starter or store-bought yogurt with a small amount of the cooled milk, then add this mixture back to the rest of the milk.

– Keep the milk at a consistent temperature of 100-110°F (38-43°C) for 6-12 hours, using a yogurt maker, an oven with the light on, or a cooler filled with warm water.

The yogurt will thicken as the bacteria ferment the milk sugars.

– Once the yogurt reaches your desired consistency, refrigerate it for a few hours before consuming.

2. Sauerkraut:

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that is rich in probiotics.

To make it at home, you’ll need cabbage, salt, and a fermentation vessel, like a glass jar or a ceramic crock.

– Thinly slice the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.

– Add salt (about 2% of the cabbage’s weight) and massage it into the cabbage for several minutes until it releases liquid and becomes softer.

– Pack the cabbage into your fermentation vessel, pressing it down firmly to remove air bubbles and ensure that the liquid covers the cabbage.

– Place a weight on top of the cabbage to keep it submerged in the liquid.

Cover the container with a cloth or a lid with an airlock to allow gases to escape.

– Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Fermentation can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your taste preference.

Once it’s ready, refrigerate the sauerkraut to slow down the fermentation process.

3. Kefir Drink

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is high in probiotics. It typically contains a complex community of bacteria and yeast strains.

The exact number and composition of strains can vary depending on factors such as the origin of the kefir grains and the specific conditions of the fermentation process.

However, kefir can contain anywhere from 30 to over 50 different strains of bacteria and yeast.

Some of the common bacteria strains found in kefir include Lactobacillus species (such as Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus casei) and Bifidobacterium species (such as Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum).

The yeast strains often found in kefir include Saccharomyces species (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Kluyveromyces species (such as Kluyveromyces marxianus).

It’s important to note that the specific strains and their proportions can vary from batch to batch.

This diversity of strains is believed to contribute to the potential health benefits of kefir, as different strains seem to have different effects on the gut microbiota and overall health.

Making kefir at home

To make kefir at home, you’ll need kefir grains and milk.

– Add the kefir grains to a glass jar and pour in the milk, making sure to leave some space at the top for fermentation gases to escape.

– Cover the jar with a cloth or a loose lid and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 12-48 hours. The fermentation time depends on the temperature and your taste preference.

– Once the kefir reaches your desired taste, strain the liquid to separate the kefir grains from the fermented milk.

Drink the liquid, reuse the grains

The kefir is now ready to drink, and you can use the kefir grains to start a new batch.

People with lactose intolerance can instead ferment water kefir. Replace the use of milk with sugar in water and ferment.

Remember that cleanliness is crucial when making fermented foods at home.

Ensure that all equipment, surfaces, and your hands are clean to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Additionally, be aware that home fermentation can sometimes result in unexpected outcomes or contamination.

If you see mold, notice a foul smell, or have any concerns about the safety of your fermented product, do not use it.

What Utensils to Use

When making probiotics at home through fermentation, it is essential to use the right equipment and utensils to ensure a safe and successful fermentation process.

Here is a list of common utensils and equipment you may need:

1. Glass, ceramic, or food-grade biodegradable plastic containers only:

These are suitable for fermenting foods, as they are non-reactive and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your fermented products.

Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the acids produced during fermentation.

2. Weights:

When fermenting vegetables like sauerkraut, you will need weights to keep the vegetables submerged in the brine.

You can use fermentation weights specifically designed for this purpose or improvise with a clean, heavy object that fits your container, like a smaller glass jar or a zip-top bag filled with water.

3. Cloth or loose-fitting lids:

During fermentation, the gases produced need to escape.

Using a cloth or a loose-fitting lid allows these gases to escape while keeping contaminants out.

For a more controlled fermentation, you can use an airlock lid designed for fermenting.

4. Thermometer:

A thermometer is helpful for monitoring temperatures during fermentation, especially when making yogurt or other temperature-sensitive ferments.

5. Measuring cups and spoons:

These are essential for measuring ingredients and ensuring the correct proportions, such as when adding salt to create a brine.

6. Large mixing bowl:

A large, non-reactive mixing bowl is helpful for preparing vegetables or other ingredients before fermenting.

7. Cutting board and sharp knife:

These tools are necessary for chopping and slicing ingredients such as cabbage for sauerkraut.

8. Fine mesh strainer:

A strainer is useful for separating kefir grains from the liquid kefir or for straining yogurt to make Greek yogurt.

9. Wooden or plastic utensils:

Use non-reactive utensils, such as wooden or plastic spoons, to mix and handle your fermenting ingredients.

Avoid metal utensils, as they can react with the acids produced during fermentation.

Best to use wooden utensil

10. pH strips or a pH meter (optional):

These tools can help you monitor the acidity of your ferment, which can be helpful for ensuring a safe and successful fermentation process.

Remember to keep all utensils and equipment clean and sanitized to prevent contamination.

Wash utensils with hot, soapy water, and rinse well before use.

Some people also prefer to sanitize their equipment with a solution of water and vinegar or a food-safe sanitizing solution, especially when fermenting beverages like kombucha or kefir.

4. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has been consumed for centuries. It is a mix of fermented sweetened black or green tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

The SCOBY, often referred to as the “kombucha mother,” metabolizes the sugars in the tea and produces various organic acids, enzymes, and probiotics.

Making kombucha at home

To make kombucha, combine a brewed tea with sugar and allow to cool. Add the SCOBY to the sweetened tea mixture, and allow the fermentation process to begin.

The bacteria and yeast in the SCOBY consume the sugar and produce a range of compounds, including acetic acid, lactic acid, and glucuronic acid. This process typically takes between 7 and 14 days, although the fermentation time can vary depending on factors such as temperature and personal preference.

During fermentation, kombucha develops a slightly fizzy texture and a tangy, slightly acidic flavor.

The taste can vary depending on the brewing time, tea type, and additional flavors or ingredients added during secondary fermentation. It is often described as slightly sweet and sour with a hint of vinegar.

Kombucha has potential health benefits

Kombucha is known for its potential health benefits. The fermentation process produces beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, probiotics which can support gut health.

Kombucha also contains antioxidants, B vitamins, and other nutrients which derive from the tea used to brew it.

However, while kombucha has gained popularity as a health beverage, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its specific health claims.

Some studies suggest potential benefits, such as improved digestion, immune support, and detoxification. More research will be required in order to show definitive conclusions.

When consuming kombucha, it’s important to be cautious about the alcohol content, as fermentation can produce trace amounts of alcohol.

Commercially produced kombucha generally contains less than 0.5% alcohol, but homemade brews can have higher alcohol levels if not properly monitored.

As with any fermented food or drink, there is a potential risk of contamination or improper fermentation.

It’s crucial to follow proper brewing and storage practices to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or mold.

If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating kombucha into your diet.

To Learn Fermentation Methods Click Here

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