4 Gut-Healing Foods that You Should Be Eating

Over-the-counter probiotic supplements (such as Martha Stewart Essentials Digestive Health) are helpful, but you want to consume real food as your primary source for health-bolstering microflora.

Related: 13 Crazy Beauty Tricks That Really Work

Plain Yogurt

Look for a kind with multiple varieties of probiotic cultures (Stonyfield, for instance, has six).

Related: 19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time

Kimchi

Like sauerkraut and sour pickles, this spicy Korean cabbage dish is made by a process of fermenting, and it contains many probiotic strains.

Related: 8 Surprising Ways to Tame Your Sweet Tooth

Kombucha

We like the probiotic-packed effervescence of kombucha. Since it's made by fermenting black tea, it can contain 0.05 percent alcohol -- so be mindful of that if you'll be driving.

Related: 47 Ways to Maximize Space in Your Kitchen

Miso Paste

Miso paste is made by fermenting a mixture of soybeans, barley, rice, and other grains. To maximize its probiotic powers, mix the paste into food or soup just before it comes off the heat (do not let it boil).

More from Martha Stewart:
25 New Ways to Eat Avocados
35 Pantry Staples for Healthy Eating

Watch for More: