So how should we really navigate the yogurt aisle? Should we stick to eating plant-based options, or simply enjoy it if we aren’t experiencing any intolerance symptoms? Here, the pros and cons of this type of dairy. Kefir is especially gut-healthy, as it has a higher protein and probiotic content than regular yogurt. While not technically considered a yogurt (it has a thinner consistency and is best consumed as a drink), the two are similarly fermented and have that creamy, tart taste. “Kefir has a larger variety of beneficial probiotics compared to yogurt, so this will help promote healthy digestion and microbiome health,” William Cole, D.C., IFMCP, functional nutrition expert, has previously told mbg. It’s important to note that yogurt’s probiotic content can become a little fishy if you’re not mindful of your sources—if the yogurt is homogenized, most of the beneficial bacteria are killed off by the heat treatment. Those that survive need to make it past the stomach acid to take up residence in the large intestine In fact, when Walter Willett, M.D., Ph.D, from Harvard’s School of Public Health, gathered data from nearly 80,000 women, he found no evidence of reduced risk of hip fractures1 in women who consumed one to three servings of dairy daily. If you’re looking to optimize your bone health, try eating a kale salad with almonds; it contains the ideal ratio of calcium to magnesium for optimal bone density. However, if you can’t tolerate dairy or are following a vegan lifestyle, there are plenty of plant-based protein sources for you to incorporate into your diet as well. When I took them off yogurt and milk, their chronic sinusitis and congestion (i.e. mucus) went away (as did their IBS, headaches, and bloating). On the other hand, if you can tolerate yogurt, you might want to stick with a plain version—often those flavored products can be packed with sugar, making it not so healthy of a choice in the end! To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can add fresh, organic berries for a naturally sweetened parfait. James created the “How to Ditch Sugar” video series for mindbodygreen. Check out the program here: How to Ditch Sugar. James coaches one on one, runs workshops in NYC and LA, and holds tele-seminars on various topics that help women lead a more beautiful and balanced life. To connect more with James, check out her Instagram account and sign up for her biweekly Sunday-evening emails.
