What’s in your gut?

We read over and over that having the proper balance of bacteria in our intestines is crucial to our health. I have even read that all health can be traced to how well various parts of the digestive system function. There is apparently even quite a connection between what goes on in your head and what is grumbling around somewhere else.

It’s all about bacteria.

So as a newly minted possible vegan, this gave me cause for concern. I might be a dummy, but I really can’t think of any way to get good bacteria other than from some sort of cultured food. This usually means yogurt.

Even kefir.

I love yogurt.

But vegans don’t eat milk-based yogurt, so none for me, at least during this 3-week vegan try out. (Will I make the team?)

So on my way to work today, I stopped off at Edge of the Woods in New Haven. It’s a vegetarian dream store. Heck, lots of organic stuff too, and I have never seen meat there. The bakery vegan cookie I bought for Lauren and I to share was not so hot.

But they have Probiotic Soymilk. Doesn’t sound yummy to you?

Well, it ain’t half bad.

Packed full of 30 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin D, it also boasts “7 live and active culture.” The one I bought also was on sale and slightly out of date, and I’m thinking that means the bacteria count might have been even higher.

So I downed the entire thing (180 calories - much too high) and am hoping by now my bacteria balance it back where it should be.

I also, however, am curious about what other vegans do to make sure they keep up their culture.