Summertime is wonderful for many things: outdoor events, beach days, picnics, pool days, and more. But when the temperatures rise, so does your body’s need for extra support! Luckily, we make it easy for you to take care of your gut health and entire body in more ways than one. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips for summer and are here to show you how Lifeway Kefir is ready to go along with you on all your adventures to help you feel your best.
Lifeway Kefir offers a wealth of benefits for summertime since this season is packed with activities, changing weather patterns, and hotter temps when our bodies need extra care. For starters, our kefir helps your gut thrive with live probiotics while also serving as an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that keep your body healthy by supporting it with key nutrients it requires.
Lifeway Kefir is also a secret weapon for helping you care for your immune system during the summer when changing weather patterns and sleep schedules can weaken immunity. Plus, it’s cool, creamy texture helps you cool off and reduce the chances of getting overheated. It’s also easy to use in no-bake, oven-free, ready-to-enjoy recipes.
Check out these easy tips we’ve put together for you to help keep your gut health on track this summer so your microbiome stays as excited about the season as you are!
How to Keep Your Microbiome Healthy During the Summer Months:
1. Eat Fermented Foods Daily
The probiotics in fermented foods like Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese help support your gut with live cultures which balances the shifts your microbiome experiences during the hottest months of the year. Fermented foods are also extremely beneficial during times when you might be traveling and need extra support. Taking a road trip? Our 8-ounce bottles of kefir are perfect for on-the-go and are easy to take with you in a cooler. Lifeway ProBugs are perfect for kids since they offer easy, portable probiotic solutions for small bellies. Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese are also easy to sneak into all your summer recipes like frozen desserts, smoothies, shakes, and more. Check out all our recipes here.
Need help figuring out how to eat more fermented foods? We’ve got you covered with a full-on customizable meal plan here.
2. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule
We recognize this is easier said than done, however, it’s a must. Here’s some tips to make it easier! Set your alarm at night just like you would in the morning as a reminder to get in the bed at whatever time you know is best to ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep. Use tools like blackout curtains and eye masks to block out light, if needed. Get hot at night? Use a fan if you don’t already since it doubles as natural white noise to help you fall asleep faster and sleep throughout the night. Need a healthy night cap? Try our Probiotic Sleepy Girl Smoothie or our Cherry Night Time Pops for extra nutritional support since these recipes are made with your sleep health in mind.
Lifeway Kefir is an excellent source of essential amino acids, including tryptophan, and tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin which aids in calming you down for proper rest. Our kefir is also high in minerals including calcium, potassium, and magnesium that can all help you relax and fall asleep more easily. These nutrients also help reduce muscle cramps that can occur at night and keep you awake. The probiotics in Lifeway Kefir and the protein combine to support your body all night long so you won’t be hungry or have an upset stomach—both of which help you sleep better.
3. Mind Your Fiber Intake
Fiber is easy to forget about during summer. Outdoor events, traveling, and more can all cause us to neglect our fiber intake, but fiber combined with fermented foods is a total gut health changer. Fiber not only keeps you full so you’re less likely to fill up on the not-so-great foods, but it also keeps your digestive system regular, maintains healthy blood sugar levels so you aren’t reaching for the unhealthy stuff, and gives your gut the foods it needs so the probiotics in fermented foods like Lifeway Kefir have enough fuel to do their magic. Learn more about the benefits of fiber and prebiotics here!
While everyone needs a different amount daily, it’s recommended women get at least 25 grams of fiber per day and men get 35 grams per day, however, these are just targets; you can also eat more fiber if desired and as much as keeps you comfortable. Pairing fiber with probiotic foods like Lifeway Kefir also assists with digestion of the fiber for optimal benefits.
How to Take Lifeway Kefir With You During Summer Activities:
It’s easier than ever to enjoy Lifeway Kefir with you on-the-go for all your summer activities whether you’re headed to the beach, a park, the pool, going on a picnic, or more.
Here are five ideas for starters:
1. Pack up our 8-ounce bottles of kefir in a cooler, or carry our multi-serve 32-ounce containers in the cooler and bring individual cups to serve it in. Or, mix up our kefir in some healthy smoothies to bring with you on the beach in a cooler.
2. Lifeway Probugs is already set and ready to go for the little ones since our BPA-free pouches are made with littles ones in mind. You can also freeze these ahead, and then pack them in the cooler to double-serve as ice packs and let them thaw before enjoying.
3. Our Farmer Cheese is easy to spread on all your favorite crackers, sandwiches, or to serve with veggies while our 8 ounce bottles are easy for on-the-go enjoyment.
4. Keep cool at the pool by blending up some of these frozen popsicles with strawberries, mangoes, and any flavor you love most of Lifeway Kefir. For another delicious idea, blend up this recipe for a frosty watermelon slush that has extra electrolyte support found in watermelons and Lifeway Kefir while also enjoying one of everyone’s favorite summer fruits.
5. Going to a holiday event like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day? Make this Probiotic Flag Cake or this No-Bake Probiotic Coconut Cream Pie. Everyone will love it!
Thanks for taking Lifeway on all your summer adventures. Be sure to join us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest as we help you love your guts all year round!