What are the best probiotic drinks and how often to drink them?

Fitness words like prebiotics and probiotics are part of every weight-conscious person's vocabulary today. See them on any packet, and people make a beeline for them. Prebiotic drinks are those that feed good bacteria in our gut. Meanwhile, probiotics are the bacteria in themselves, according to excerpts. According to The University of Texas' MD Anderson Cancer Centre, they are found in fibre-rich plant foods and those with active bacterial cultures. They can also be mixed with food and taken as supplements.

Eating foods with these elements can increase gut-friendly bacteria and decrease harmful counterparts, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and reducing bloating, bowel issues, and inflammation. There aren't any official serving recommendations for how much prebiotics or probiotics a person needs, though it's suggested that 3 to 5 grams can be beneficial. What are the best probiotic beverages that are readily available to us and can help our gut health? 

The best drinks
According to the gut researchers of the Mayo Clinic, the best probiotic drinks are:
1) Kombucha
2) Kefir
While Kombucha is made by brewing tea and then fermenting it with yeast and bacteria, the milk-based kefir is fermented with grains, yeast and bacteria. These days, they are readily available in many supermarkets, online stores and even restaurants in Kerala and across India. 

How to drink them?
The doctors at Mayo Clinic say that if you are new to these drinks, it's best to pair one serving with a meal. For example, add a shot of kombucha to your lunch, observe how your body responds, and, over time, increase the quantity. Initially, you might experience bloating as the body adjusts. Make sure you buy these drinks only if they are refrigerated. Also, if their ingredients label mentions added sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup, sugar or its substitutes, avoid them. 

Who should avoid these drinks?
Incorporate these drinks into your diet only after discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a compromised immune system. Also, if you are a patient who takes a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant, do not consume these drinks without your doctor's approval.