As a college student, taking care of my health sometimes takes a back seat to my studies, social life, and extracurricular activities. However, I’ve come to realize that choosing nutritious foods is essential for staying healthy and focused in all areas of my life. One area that I, and many other students like me, struggle with is getting enough probiotics in our diets.
Probiotics are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, as they help to keep our digestive system functioning optimally and strengthen the immune system. Without sufficient probiotic intake, issues with digestion can arise along with more frequent illnesses and decreased energy levels.
Students frequently overlook the health benefits of probiotics, even though adding them to their diet can make a huge difference. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s so difficult for students to adopt these beneficial microorganisms into their lives and how they could go about making that change.
Limited time and resource
There are a number of factors that contribute to this struggle. For one, as a busy student, I don’t always have the time or resources to seek out and consume probiotic-rich foods. Between attending classes, studying, and socializing with friends, it can be tough to prioritize healthy eating habits all of the time. And when I’m rushing between activities or simply need to grab a quick bite on the go, I often find myself reaching for less-than-nutritious options.
As a busy student, I know all too well the challenges of trying to maintain a balanced diet while juggling classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. It’s a constant battle to find the time and resources to make healthy choices, and sometimes, things slip through the cracks – like getting enough probiotics.
For starters, I’m on a tight budget. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi can be expensive, especially if I’m looking for high-quality or organic options. When I’m trying to stretch my dollars as far as they can go, these types of foods are usually the first to get cut from my grocery list.
On top of that, there’s the challenge of convenience. Navigating a healthy lifestyle while on the go can be challenging, especially when it comes to consuming probiotics. Whether running from class to class or studying late at night, one often doesn’t have enough time for preparing meals and snacks that contain these beneficial bacteria. Even if grabbing something like yogurt or kombucha is an option, there’s no guarantee of quality or quantity in terms of its probiotic content.
Finally, there’s the time issue. As someone who is constantly moving and on the go, I don’t always have time to research the best probiotic supplements or figure out the optimal dosages. And even if I do manage to find a supplement that works for me, making sure I remember to take it regularly can be a challenge in and of itself.
Despite the financial challenges of investing in probiotic supplements, I’m determined to ensure that these beneficial bacteria stay a part of my diet. To do this I’m experimenting with homemade yogurt and bulk kefir, while also discovering creative ways to include them in meals like sandwiches or popcorn!
Taking care of my health is a long-term investment, and probiotics are an essential part. Despite the challenges it brings, I’m determined to make sure that incorporating these beneficial nutrients into my diet becomes a habit for me in order to ensure lasting well-being.
Cost Factor
A few years ago, I discovered the benefits of probiotics on gut health. As mentioned earlier, Probiotics are live bacteria that contribute to the gut’s diverse microbiota, promoting digestion, and good health. Since then, I have been trying to incorporate them into my daily routine, but the cost factor always makes it a challenge.
As a student, I was struggling to balance my desire for good gut health with the financial strain of expensive probiotic supplements. Check my other article on this topic Nutritionists recommend high-quality products that are out of budget, while cheaper alternatives seem ineffective in providing necessary benefits. This dilemma left me searching for an affordable solution without compromising on quality and effectiveness.
A few months ago, I decided to do some research to find if there were any alternative ways to get the benefits of probiotics without spending too much. I discovered that some food items like yogurt, kefir, pickles, and sauerkraut contain probiotics naturally. Still, these foods must be consumed in large quantities consistently to achieve the same benefits as a high-quality supplement.
Lack of knowledge
At first, I didn’t understand the importance of probiotics and how they impact my overall health. It wasn’t until I started experiencing digestive issues that I realized something needed to change. After struggling with digestive problems, I finally learned the power of probiotics and how they can improve overall health. My doctor suggested that I increase my consumption for better gut health – a decision that has certainly paid off!
That’s when my struggle began. My journey to better health began with a daunting task – finding the right probiotics for my diet. After some research, I discovered that many of these beneficial bacteria can be found in popular foods like yogurt and kimchi; however, not all were easy (or tasty) options for me.
After searching for a simple, convenient way to increase my probiotic intake, I discovered the idea of taking supplements. Initially hesitant because it was something new to me, I decided that it would be worth giving them a try. If your looking for a more in depth description on probiotic supplements I would recommend this article by MD or check out my article on the best probiotics to take to work.
Navigating the probiotic supplement aisle can be an intimidating task, with countless brands and types of products all vying for attention. With so many choices available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to make sense of labels and differentiate between options – a seemingly impossible feat!
After much deliberation, I took the plunge and began taking a daily supplement with little knowledge of its potential impact on my health. Although it’s hard to tell if there are any tangible benefits yet, I remain optimistic that this small step will make an overall difference in my well-being.
In hindsight, I recognise that my deficient understanding of probiotics and how to make them a part of my eating habits was holding me back. If only I had known more about their benefits sooner, with clear instructions on incorporating them into meals!
Conclusion
Many students struggle with having enough probiotics in their diet, but by making small changes to improve the gut microbiome, they can greatly benefit mentally and physically. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I urge everyone to prioritize their health and explore ways of incorporating more probiotics into what they eat.