Probiotic-Packed Protein Shakes: A Delicious Way to Support Your Immune System

Hello there! How’s your immune system? If you are prone to infections and they are more frequent and longer lasting, then it might be time for you to see a doctor. Meanwhile, you can try drinking probiotic-packed protein shakes. They are a delicious way to support your immune system.

Probiotic-Packed Protein Shakes: What are Their Benefits? 

We all know that probiotics are good bacteria. They live in our gut and maintain a healthy balance of microflora.

It’s essential to have a healthy gut for a stronger immune system. Your immune system is responsible for producing and regulating the majority of the body’s immune cells.

Boost Antibody Production 

Probiotics have been shown to increase antibody production. And antibodies are vital for fighting off infections and illnesses.

Antibodies are protective proteins that attach to unwanted substances to eliminate them from your system. These “unwanted substances” are antigens that enter the body. They can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other toxins.

On the surface, the molecules of antigens are different from the body. Thus, when they enter your body, antibodies can recognize them right away.

That’s why you need antibodies to get rid of those “invaders.”

There are plenty of ways to boost the production of your antibodies. And one of them is the use of probiotics found in protein shakes.

Reduce Inflammation

Some probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce inflammation in the body.

Chronic inflammation is linked to various conditions, like autoimmune diseases. It can weaken the immune system.

One of the main reasons probiotics are highly recommended to fight off inflammation is that they can restore the epithelial barrier.

The formulation of good bacteria could accelerate the anti-inflammatory process after inflammation. It induces a significant reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

There are specific probiotics that reduce the inflammatory potential of the gut microbiome in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Now that we know the benefits of these protein shakes, let’s find out how to ensure that they taste great.

One of the issues with protein shakes is that they don’t taste good. Fortunately, there are ways to make them taste better.

Read: Protein Shakes with Probiotics — Must-Try

Choose the Right Protein Shakes 

Protein shakes can be added to your coffee. But if you want to drink them alone, thus the taste is vital.

Consider a protein shake with ingredients that can improve its mixability with liquids. Whey protein concentrate has been instantized to easily mix with liquids, like coffee or water.

You should also avoid low-cost protein powders. They are known to be of low quality. They also have an unappealing texture and taste.

In that case, it’s worth investing in premium-quality protein powder. It has a lot of artificial fillers and flavors that will make the shake taste weird.

Add Milk 

This isn’t usually advisable. However, if the taste is vital to you, then adding milk can help. You may add soy milk, coconut milk, or almond milk.

If you choose almond milk, you are also getting its added health benefits that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Mix It Well 

Taste and texture go hand in hand when you talk of protein shakes. Drinking lumpy protein shakes is not fun.

To mix the ingredients well, you may use a blender, instead of just a shaker. A blender can mix stubborn power into smooth, delicious shakes.

Sweeten It 

To maintain control over the flavor, you may consider buying unflavored protein powder. You can just sweeten it yourself.

Use a natural sweetener, like honey. This will improve the taste of the shake.

If you’re just like me, you can rely on fruits, like bananas or apples. Fruits can easily make the shake naturally sweet.

You may also enhance the taste by adding a small amount of vanilla or almond. It can boost the flavor of the shake.

And as mentioned, you can add a protein shake to your espresso.

Read: Should you try Nutrisystem protein shakes?

Make It Fatty 

I’m not saying you add a lot of ingredients that will make you fat. Instead, choose to add a spoonful of peanut butter.

Peanut butter is known to add delicious flavor to anything. But in addition to flavor, it also gives you healthy fats and protein to power your day.

On the other hand, if you are allergic to peanut butter, you may try almond or cashew butter instead.

Spice It Up 

This is another way to make your protein shake more interesting. You can add spices, like cinnamon or cocoa powder.

It adds extra flavor to your shake. But you should only add them in small amounts. You can slowly increase the amount until you find the taste that will suit your personal preferences.

Avoid Adding Hot Water 

Hot water can degrade the proteins. Keep in mind that proteins are unstable above 50 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, cold water will make your shake taste better.

Takeaway

Probiotic-packed protein shakes can be your better alternative to your sugary drinks. They are packed with nutrients that can improve your gut flora. If you’re taking antibiotics, here are ways to restore your gut flora.