Gut Check with Probiotic Tea Shots

May 26, 2022 by Chef David

By Chef David

Probiotics are increasingly being used as a way to improve the healthfulness of foods. They have become so popular that one-third of people make an effort to consume them. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when consumed may provide health benefits. Consuming foods containing probiotics helps restore the balance of the microbes that already live in the gastrointestinal tract by inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes. Many of these bacteria are produced during the fermentation process. The popularity of probiotics extends to the kosher community, which is why Live introduced probiotic tea shots, which are certified kosher by the OU.

Understanding Probiotics

Over a century ago Russian scientist and Nobel prize-winner, Elie Metchnikoff was trying to determine why villagers living in the Caucasus Mountains were living to over 100. Metchnikoff discovered that their diet included the daily consumption of a fermented yogurt drink and concluded that the presence of a Lactobacillus bulgaricus a form of probiotics seemed to improve their health.

There were few advances until the 1990s when researchers began focusing on the gut microbiome, the trillions of microbes that live in your intestines. They found that 70% of immune cells are in the digestive tract and identified dozens of probiotic bacteria with health benefits. In fact, the name probiotic means ‘for life’ in Latin.

Probiotics like dietary supplements, provide a way to help your body stay healthy. Probiotics add good bacteria which is one way to help maintain a healthy community of microorganisms (also called a microbiome)

Measuring Potency

The potency of probiotics is measured in colony-formation units (CFU), measured in billions of cells per serving.  The count reflects the number of colonies remaining at the product’s expiration date.

The Probiotic in LIVE

Live Probiotic Tea Shots have Bacillus Subtilis, a spore-based probiotic, which normally lives in the human gut. Bacillus Subtilis produces many enzymes, some of which may reduce the occurrence of ulcers, while others help break down food during digestion.

Live Probiotic Shots begin with fermented black tea which contains 2 billion CFU of probiotics in every 2-ounce shot. They created three unique flavors – Just Relax, Be Immune, and Don’t Inflame. The tastes are subtle, with bonus health benefits from the added ingredients.

Just Relax infuses chamomile and lemon balm with a guava botanical flavor. Don’t Inflame uses a turmeric extract, which gives the liquid a bright yellow color and combines it with a mango flavor. Be Immune contains Caribbean acerola an excellent source of vitamin C with a pineapple coconut flavor. Our favorite flavor was the Don’t Inflame with an attractive orange color.

LIVE is …

Based in Austin, Texas, Live Beverages is a small company started in 2013 to help people take simple steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Trevor Ross, created Live Beverages to help his dad kick a soda habit. His first offering was a Sparkling Vinegar Line, developed as a substitute for kombucha (which is sometimes referred to as tea vinegar).

Live probiotic tea shots contain zero sugar, carbs, or sodium. They come in convenient pocket-sized bottles that can be purchased online in 6-packs or find a local store.

While I enjoyed sipping the shots accompanying a meal, enjoying the refreshingly light flavor, they can easily be finished in two quick swigs. For those who are believers in the medicinal value of probiotics, Live is a must-buy beverage. While I can’t know if Live shots improved my immunity, or increased my level of calmness Live is easy on the palate, so why not give this shot a try?