Having plenty of good bacteria in our gut is critical to good health, a healthy immune system and healthy digestion.
What are fermented foods and what is the benefit?
Fermented foods are cultured foods, prepared in a manner that allows the beneficial microbes to grow and preserve the ingredients. Overuse of antiboitics and antiboitics in animal feed, as well as the lack of fermented foods in our diet have all let to an impoverish microbiome (too few “good” bacteria in our gut). Since 70% of the body’s immune system dwells in the digestive tract, a properly functioning digestive system is essential to maintaining overall health. Eating fermented foods helps replenish the good bacteria in your gut, keeping you and your immune system healthy.
Before you immediately grab for a probiotic pill, why not replenish your gut bacteria the tasty way.
Fermented foods include:
- Sauerkraut: a fermented cabbage (other vegetables can be fermented as well)
- Kombucha: a fermented type of tea
- Long fermented bread such as sour dough
- Yes, wine and beer as well
A word of caution to those new to fermented foods.
Your gut will take a bit of getting used to the introduction of these new cultures and bacteria, so don’t go nuts right away. You may experience some flatulence and loose stool as your gut adapts to the new beneficial bacteria. This will pass quickly, but don’t go nuts eating these foods right away if you have never added them to your diet before (we don’t need you turning into “Toots McGee”!)
In addition to fermented foods (or if you plain 'ole just don't like the taste) a daily probiotic can also help keep your gut healthy with good bacteria.
Clinical Probiotic Immune
by Now Foods
Helps to promote
a robust,
balanced response to immune
system challenges.
| Probiotic-10™ 25 Billion
by Now Foods
A balanced spectrum of probiotics
for healthy digestion, and to help maintain the integrity of the
intestinal lining
| Entero-B Homeopathic
by Dr. Recommends
Assists with Bowel flora disorders
|
Supreme Probiotics
by DNA Labs
Helps digestion and absorption of nutrients
|
Products featured in the photograph:
Othentic Sauerkraut
NessAlla Kombucha
Nancy’s Organic Kefir
GoodBelly Fermented Coconut Water
