Mainstream science is now acknowledging the relationship between our gut bacteria (flora) and our health, including auto-immune diseases and mental health issues. It is imperative that in order to keep ourselves healthy and happy we need to keep our gut nourished. We can achieve this by avoiding refined sugars, processed foods and eating foods high in probiotics or foods that have been traditionally fermented.
Fermented foods are foods that have been through a process of lacto-fermentation in which natural bacteria creates lactic acid by feeding on the starch and sugar in the food. This process preserves the food and creates valuable enzymes, Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and numerous strains of probiotics. Probiotics have been shown to help aid in digestion, increases vitamin content, slow or reverse some diseases, improve immunity, and improve bowel health.
Examples of fermented foods:
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut (with live cultures)
- Yogurt (with live cultures)
- Kombucha
- Apple Cider Vinegar (with “mother”)
- Sourdough bread
- Kefir
- Miso
- Pickles
- Fermented veggies of all kinds
Make your salad dressings using Apple Cider Vinegar, use traditional Sourdough bread for sandwiches and toast, make a pot of Miso soup full of vegetables, or add a pickle with your lunch. Branch out and ferment them yourself at home or find options at your local grocery store. A nourished gut means a healthy, happy you!
For more information visit: Nourishing Gut Bacteria