Fermented foods are gaining popularity, but do they really benefit your health? Let’s explore the potential advantages of eating foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.
Donna Schwenk’s journey with fermented foods began 13 years ago when she was 41 and pregnant with her third child, Holli. After developing preeclampsia, she faced several health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe fatigue. Desperate to improve her health for her newborn, she stumbled upon the book “The Body Ecology Diet” by Donna Gates, which led her to kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics.
Schwenk began adding kefir to Holli’s bottles and saw remarkable results. Within a month, her baby gained four pounds. She also started drinking kefir herself, and within 12 weeks, her blood sugar and blood pressure normalized. She felt healthy and joyful for the first time in years. Schwenk attributes these transformations to the benefits of fermented foods rich in probiotics, which she believes aid digestion, immunity, weight management, and even mood.
Schwenk participated in a PBS Special called “Health Breakthroughs,” which examines the benefits of fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, and vegetables. Fermented foods are becoming a significant trend, as highlighted by The New York Times.
Michael Pollan, a healthy eating advocate, also shares his enthusiasm for fermentation in the book “The Art of Fermentation.” He describes how his kitchen counters are now filled with various jars and containers of fermented foods.
Kimberly Snyder, a nutritionist for celebrities, recommends her clients eat fermented vegetables daily. According to her, adding these foods to your diet can improve skin, energy, and help shed excess weight.
Kathie Swift, a clinical nutritionist, underscores the importance of gut health in overall wellness. Her approach always begins with improving gut bacteria, which affects digestion, nutrient absorption, and can impact various health conditions.
Research supports the connection between a healthy gut and various bodily functions. For instance, gut bacteria play a critical role in immunity and mood regulation by producing essential chemicals like serotonin. Studies also point to the potential for fermented foods to improve mental health and reduce anxiety.
Our diets, stress levels, and medications can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in our guts. Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy explains that imbalance can lead to issues ranging from food intolerances to chronic fatigue and skin disorders. Introducing a variety of fermented foods can help repopulate good bacteria and alleviate these symptoms.
While you might think store-bought probiotic drinks are a solution, O’Shaughnessy warns that these often contain high sugar levels and transient bacteria that don’t settle in the gut. Instead, a variety of fermented foods provides a range of beneficial bacteria.
Fermenting foods is not a new concept. Traditional diets worldwide have included fermented foods for centuries. From Korean kimchi to German sauerkraut, these foods have been essential for preserving produce and aiding digestion.
In Japan, the high life expectancy is partly attributed to a diet rich in fermented foods, including miso soup and natto. However, moderation is key, as overconsumption can upset the stomach. Start slow with small amounts and gradually build up your intake.
When purchasing fermented foods, look for raw, live cultures. Avoid pasteurized products as they lack live bacteria. Making your own fermented vegetables at home is simple and cost-effective.
Finally, complement fermented foods with prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, and oats to promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Popular fermented foods include kefir, miso, sauerkraut, coconut yogurt, and kombucha tea, many of which can be found at health food stores.
Fermented foods offer a range of health benefits, and starting with a variety tailored to your preferences can help improve your gut health and overall well-being.
