I was introduced to fermented food, when I had leaky gut syndrome. As it were, I was looking for and needed a natural and safe way to heal my pending condition. Although I did not appreciate the time it would take me to process fermented food products, the profound benefits was my motivation and driving force.
My first attempt ended up as too salty and I could not stand the smell thus the need to for me to try again and I have not looked back ever since. This is now my go to probiotic food choice.
The human stomach is full of bacteria, it might surprise some to note that we have good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria lives in our gut warding off disease and keeping the gut system in good balance. However, from time to time, the bacteria gets out of place because of either poor diet or life style. Once this occurs, we start getting symptoms like, bloating (even from just drinking water), to diarrhoea, to constipation, gas and dry skin. (My story)
Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of substances (carbohydrate to alcohol) by bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms.
Fermentation has been used for centuries to make food last longer and more tasting and also to heal all sorts of digestive issues. Fermented foods are rich in probiotic when eaten; you are adding beneficial bacteria and its enzymes to intestinal health (flora), increasing health of your digestive system and gut micro biome.
What are Probiotics? These are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They are often referred to as the “good” or “helpful” bacteria. The yeast found in probiotics is called Saccharomyces Boulardii.
Types of Probiotics: These include the following;
- Lactobacillus: This is the most common probiotic. You can find them in yogurt and other fermented foods.
- Bifidobacterium: You can find them in some dairy product. They help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A few reasons why you should eat homemade fermented food(s)?
- Probiotic: They help in the digestive system, helps to prevent and treat Infectious diarrhoea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites), Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Antibiotic-related diarrhoea, Urinary and vaginal health, Oral health and reduce allergies, eczema and boost your immune system.
- Inexpensive: making fermented food product is cheap as it can be, four to five ingredients you already have in your kitchen cabinet.
- Helps to preserve food easily and makes it safer to eat, while preserving its natural nutrient.
You can make fermented food like sauerkraut from cabbage, salt, onion and water. Other fermented foods products are beetroot, onions, carrots, yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, kefir etc.
You can eat fermented foods alone or with salad in place of salad cream and store bought vinaigrette, egg omelette etc. get started now, your gut will thank you.
Post by Gloria Oamen (Alexis Yoga and Beyond)
