Fermented foods are becoming increasingly popular. But can eating things like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir actually improve your health? Here’s a look at their potential benefits.
Thirteen years ago, Donna Schwenk faced a health crisis while pregnant with her third child, Holli. She developed preeclampsia, and as her liver began to fail, she had to deliver Holli seven and a half weeks early. The baby weighed just four pounds. Schwenk herself developed diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe fatigue, making it hard for her to care for her newborn. Desperate for a solution, she stumbled upon a book in a health food store that highlighted the benefits of kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in bacteria. Encouraged by a shop assistant who praised the book, she gave it a go. She added two teaspoons of kefir to Holli’s bottles, and within a month, her baby gained four pounds. Schwenk herself began drinking kefir and saw her blood sugar and blood pressure return to normal within 12 weeks.
Now, Schwenk is a firm believer in the health benefits of fermented foods. She even wrote a book, “Cultured Food for Life,” to share her experiences. She’s convinced that the beneficial bacteria in fermented foods helped improve her and her baby’s health, aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and even improving mood.
Research supports her beliefs. Fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and soybeans are being studied for their health benefits. Even the New York Times has named fermented foods a future food trend.
Michael Pollan, a well-known healthy eating advocate, has also jumped on the bandwagon. He’s filled his kitchen with jars of homemade fermented foods after being inspired by the book “The Art of Fermentation.”
LA nutritionist Kimberly Snyder recommends her clients, including celebrities like Drew Barrymore, eat fermented vegetables daily. She claims these foods can help with everything from weight loss to better skin and increased energy.
Clinical nutritionist Kathie Swift emphasizes the importance of gut health in overall well-being. According to her, the balance of bacteria in our gut affects digestion and the absorption of vitamins. Imbalances can contribute to a range of health issues, from autoimmune diseases to mood disorders. For example, recent studies have shown that changing the gut bacteria in obese mice can promote weight loss. Additionally, 70% of our immune system is located in our gut, which also produces essential mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin.
Science backs these claims. Studies have replaced the gut bacteria of anxious mice with those from calmer mice, and the anxious mice became less stressed. The gut houses about 100 trillion bacteria, and maintaining the right balance is crucial for health. Unfortunately, as we age, we tend to have more bad bacteria due to factors like poor diet, stress, and medications.
Nutritional therapist Daniel O’Shaughnessy explains that an imbalance can lead to various health issues, from food intolerances to chronic fatigue. Eating a variety of fermented foods provides a range of good bacteria that can help restore balance. Unlike sugary supermarket drinks, which contain transient bacteria that don’t stay in the gut, fermented foods offer lasting benefits.
Making your own fermented foods is easy and can be done with simple ingredients like vegetables and salt. Various fermented foods offer different benefits, so incorporating a range of them into your diet is ideal. For example, kefir contains different bacteria than sauerkraut or kombucha.
While fermented foods might be trendy now, they’ve been a part of traditional diets around the world forever. Cultures from Korea to Germany to Japan have long used fermentation to preserve food and aid digestion.
Despite the benefits, moderation is key. Overconsuming fermented foods can lead to an upset stomach. Start with small amounts and gradually increase your intake. Look for products with live cultures, and consider making your own fermented foods at home.
Remember, a balanced diet that includes prebiotics (foods that feed good bacteria) like onions, garlic, and bananas is also crucial for gut health.
In summary, fermented foods, when eaten in moderation, can offer a variety of health benefits. From improving gut health to boosting immunity and even enhancing mood, incorporating these foods into your diet might be worth considering.
