Fermentation and Gut Health | achs.edu

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Have you been hearing all of the hype about fermented food and gut health?  I was first introduced to the idea about five years ago. I recently began researching the benefits of fermented food and what exactly they are. According to health professionals, much of the food in our modern diet lacks the digestive enzymes needed to absorb, digest and utilize nutrients in our food. Before refrigeration, fermentation was a common way to preserve food that isn’t as necessary today.

Life-enhancing Probiotic Powerhouses

It turns out that fermented foods reinforce the good bacteria in our gut to help strengthen the immune system with health-promoting natural probiotics. Fermentation is a process used to produce some of our favorite foods and beverages such as beer, wine bread, cheese, chocolate coffee, kefir and kombucha  and yogurt. Sauerkraut and kimchi are on that list too and I really like both but just keep in mind sauerkraut is super salty and the garlic in the kimchi will be on your breath for days. Fermentation also produces lactic acid which acts as a preservative by reducing pH, which in turn inhibits the growth of harmful bacterial that can cause an overgrowth of yeast.

I was surprised to learn that fermented foods and pickled food are not the same thing. Here are some facts I gleaned about buying fermented foods to be sure to get the most active cultures for my investment:

• Fermented foods are full of live organisms that must be kept cool to survive, so buy only fermented items in the refrigerated section of the store. 

• Be sure the label does not say pasteurized. The pasteurization process wipes out the cultures  needed to help fortify our gut.

• Don’t confuse fermentation and pickled. They’re not interchangeable. Pickled foods are exactly that – they’re pickled in liquids like vinegar or brine, but not fermented unless it says otherwise on the label – pickled foods are quite salty and may be a restriction for some people.

• Look for fermented foods that are made from the best raw materials possible, namely those made from organic, non-GM or locally farmed produce.

Are you interested in nutrition and learning more about  maximizing good health for yourself, family and/or community?  The American College of Healthcare Sciences offers online certificate and degree programs in holistic health and nutrition.   

A simple way to create your own probiotic drink for just pennies is to use Ann Wigmore’s original rejuvelac recipe. 

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Blog References:  

https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/digestive-health/gut-health-diet-tips-bulk-up-on-fiber-fermented-foods-and-probiotics/

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20170213/could-fermented-foods-boost-your-health#1

https://www.bewell.com/blog/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-fermented-foods/

https://draxe.com/fermented-foods/