fermented foods

Probiotic comes from the Greek words ‘promoting life’ and that is exactly how they work for our bacteria.

We have more bacterial cells than human cells so it makes sense we need to supplement.

There are hundreds of different types of bacteria living in our guts. Our mission is to keep all those strains balanced and happy. Probiotics and eating probiotics foods can help us support our beneficial bacteria.

When using probiotics for general health you use a multi-strained formula. For more specific health problems its a good idea to use more targeted probiotics for that condition. Always best to get professional help here.

Probiotics can come in supplementation form or in the form of foods. A combination of both is best. When starting to introduce these foods into your diet start low and slow. Try including a small amount daily with one meal then work up to having a little with all meals. They do not need to be large serves. A tablespoon with each meal will do the job.

Top Ten Foods

Beet Kvass: A traditional European drink. It was used to protect against infectious diseases.Excellent for digestion, if you’re constipated it will get things moving and also nourishing for your liver.

Fermented Vegetables: Other than Sauerkraut and Kim Chi you can ferment lots of other vegetables. Garlic, radish, capsicums, carrots, beans, cucumbers, eggplant and many more are a great place to start.

Kefir: Is the oldest fermented milk product on Earth. Originally from the Caucus Mountains. The legend has it that kefir grains were ‘Grains of the Prophet’. You need grains to start the kefir milk. You can also ferment coconut milk, coconut water and rice milk if you can not tolerate dairy.

Kim Chi: Traditional Korean fermented food made from cabbage, radishes, cucumbers, peppers, spices and lactic acid. There are 200 varieties in Korea.

Kombucha: a fermented drink made from back tea, sugar and with the help of a ‘scoby’. A scoby is a variety of yeasts and bacteria’s. Loaded with probiotics.

Miso: A paste made from fermented soybeans. It is high in fibre and protein. It comes in several varieties.

Natto: Japanese most unique traditional health food. An acquired taste due to its smell and sticky texture. High in protein and often cooked with rice. Rich in Vitamin K.

Sauerkraut: The most popular probiotic food. Used throughout history as a health promoting food. The fermentation process makes the nutrients in the cabbage more bioavailable. Easy to make at home.

Tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented product made from whole soybeans. Originally from Indonesia. It has a firm texture. You can use in place of other proteins.

Yoghurt: For thousands of years, yoghurt has been part of traditional diets around the world. Produced from the lacto-fermentation of milk. When sourcing yoghurt look for organic, full fat, live bacteria and with no added colours,flavours or sweeteners.

All these probiotic foods are available commercially. Some are super easy and inexpensive to make at home.

For a boost to your health get more probiotics into your diet today.

Your bacteria will thank you for it!

If you would like to know more about how I could help you, book in for a free 15 minute GUT HEALTH ASSESSMENT and let’s get you started.

Image Credit: Wellpark.co.nz

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