Fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, are becoming very popular. But can they actually improve your health? Let’s find out through the story of Donna Schwenk, who had a life-changing experience with kefir.
Thirteen years ago, when Donna Schwenk was 41 and expecting her third child, she developed preeclampsia. With her liver failing, her baby, Holli, had to be delivered via C-section almost seven and a half weeks early, weighing only four pounds. Donna herself faced severe fatigue, high blood pressure, and diabetes, making it difficult to care for her newborn.
Feeling desperate, Schwenk went to a health food store and stumbled upon “The Body Ecology Diet” by Donna Gates, which talked about kefir, a fermented milk drink rich in bacteria. A shop assistant mentioned that it was a valuable book. Intrigued, Donna began adding small amounts of kefir to Holli’s bottles, and within a month, Holli had gained four pounds. Donna also started drinking kefir and saw her health improve significantly in just 12 weeks.
Inspired by her recovery, Donna wrote “Cultured Food for Life: How to Make and Serve Delicious Probiotic Foods for Better Health and Wellness.” She believes that the bacteria in fermented foods like kefir can greatly benefit our gut health, aiding not just in digestion but also in immunity, metabolism, and mood.
Donna’s experience gained attention, and she became part of a PBS Special called “Health Breakthroughs,” which highlights research on the health benefits of fermented foods. Fermented foods have also been recognized by The New York Times as an important future food trend.
Michael Pollan, in the introduction to “The Art of Fermentation,” shares his passion for fermenting foods at home. LA nutritionist Kimberly Snyder advises her celebrity clients to eat fermented vegetables daily for better weight management, skin health, and energy levels.
Research increasingly shows that gut health is central to overall health. Clinical nutritionist Kathie Swift, in her book “The Swift Diet,” emphasizes the importance of gut health for a range of conditions, from autoimmune diseases to mood disorders. Studies have demonstrated the profound effects of gut bacteria, even showing that transferring gut bacteria from lean to obese mice can lead to weight loss.
There are about 100 trillion bacteria in our guts, both good and bad. Over time, we tend to collect more harmful bacteria due to factors like poor diet, stress, and medications. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to various health issues, including food intolerances and skin disorders. Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy explains that fermented foods can help repopulate the gut with good bacteria, alleviating many of these problems.
Drinks claiming to contain good bacteria generally don’t provide enduring benefits because they often contain high sugar levels and transient bacteria. Instead, a diet rich in a variety of fermented foods is recommended for a range of beneficial bacterial strains.
Common fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha contain different types of bacteria. Including a variety of these in your diet is ideal. Probiotic pills may not be as effective; some even contain undesirable bacteria.
Fermentation is an ancient practice, used in many traditional diets worldwide. For instance, in Japan, fermented foods like miso soup and natto are staples and are believed to contribute to the country’s high life expectancy.
However, moderation is key. Overconsumption of fermented foods can upset your stomach. Start slow, with small amounts, and gradually include different fermented foods in your diet. It’s also important to focus on a balanced diet that supports your gut health.
To get started, look for products with live, raw cultures. Homemade options can also be very effective and are easy to prepare. Additionally, include prebiotic foods like onions and garlic in your diet to support the growth of good bacteria.
In conclusion, fermented foods, when consumed in moderation and variety, can significantly enhance your gut health, which in turn can positively impact your overall health and well-being.