#wellnesswednesday Ferments

Today's tip and topic is on our Microbiome and Ferments!What is Microbiome? The vast community of bacteria that lives within us. That protects us against germs, breaks down food to release energy & produces vitamins, minerals, and more.
~these bacteria outnumber our cells 10 to 1! So.. I would say it is very important to keep thia balanced!
Microbiome in our gut governs many of our body's key functions and is CRUCIAL to our health as it affects our immune system, metabolism, GI health, mood and brain health and more.
How do fermented foods help me? They replenish the Microbiome. Helping it to maintain a healthy balance of friendly bacteria. Help is to absorb nutrients. If we have an unhealthy gut we can take vitamins and minerals all day and won't really improve our health.
Fermented foods are a natural probiotic. Did you know that every culture in the world has its own fermented foods?! Most cultures even require it as a staple at mealtimes! So should we.
Because if the heavy consumption of fats foods & packaged foods in our western culture I believe the many health epidemics we have today are caused by this. Unbalanced microbiome can be the cause if obesity, inflammation pain, leaky gut, immune weakness and digestive issues.
70-80% of your immune system is in your gut!! Feed it poorly and it's left with few defenses, easily overwhelmed by bad bacteria, it's left wide open to disease - triggering inflammation.
Options & my favorites: Sauerkraut (Bubbies) & yogurt (Bulgarian or homemade) are my favorite! There is also Kimchi (I have a Kimchi fried rice recipe that is so good!), veggies, and kefir (second fermentation is amazing for combating a pop addiction!)
How do I start? If you're new to ferments start with 1T of Sauerkraut, 1 pickle or 1/4c Kefir or Bubbies juice a day. See how you feel... Stomach ache or other reaction? If not, increase until you are having a ferment with each meal.
Ideas: 1-2 forkfulls of Sauerkraut throughout the day (yes, I'm constantly in the fridge with my fork.) Yogurt in the morning (I also add my gelatin here!! Hello protein, great way to start the day!), fermented carrots and veggies as a snack, Kefir as an afternoon pick me up, milk Kefir in a morning smoothie (again, add your gelatin here!), and Sauerkraut or pickle on the side of your meal.
I will post some recipes in the future! My very round kids are obsessed with Bubbies and I have seen the healing that has come from it (later post on that). I will even sneak kefir into Popsicles sometimes! Even though they'll drink it plain.
Fermented foods get to work as soon as you ingest them! Balancing bacteria and stomach acids, releasing enzymes. Decreasing constipation.
Note: if you are buying your products make sure you look for the following- "fermented" (not "pickled"), "pasteurized", "organic", and keep it cool!
Thanks to fermentedfoodlab.com and mindbodygreen.com for great info and recipes!
#immunity #ferments #fermentedfood #microbiome #guthealth #leakygut #goodforbaby #antibiotic #kefir #sauerkraut #yogurt #lactobacillus