Heal Your Gut Once And For All With These Amazing Foods

Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com

Do you have ongoing health issues that you, or your doctor, can’t figure out? Are you experiencing any of the following?

Depression
ADHD
Dry skin or other skin problems
Brittle, dry hair that breaks easily
Acne
Frequent indigestion
Heartburn
Constipation
Excessive gas
Bloating

Most people don’t realize how important the health of their digestive system is to the entire body.

Fermented foods can restore the natural balance to your gut flora, keep your digestive system working properly, maintain proper levels of “good” bacteria in the body, and keep your immune system working at its optimum.

If you aren’t sure what fermented foods actually are, think of “pickled” foods and you’ll know what we are talking about. These kinds of foods are overflowing with those healthy probiotics you hear so much about.

Most people immediately think of yogurt, but if you are a vegan or if you want to cut back on dairy, what other choices do you have besides supplements?

Fermented foods to the rescue!

If you want to know the best fermented foods for taking your digestive system to a whole new level, keep reading!

1. Natto

This traditional dish from Japan is a type of fermented soybean, and it is perhaps best known for its very strong smell and flavor. Natto has tons of probiotic compounds and can improve the balance of good vs. bad bacteria in the digestive tract. This will improve immunity, skin health, and even your mood!

Although natto is often served with rice, you could also use quinoa. Natto is high in fiber and full of iron, protein, calcium, as well as B vitamins. Look for organic natto — otherwise you will end up with GMO soybeans.

Continue to Page 2

Photo credit: bigstock.com

2. Sauerkraut

Unless you grew up with it, you might be thinking “yuck!” but if you haven’t eaten sauerkraut since you were a kid, try it again. Most adults love it and tastes change as we grow up. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage with salt, and it is a terrific way to fill up on probiotics without adding tons of calories. To get the most out of your sauerkraut, buy it raw and unpasteurized. You can also check some recipes online because it’s pretty darn easy to make. Some people enjoy sauerkraut hot, and others like it cold, so give a try in different recipes before you write this one off.

3. Beet Kvass

You might not have heard of this one, but in Eastern European countries, it’s quite common. This is made by fermenting beets in some water, salt, and a bit of whey. Beets are well-known for their ability to cleanse the liver and filter the blood. Fermenting beets only makes them extra good for you as the probiotics will improve your digestive health, and therefore, your immunity. Beets are also great for your kidney health. You can try using it as a salad dressing or adding some to soup, but most people find this drink absolutely addicting.

Continue to Page 3

Photo credit: bigstock.com

4. Pickles

You need to be picky about your pickles! The usual pickles in your supermarket, such as Vlassic’s or Del Monte, won’t cut it. They use tons of preservatives, chemical additives, and sometimes even pasteurize them, removing almost all of the healthy probiotics you are eating them for. Look for naturally fermented pickles. These are super powerhouses of probiotics, as well as flavor! You can use these like you would any other dill pickle (sweet pickles don’t count), and you will know that you are getting all the fermented goodness possible.

5. Kombucha

This is a super trendy drink that actually has some health benefits to it — unlike energy drinks. If you love Kombucha, you have found the tastiest way to get huge doses of probiotics into your body. This is a naturally fermented, bubbly tea that not only tastes fantastic, but it improves energy levels far better than any energy drink you ever tried, without the sugar and artificial crap found in most of them. You can buy Kombucha in any health food or natural store, but since it is so easy to make at home, why not make it fresh yourself for pennies? If you haven’t tried Kombucha, you are really missing out.

Do you love fermented foods? There are a great many more than what we have on this list. Tell us: Which ones are your favorites? We would love to hear how you get your probiotics on!

References:

www.livescience.com

Prev Next