WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FERMENTED FOOD?
There’s a wide variety of foods out there, from cheese to miso, kimchi and kombucha. Those may seem familiar, and you may even want to give them a go once in your life; in fact, they are all examples of fermented foods or food fermentation, which people have used on for thousands of years. Nowadays, fermented foods, due to their proclaimed health benefits for consumers, are becoming increasingly popular.
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What fermentation is?
Simply explained, fermentation happens when microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold transform dietary starches and sugars into alcohol, lactic acid, carbon dioxide, and other compounds.
The secret behind the value of these foods is that they contain live bacteria
If you’re wondering why this is important, the answer is found in your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). When you learn that what happens in your gut has a profound impact on your overall health, you’ll have a more clear idea of why fermented foods can play an important role in overall fitness and general well-being. Fermented foods have been associated with several positive health effects, including improved digestive health, stronger immunity, and increased availability of beneficial nutrients.
What is the best fermented food?
The best fermented food is the one that you like and will include in your diet on a daily basis
Start with one or two of the foods for optimal health benefits resulting from consuming the microbes that line the gut, aiding in gut health. What could be better? Just don’t go overboard and cause temporary bloating or gas. Bit by bit! You’ll know as your body adjusts.
Who should not eat fermented foods?
Certain fermented foods are not recommended for pregnant women, children under the age of 1 year or if you have digestive disorders, histamine intolerances, food sensitivities, or food allergies, you should limit your consumption of fermented foods and check with your primary care physician or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes.
Some people may experience gas and bloating when they increase their meal of prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods or begin taking a probiotic supplement. This is common since your body may need time to react to the changes in your diet, and it is often a signal that the probiotics are killing the toxic gut bacteria and fungus; these symptoms normally disappear within a week or two.
