By fitlifemonthly 
Fermented foods are everywhere these days, but are they really good for your health? Let’s explore whether eating foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can actually benefit us.
Thirteen years ago, Donna Schwenk was 41 and pregnant with her third child. She developed preeclampsia, and her liver started failing. Her baby, Holli, had to be delivered by C-section nearly seven and a half weeks early, weighing just four pounds. Schwenk herself ended up with diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe fatigue, making it hard for her to care for her newborn.
Desperate for a solution, Schwenk found a book about kefir, a fermented milk drink high in beneficial bacteria. Encouraged by a store assistant, she read up on it and started adding kefir to Holli’s bottles. Within a month, Holli gained four pounds. Schwenk began drinking kefir herself, and within 12 weeks, her blood sugar and pressure returned to normal. She felt healthy and joyful again for the first time in years.
Schwenk later wrote “Cultured Food for Life” and is convinced that kefir and other fermented foods high in beneficial bacteria helped her and her baby. These foods can improve digestion, boost immunity, aid in weight management, and even enhance mood, according to research.
Schwenk isn’t alone in her enthusiasm. The New York Times recently highlighted fermented foods as a major upcoming food trend. Kimberly Snyder, an LA nutritionist, recommends her clients eat fermented vegetables daily, noting benefits like weight loss, better skin, and increased energy.
Clinical nutritionist Kathie Swift emphasizes gut health as crucial for overall well-being. According to Swift, an imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems, vitamin absorption issues, mood disorders, and even autoimmune diseases. Swift points out that 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, where key chemicals affecting mood, such as serotonin, are produced.
Research increasingly links the gut to mental health. Studies have shown that altering gut bacteria in mice can lead to changes in weight and anxiety levels.
As we age, the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut can shift due to diet, stress, and medications. This imbalance can manifest in various health issues, from food intolerances to skin disorders. Restoring good bacteria can alleviate these symptoms.
You might wonder if consuming commercial probiotic drinks offers the same benefits. According to nutritional therapist Daniel O’Shaughnessy, these drinks are often high in sugar and contain transient bacteria that don’t establish themselves in the gut. It’s better to consume a variety of fermented foods for diverse bacterial strains.
Fermenting foods is an age-old practice found in many cultures. Foods like Korea’s kimchi, Germany’s sauerkraut, and Japan’s miso and natto are well-known for their health benefits.
However, it’s important to consume fermented foods in moderation. Starting with small amounts and gradually increasing can prevent digestive discomfort. Look for products labeled with raw, live cultures, or make your own fermented foods at home.
Some common fermented foods include kefir, miso, sauerkraut, coconut yogurt, and kombucha tea. These foods not only provide beneficial bacteria but also can be easily incorporated into your diet.
So, are fermented foods worth the hype? They might genuinely improve your gut health and overall well-being. Start small, introduce variety, and see how your body responds.