The health benefits of fermented foods
We do so much to destroy our gut microbiome and little to build it up!
There are several internal & external factors that can influence the composition of our gut bacteria and in turn, our wider health including:
antibiotics
non- steroidal anti-inflammatories
the oral contraceptive pill
a standard western diet
alcohol
dental work
infections and diseases
yeast
opportunistic bacterial overgrowth
pollution and other environmental toxins
….all these factors have a negative impact on our gut microbiome.
Recent research has shown that chronic stress will reduce beneficial Bifido species (one of the most important types of bacteria) in our gut!
What do beneficial flora do for us?
Functions of “good bacteria” in our gut include:
assisting with absorption and digestion
maintaining the health and integrity of our gut
vitamin production
detoxification
protecting us from invaders
Fermented foods for better gut health
When we consume fermented foods, we are consuming beneficial microbes.
As these beneficial microbes make their way through our gastrointestinal tract, they assist us to digest, absorb and assimilate the foods we are eating.
This is particularly important when:
we are stressed, when our gut microbiome is adversely affected
during and post antibiotic use (when levels of beneficial microbes can be adversely affected)
as we age because our digestive fire is not as strong
when our gut is dysbiotic - when our higher levels of opportunistic microbes are interfering with our digestive processes.
How often should you eat fermented foods?
The beneficial microbes from fermented foods will make their way out of our gastrointestinal tract, just like our food waste does.
This is why it is vital to consume fermented foods daily, to reap their digestive benefits as they move through our gastrointestinal tract.
