Blog four - Fermented foods and your gut. 6 foods you can, and should, incorporate into your diet, and make at home.

Have you considered fermented foods to support your gut health?

There are so many benefits to incorporating some or all of these options into your diet if prepared and stored properly. Probiotic sources, are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits such as balancing our intestinal flora when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota, which is crucial for digestive health and overall well-being.

Fermented foods also contain digestive enzymes, which naturally occur in our bodies but can be depleted when our GI tract isn’t working well. Below are 6 foods I have been incorporating into my diet on rotation, and at times, they are all in the fridge! Being consumed alongside, or with meals throughout the week.

Probiotic Yoghurt / Kefir yoghurt (Try to find a decent Greek yoghurt that doesn’t have added sugars)

Pickled onions (Recipe on my recipe page)

Kombucha (We only drink Good Buzz as it’s all organic, with no added sugars, only natural and made locally!

Sauerkraut/kimchi - Sourced and made from cabbage, here is an easy to make recipe! I’d love to hear how you go.

Sourdough bread - Ask a friend if you can have some of their sourdough starter, buy a bread loaf tin and get practicing. Sourdough is easy on the gut if you are gluten sensitive, but unfortunately not gluten free if you are Coeliac. If i’m not organised, ill buy from our locals at Mount Sourdough.

Water kefir is a fermented, carbonated beverage that is produced using water kefir grains or a scoby, like Kombucha. I haven’t yet attempted to make water kefir but I’m not sure ill bother because I LOVE The Wild Fermentary , their drinks (especially the berry blush) are so delicious and they also make a Kimchi and Sauerkraut! I can vouch for their products as are all organic, with no crappy additives and if you know me well, I don’t recommend brands lightly until ive done my research, or tried them myself. I have been spoilt by The Wild Fermentary who have given me a discount code for you all to use. Enter LIVEWELL15 into the checkout of your online order and receive 15% off.

For some with sensitive digestive systems, excess probiotics may cause discomfort or reactions dependent on the strain of probiotic or if you are suffering from Candida or yeast overgrowth. If you do notice bloating or excess gas from consumption - take it slow!

Listen to your body and slowly introduce these foods into your diet and avoid overconsumption at the beginning.

If you are unsure, speak to a health professional, Naturopath, or qualified Nutritionist about your specific situation. Happy fermenting!