By Allene Edwards, Organic Lifestyle Magazine
Eating to establish and maintain healthy bacteria in the gut may be the most important action we take to maintain and enhance our health. Healthy gut bacteria aid in the digestion of our food, protect us from pathogens, are essential to our immune system, create 95 percent of our serotonin, and more. Once we understand how the good bacteria in our gut aid us, it’s easy to understand how crucial gut health is to our overall health.
Prebiotic foods are the first and most important step. Raw vegetables and fruits feed the healthy bacteria in our gut and provide the insoluble fiber that not only moves waste through our system, but provides a structure for the bacteria to cling to as it multiplies. These foods should comprise 80 percent of our diet.
Though stomach acid may kill the majority of bacteria in fermented foods, many believe that regular consumption of these foods adds to the healthy bacteria in the gut.
Not long ago, I drove across town to buy kimchi, one of my favorite probiotic foods. A pint was $6.99. A quart was $12.99. I was so excited to get a gallon jar for $20, I forgot to read the label! MSG. Need I say more? So I decided it was time to learn how to make kimchi.
The first step in making any fermented food is to thoroughly wash the jar you are using for the fermentation, all of the utensils and dishes, and your hands. Just make sure everything is good and clean. Running things through the dishwasher or sterilizing is an option to consider.
