Pickled beets. Sauerkraut. Kimchi. Olives. Cottage cheese. Yogurt. These are a few foods in the class of foods known as fermented foods.
Fermented foods begin as whole foods like grapes (wine), cucumbers (pickles), and milk (yogurt, cheese). Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers knows we have Baton Rouge chiropractic clients who enjoy these!) Then microorganisms start to break down their carbs and sugars into things like lactic acid. (Think sour: pickles and sauerkraut.) After this conversion, these fermented foods become powerhouses of healthy probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve our health. How? By improving the health of our bodies’ good bacteria involved in digestion, immunity, and disease prevention. Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers is all for health improvement of our Baton Rouge chiropractic patients! Fermented foods are also reported to be antimicrobial (to kill microorganisms or slow their growth) and antioxidant and immunomodulatory (to regulate the immune system) and antithrombic (to reduce blood clots) and antihypertensive properties (to reduce high blood pressure) and even anti-diabetic. (1) Interestingly, ethnic foods often are fermented foods with benefits like anti-obesity and anti-aging (Korean kimchi) and immune system regulating (Korean Natto) and anti-cancer (Indian dahi) and nutrient/protein/vitamin/beneficial bacteria rich (Japanese miso).
Speaking of beneficial bacteria, fermented foods provide food for all the trillions of beneficial bacteria living in our bodies, especially the digestive tract. Fermented foods are also easier to digest because they are already partially broken down by good bacteria. Have any Baton Rouge friends who have trouble digesting foods? Maybe share with them this article on fermented foods as these are already partially digested, helping the body absorb the nutrients of food more easily.
- Vitamin C – cabbage in sauerkraut
- Vitamin K and Protein – miso (fermented soybeans/salt/grain)
- Protein, Calcium, Vitamin D – Kefir and Yogurt
- Fiber & active culture – Cultured Coconut Milk / Yogurt for a dairy-free option
- Probiotics, B vitamins, acetic acid (stabilize blood glucose levels) – Kombucha (black tea/sugar/bacteria/yeast)
- Bacteria bacillus, calcium, iron, fiber, vitamin K2 – Natto (soybean)
- Spirulina (immune system enhancing) – Sourdough bread (the real kind!) (4)
As a side note, an adult way to enjoy fermentation is with red-wine (anti-aging due to the melatonin that regulates the body clock) and beer (unless it’s pasteurized or filtered) and cider. And for a sweet-tooth, the fermented food is chocolate! (3)
Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers offers chiropractic care for the whole family, for the whole body. Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers is great at caring for the spine, the body's support system, as well as low back pain as well as neck pain, arm pain and leg pain with nutrition, exercise, and diet. So thank you for reading more about fermented foods before passing judgment on them or dismissing them. Today’s diet and culture of fast, mass produced food leaves much to be desired for a healthy gut and body. Incorporating more fermented foods into your diet may be beneficial. Your Baton Rouge chiropractor is here to discuss your diet, health and fermented foods. Contact Medical Spine and Sports Injury and Rehab Centers today to set up your next Baton Rouge chiropractic appointment.