What Are Probiotics? plural of pro·bi·ot·ic (Noun)
- A probiotic substance or preparation.
- A microorganism introduced into the body for its beneficial qualities.
Why Are Probiotics Beneficial?
80% of our immune system is found in our digestive system, so keeping our guts healthy is extremely important. Probiotics provide support to this system. In addition, these live microorganisms help to digest carbohydrates and absorb minerals, boost production of vitamins K and B, compete with harmful bacteria in our guts, and help to prevent allergies.
Children receive their first doses of bacteria from their mother as they are passing through the birth canal, so it is especially important to maintain beneficial gut flora throughout pregnancy.
How Can I Nurture This Good Bacteria?
The first thought when someone wants to increase the good bacteria in their guts is to take a probiotic supplement. Nutritional Therapist Craig Fear has several reasons why it is a much better idea to get probiotics from fermented foods.
According to Fear, “fermented foods give us a far greater variety and complexity of beneficial bacteria than probiotic supplements.”
If you are new to fermenting, my primer on fermenting vegetables can help. Or find lots of recipes for beverages, garlic, and other vegetables here.
Of course, vegetables are far from the only food that may be fermented. Raw milk may be fermented into yogurt, kefir, cultured cheese, creme fraiche, and more. (A good source for purchasing yogurt and kefir cultures)
Before refrigeration, meats were preserved through culturing, but what we know today as dry sausages such as salami are often made with preservatives and are no longer rich in probiotics. It is worth seeking out sources that continue the traditional methods of fermenting sausages.
Other foods which can easily be fermented are fruits, beverages such as kombucha or beet kvass, and condiments such as ketchup.
Recommended Reading:
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig – A fantastic guide to properly preparing whatever it is you want to eat, so that it is nutrient rich and easy to digest.
Real Food Fermentation by Alex Lewin – This is a great primer and is especially helpful if you are a visual learner. Lots of fantastic photos of the processes required in fermentation.
Other Great Posts on Foods That Will Nurture Beneficial Gut Flora
Homemade Creme Fraiche (Cultured Cream)
Lacto-Fermented Cranberry Apple Relish
5 Ways to Make Your Own Sour Cream
Homemade Root Beer Syrup for Fermented Soda
Make Your Own Fermented Sauerkraut
Pine Needle and Raspberry Soda Fermented with Wild Yeast
Make Your Own Healthy Ginger Ale
Photo Source
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Lisa Lynn says
Important info! Thanks for sharing this on The HomeAcre Hop!
http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-homeacre-hop.html
Susan says
Thank you for hosting!
Stephanie {Naturally Mindful} says
Found you at Small Footprint Fridays! Great info, and so timely. My son had a stomach bug over the holidays and I feel like his gut hasn’t gone back to normal yet. I’m really going to check out some the resources you listed! By the way, I’m also glad I found a blog about gardening, I want to have a small garden this year–first time–so I’m soaking up all I see regarding gardening!
Susan says
Hi Stephanie – welcome! Most of us have guts that are in less than healthy condition and would benefit from adding probiotic rich foods to our diets.
I’m passionate about gardening – you may want to check out this post as a place to begin: https://learningandyearning.com/2011/05/07/vegetable-gardening-101/
Lori @ Our Heritage of Health says
Great information and list of resources about probiotics! Thanks for sharing with Old-Fashioned Friday – I hope you’ll stop by again! 🙂
Kristen @ Smithspirations says
I enjoy making kefir here at home, but I haven’t been able to get into the habit of eating more fermented foods like I know I need to. I have such a hard time with the taste! Is there a fermented beverage, fruit, or veggie that you think is a good place to start? I keep thinking that I should make beet kvass or the gingered carrots from NT.
Susan says
I haven’t fermented fruit yet and I just can’t handle fermented drinks like kambucha and kefir. I like them, but break out in hives, etc. I think it’s the benficial yeast. Anyway, I genuinely love all the veggies I’ve tried, but I think that carrot sticks with ginger might be a good place to start. I prefer the sticks to grated carrots, which is what I think NT uses. I also love green beans and snow peas. And ferments from my garden produce are so much better than anything I’ve made from organic store bought produce. It all has a sour taste, though, which may take some getting used to. Try it with meat, which is really how I fell in love with it.
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