Did you know that about 70% of your immunity resides in your gut? And that it is directly influenced by your gut flora? It is truly amazing! Your intestinal flora not only affects your digestion, but it also plays a major role in the health of your immune system. It even helps with your mood and concentration! So why not help these guys with food they really love?
Fermented foods provide your gut with beneficial probiotic bacteria that help boost your immune system by increasing your good intestinal flora. This in turn will help to fight off bad gut bacteria which due to poor diet, poor lifestyle and even stress can be quite high in a lot of people. Eating processed refined foods often can lead to an imbalance of gut flora and contribute to leaky gut and inflammation.
You can power your gut soldiers who fight so hard to keep you healthy every minute of everyday by including some fermented foods in your diet. These include:
- Sauerkraut (one of my favourites, I add it to meals as in the picture, add to salads, burgers or even just eat it on its own)
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Kefir
- Unsweetened Yoghurt
- Kombucha
- Tempeh
If you have not yet tried fermented foods or do not consume these regularly, you may notice some digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas at first. That is simply your gut adapting to receiving these beneficial probiotics while also killing off harmful bacteria.
Build up gradually, start with only a little daily, perhaps even just a spoon of sauerkraut to allow your gut to adjust. Any discomfort symptoms should disappear within a week. Enjoy!
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