Gut Health: What if You Don’t Like Fermented Foods?
Some people – not just kids with sweet tooths – just don’t like the taste of fermented drinks or foods. Others don’t like the idea of them, or they tried some they didn’t care for and are hesitant to try others. If this sounds like you, here are some ideas to help.
To reap the most health benefits, eat a fermented food or beverage every day. At the same time, reduce refined sugars and simple carbohydrates (that convert to sugar) in your diet.
Buy fermented foods from stores, so that they’re regulated, not homemade. Friends who make and sell their own kombucha, or pickled vegetables, often overgrow bacteria levels, and unknowingly create products with the “not so healthy” bacteria that we actually want to lower in the gut biome. Oh and alcohol, while officially a fermented drink, does not yield the same health benefits – sorry!
Ready to try fermented foods at home? Here are some expert tips for making the change:
Consider adding a Greek or Icelandic yogurt, like Siggi’s, to a smoothie with your favorite fruit. This is a delicious way to introduce a fermented food.
Tell resistant family members that fermented foods are safe, keep you from getting sick as often, and also make pooping easier!
While all fermented foods are beneficial, be mindful to not buy yogurts with a lot of sugar, which negates the benefits to the gut biome.
Add fresh sauerkraut to a meal for distinctive zest.
Throw pickled vegetables into a salad with a yummy dressing.
Buy a variety of flavors of kombucha, from watermelon to guava and raspberry lemon, and go for the low-sugar choices.
Add kefir to an acai bowl or smoothie.
Kimchi, a Korean fermented cabbage, can spice up a meal. It’s easy to add to fried rice, scallion pancakes, or udon noodles.
Finally, consult a nutritionist to find pre/pro-biotic supplements that works for you and your family.