Fermented Foods For Healing

Fermented foods are found around the world and are considered to be a key component of a healthy diet.  Whether the fermented food is kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, or other vegetables, fermented foods contain large amounts of helpful bacteria and enzymes necessary for gut health. 

It is a good idea to consume a variety of fermented and cultured foods because each food will inoculate your gut with a variety of different microorganisms.

I did not realize that fermented foods are some of the best chelators available. The beneficial bacteria in these foods are very potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins and heavy metals.

I've been having fun with my water kefir grains. They seem to be multiplying at a very slow rate and so patience is being encouraged on my part. After my father had his colon surgery, I was bringing over kefir for him to drink. Despite the fact that I was flavoring the kefir with fresh fruit, he called it "swamp water".  

I think the taste has improved with each additional batch. It takes about 2 or 3 days to make a batch of kefir water because the house is cool. I have added blueberries, orange slices, lemon & ginger, and recently honeydew melon to the finished kefir for a second ferment. The honeydew kefir was surprisingly good.

Grains have doubled in size.

To read more about how to make kefir, check out my blog post on 10/18/13.

Have you tried fermented foods? What is your favorite? Do you have a recipe you could share?