SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR BETTER DIGESTIVE HEALTH

5 ways fermented foods support a healthier you By Tanya Zuckerbrot Published March 29, 2016.  

Fermented food is a term thrown around all the time, but what exactly is it? In short, fermented foods are foods that are exposed to certain bacteria, which leads to the breakdown of carbohydrates and the development of beneficial microorganisms in the food. Join the fermented foods movement and enjoy these benefits: Healthier gut After fermentation, foods contain lots of "friendly" bacteria, also known as probiotics, which maintain the proper balance of bacteria in the gut. Studies indicate that preserving a healthy gut can lower the risk for colon cancer. Whether it's Greek or regular, yogurt is an easily accessible fermented food to add to your diet. Yogurts boasting a "Live and Active Cultures" seal contain 100 million probiotic cultures per gram. Choose a low-sugar yogurt, like plain Greek yogurt; 10g of sugar per 6-ounce serving should be your limit. Weight loss Bacteria regulate the inflammatory response in your body. By eating fermented foods, you can reduce low-grade inflammation in the body which may be preventing you from losing weight. Further, studies show that restoring the gut to a healthy state aids in maintaining a healthy weight, as gut microbes influence the body's insulin resistance and deposition of excess calories in fat stores. Improved digestion The healthy bacteria in fermented food produces enzymes that break down food, making the nutrients more easily accessible for the body, and keeping the food moving along nicely. In particular, consuming fermented vegetables can have twice the benefits since they are often a good source of fiber, which aids in sustaining a healthy gut microbiome as well. Have low-sodium sauerkraut or pickles on hand and top your sandwiches or salads with this good-for-you flavor punch.