One of the easiest ways to improve your health is with the foods you eat, and some of these foods are specifically targeted at easing stomach and intestinal discomfort. So don’t suffer with your indigestion, GERD, IBS, acid reflux and more, just add some fermented foods to your diet. These natural alternatives can minimize or eliminate the need for pharmaceuticals.
Kefir
Fermented milk product from goat, cow or sheep that tastes like drinkable yogurt. High in Vitamin B12, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes and probiotics. Can improve cholesterol levels, improve immune function, and improve gut health. Coconut kefir is an option for those who don’t tolerate dairy well.
Yogurt
Only some yogurts are fermented. Look for those that are made with milk from grass-fed cows, sheep or goats. Be careful to watch the sugar content–the lower the better.
Sauerkraut
Red or green cabbage in Apple Cider Vinegar. Can buy from the store, just make sure that it is a fermented version. This is high in fiber, many vitamins and iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and sodium.
Cottage Cheese
Only some cottage cheeses are fermented. Look for those that are made with milk from grass-fed cows, sheep or goats. Be careful to watch the sugar content–the lower the better.
Raw Cheese
Cheese that has been made from goat, sheep or cow’s milk that has not been pasteurized. This should be on the label and should be aged for at least 6 months.
Pickles – Only sometimes
These would be labeled specifically as fermented. These contain various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Sourdough Bread
The fermentation of traditional breads like Sourdough makes the nutrients in these breads more readily available for absorption and can counteract antinutrient content in the gut.
Kombucha
Fermented “soft drink” made from an apple cider vinegar base. Great for helping with GI issues and creating a healthy gut environment.
Kimchi
Fermented Korean vegetable dish made mostly from cabbage, pepper, ginger, and garlic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Must be raw and “with the mother” to be considered effective. Apple Cider Vinegar helps facilitate prebiotic and probiotic absorption in the gut.