Every culture in the world has it’s own variety of fermented food. Our ancestors ate fermented foods regularly. The fermentation of foods was necessary since they didn’t have the luxury of refrigeration.  Ancient physicians used fermented foods as a prescription for many diseases. Fortunately, this wonder food is making its comeback into our culture.  Fermented foods are an easy and cheap way to include probiotics into your diet. (Learn more – here)

In the early 20th century, Nobel Prize winning scientist Ilya Ilyich Mechinikov (after observing the Bulgarian people in superb health and the 100 year old men and women who were still healthy), came to the conclusion that, “Death begins in the colon.”   This he attributed to their daily consumption of special bacteria. He later gave this friendly bacteria the term “probiotic”. 

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are microorganisms composed of beneficial bacteria that replenish the microflora in your gastrointestinal tract (which aids in digestion and immune enhancement). Probiotics (good bacteria) defends your body against dangerous invaders.  It’s essential to have plenty of these friendly bacteria to prevent a wide range of health problems.

Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive tract.  Your body is a home for over 500 different species of bacteria. You should have a ratio of beneficial to other bacteria of 85% to 15%.   This is why it’s important to add probiotic foods to your diet. 

• Probiotic foods help with the proper functioning of the digestive system. Eating fermented foods helps heal the lining of the gut, restoring its proper function.

• Probiotic foods help defend your body against unfriendly bacteria.

• Probiotic foods helps maintain proper immune functioning. One of the main functions of good bacteria is to stimulate your immune response. Probiotic foods help maintain good intestinal flora which leads to healthy immunity.

• Probiotic foods help supply all B vitamins as well as vitamin A, D, and K.

• Probiotic foods  help with the elimination and absorption of nutrients.

• Probiotic foods help with mental and emotional health.

• Probiotic foods helps with weight loss. According to research, bad bacteria causes inflammation in the body which leads to weight gain. Thus, probiotics help to fight against inflammation.

• Probiotic foods help maintain healthy skin.

• Probiotic foods help with urogenital health in women. Probiotics help rebuild the balanced microflora which is important in fighting yeast infections.

The best way to add probiotics to your daily diet is through fermented food. (here)  It’s easy and inexpensive. One of the biggest results of eating a healthy diet enriched with good bacteria is that you cause your own beneficial gut bacteria to flourish.