Fermentation is one of the earliest forms of food preservation that can extend the usability of a food for months. It's a technique of preserving food that involves the breakdown of starches and sugars by bacteria and yeast. Common fermented foods include kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha and coconut water kefir.
Fermented foods may help boost the gut microbiome, creating a healthier mix of microbes and strengthening the walls of the intestines to keep them from leaking. In addition, they can inhibit the growth of unfriendly bacteria or yeast like candida, which can irritate the gut lining and trigger inflammatory signaling.
Your immune system can effect the health of your entire body. Fermented foods wrap beneficial microbes in a protective matrix, helping them to safely colonize in the lower end of the digestive tract and communicate with the immune system to help it function properly. They also increase absorption of nutrients, break down toxins and produce antioxidants.
Eating fermented foods is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight and they also provide a dose of vitamin B12. Giving your gut more attention and replenishing it with beneficial bacteria may help stop serious health problems, improve digestion and reduce the risk of heart disease.
