You’ve probably heard a lot in the media about leaky gut syndrome, lots of people probably have it and don’t even know it. Some studies are as high as 8 of 10 people have leaky gut. Leaky gut can cause lots of digestive discomforts, low energy, and even autoimmune conditions that can be very damaging to your health. Your digestive tract has a lining with very small holes in it, these holes allow certain substances to pass through it. The lining of your gut is like a barrier that will allow/not allow certain substances to pass through it that could be harmful. When you have a leaky gut it means that your “net” is damaged and the holes are much larger now, which means that foods and toxins can pass through and cause major discomfort and reaction.
Fortunately, there are solutions to a leaky gut, and a big part can be the foods you are eating. One of those foods that can be especially beneficial is Sauerkraut. Some of us have had bad memories of this fermented food. As a child, I can remember my parents putting it on their hot dogs, or eating it as a side dish for dinner. When I finally got up the courage to try it, I thought it was disgusting, very sour and didn’t ever want to eat it again! Now as an adult, I realize that homemade and homegrown sauerkraut tastes way better, and is better for your health. You can also eat sauerkraut in a variety of ways, (not just on a hot dog) and also that fermented foods are the key to healing your gut bacteria. Let me tell you why.
Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
The process of fermentation of the cabbage creates live and active probiotics in the food which have a very beneficial effect on our health and digestive tract. “The type of fermentation that makes most foods probiotic (rich in beneficial bacteria) is called lactic acid fermentation. Lactic acid is a natural preservative that inhibits harmful bacteria growth.”
Some other benefits of fermented/cultured foods can be:
-Reduced overall inflammation
-Improved immunity
-Better nutrient absorption
-Reduced eczema symptoms
-Improved high blood pressure
These are just to name a few, these benefits are due to the fact that natural probiotics have a direct affect on every organ in our body. It’s probably safe to say that the good bacteria living in your gut is an organ in and of itself and that’s because that bacteria in your gut is affecting all other areas of your body to function properly like your brain, hormones, heart, liver, etc. They are essentially helping and shaping your immune system to be at optimal health.