Fermented Foods: Boosting Gut Health As You Age
Blogs17 Sep 2024
IN THIS ARTICLE
When it comes to digestion, immune function and mood, there’s an aspect of health that seems to be hidden behind the shadows and that is gut health! The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that are essential in our overall health and well-being, making a happy gut a necessity. One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy gut is by incorporating fermented foods into our diet. But what are these foods and how do they really a ffect the gut? We’ll discuss all of this and more in this article.
The Ageing Process and Gut Health
With age, our body undergoes several changes, and one of the most critical aspects affected by this process is our gut health . The balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut can get disrupted, leading to several issues such as poor digestion , decreased nutrient absorption, and a weakened immune function. This is why it’s so important to prioritise gut health by actively consuming gut-friendly foods and keeping active as we grow older.
Fermented Foods: How Do They Work in Your Body?
Now there’s been some commotion about fermented foods lately, but they have been around for thousands of years! As the name suggests, fermented foods are created through a process called fermentation, where microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi convert carbohydrates into alcohol or acids.
While this was mainly done to preserve food for longer, they have surprisingly excellent nutritional value and enhanced flavours too! Some popular examples of Indian probiotic foods or fermented foods are pickles, Idli, Dosa, Dhokla, Dahi etc. Fermented foods may help maintain a good gut and lead to several health benefits.
Fermented Food Health Benefits
● Improved digestion:
Since fermented foods contain probiotics, they might help improve digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates and making them easier to absorb.
● Stronger immune system:
A healthy gut is crucial for a robust immune system, and consuming fermented foods may help maintain gut health, thereby strengthening the immune system.
● Weight management:
Some studies have found that lean individuals have a drastically different gut microbiome to obese individuals. Having a healthy gut might help in preventing obesity and weight management.
● Improved mood:
The gut is also known as the second brain of the body. It has a special two-way connection with the brain and limited studies have found a likely connection between having a healthy gut and improvement in the central nervous system.
Popular Fermented Foods to Include in Your Diet
- Dahi or Curd
- Fermented Rice Items like Idli, Dosa
- Dhokla
- Pickles
- Kimchi
- Greek Yoghurt
- Kombucha
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
Conclusion
Fermented foods may be an excellent way to maintain gut health as you age. From a refreshing bowl of curd to dosa, pickles and more, fermented foods may introduce good bacteria in your body. They may also aid in an improved digestive process, boost immune function, aid in weight management and even support mental health. If you’re looking for new healthy additions to your regular meals, fermented foods are a great place to start!
As a companion on your path to healthy ageing, Right Shift encourages you to explore and enjoy the benefits of fermented foods for a happy gut. You can discover nutritious snacks and product suggestions to add to your meals to boost your health and take control of your midlife. You can also consult with our experts to learn more about your health concerns and find meal plans tailor-made to suit your needs. Remember, it’s all about actively making positive changes to create a healthy and happy midlife, so make the right shift today!
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FAQs
Yes, consuming fermented foods may aid in better digestion as they contain probiotics which can improve digestion and build immunity.
Fermented foods are generally safe to consume, but some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or an upset stomach when first introducing them to their diet. If you face any of these issues, it’s best to check with your doctor and avoid these foods if required.
There are several fermented foods you can eat in the morning. Some options include a serving of fermented rice dishes like idli or dosa, or a slice of sourdough bread with avocado, some Greek yoghurt, nuts and seeds etc.
Most fermented food and drinks are suitable for the vegetarian and vegan diet. In fact, fermented foods can be a way of introducing more nutrients into their system that they might miss out on due to dietary restrictions.
