The Value of Lacto-Fermentation

Journey to a Healthier Digestive System

I don't know what happened, but I suddenly started having digestive issues the past few years. It really peaked about a year ago. I prayed and asked God to help me! Then, a few months ago, I decided to go on a 21-day juice fast for my health in hopes that my "issues" would disappear. They did, but I wanted to make sure they stayed gone, so I began to do some research. It is then I discovered the benefits of lacto-fermentation.

I have been on a very strong anti-reflux medication for about 4 years. The doctor said I needed to get off of it as it is not good for my bones. In addition, I have been on a diuretic along with my high blood pressure medication to keep my blood pressure down. A long fast always regulates your body so that I was able to go off of the diuretic and anti-reflux medication.

I began to add in nutrient-rich bone broths like beef and fish - and it made me feel amazing! I had my energy  and felt my insides were really healing up.

Lacto-Fermentation

I came across some information about the value of adding lacto-fermented foods to the diet as it aids in digestion. It was so convincing that I decided to give it a try, just as I was coming off of my 21-day fast. I started with the bone broths and the effect on my body was immediate. I knew I was on the right path.

The process I have been using is by adding whey - a bi-product of yogurt and cheese-making - in fermenting my vegetables. I have been making my own yogurt for a long time. So, I drained the whey from my yogurt and used this as part of the recipe of fermentation for my vegetables.

You can find a lot of great information online about the value of eating foods that have been fermented. If you have been having digestive issues - as I was - I encourage you to check out some of the great resources online.

Off My Meds!

I got a wonderful surprise the past few weeks. I have had to monitor very high blood pressure for years, but in recent weeks, it has been consistently normal. So, I decided to go off both of my blood pressure medications - just to test it out. Sure enough, my blood pressure remained in the "normal" range! I continue to take my blood pressure just to make sure, and I am happy to report that it is still normal!

The diet has certainly helped, losing weight has really helped, but I also know that adding walking to my daily routine everyday is a must for me personally. I'd much rather take a 30-minute walk than take 2 pills a day actually. Walking has become part of my daily prescription.

Since I began this journey to health a few months ago, I am off of 3 of my 4 medications! Yeah!

Digestion Improvement

From the first bites of my homemade lacto-fermented vegetables, I noticed an improvement in my ability to digest food - without the familiar uncomfortable symptoms I had come to live with for so many years. The acid reflux is completely gone - and so is all the symptoms of feeling that my food was not digesting.  I find I am able to process most foods now - so long as I eat a good amount of my lacto-fermented vegetables with my meals.

Some of the homemade foods I have on hand and eat daily are yogurt, lacto-fermented sauerkraut, lacto-fermented veggies. I also have a good quality organic green juice and apple juice. I have coconut milk - especially on days when I feel my strength waning. And, I have a daily bowl of fish or beef bone broth.

I also eat a slice or two of Mestemacher Three Grain Bread (made with whole rye kernels) everyday with avocado and homemade yogurt cream cheese. I have come to appreciate the value of sourdough - instead of yeast-grain breads.

I am regularly making homemade ricotta cheese and farmer's cheese - both very easy recipes found here on my blog. I love to have a bit of this with a plate of melons on a hot afternoon for a great pick-me-up!

The last few months experimenting with lacto-fermented foods and nutrient rich foods has completely changed my digestive system. I am feeling so much better all around. And, I've lost over 30 pounds - and still losing weight! This has never happened to me before and I'm thrilled with this added benefit to my health.

I hope my own personal story will inspire and encourage you will try some of the recipes of my nutrient-rich and lacto-fermented recipes and begin to incorporate them into your daily diet. Your digestive tract -- and your body -- will thank you!

Here's to a healthier you!