You are invited to a workshop on making probiotic foods Tuesday, August 3rd from 7-9pm. We will be making lacto-fermented sauerkraut and perhaps some peppers, as well as making dairy kefir, kombucha, and water kefir. We will also make lacto-fermented condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. This is an opportunity to learn to economically add probiotic, nutrient-dense food to your diet.
The workshop will be held at the home of a local WAPF chapter member on the Little Rock side of Roland (about 10 minutes from the Wal-mart on Hwy. 10). There will be a limit of 15 participants. Cost is $25, non-refundable, in advance to hold your spot. Please e-mail me if you would like to participate. realfoodlisa AT gmail DOT com
Why are probiotic foods important?
Our intestines are designed to house trillions of beneficial microorganisms which are necessary for proper digestion, immunity, and overall health. Unfortunately, in our modern society we have waged war for some time against these probiotic (for life) organisms.
Antibiotics, which kill good and bad bacteria indiscriminately, are not only used frequently in medical treatment, they are also found in conventionally raised meats and animal products. I was surprised to find out recently that antibiotics are even sprayed on food crops. In addition, medications such as steroids, birth control pills, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen contribute to deficiencies in probiotic bacteria. Modern diets filled with refined carbohydrates (sugar and white flour) favor bad bacteria; and pasteurization of foods, such as milk, for the purpose of destroying bad bacteria, eliminates the good guys as well.
Not taking care of the bacteria that takes care of us, creates an intestinal environment that encourages problems such as chronic ear infections, colds, digestive disorders, focus and attention issues, asthma, and allergies.
Beneficial bacteria are responsible for enabling the absorption of nutrients from food. When these bacteria are not present, it becomes difficult to obtain the nutrients needed, even when nutritious foods are eaten.
One way to increase good bacteria in the digestive system is to take a probiotic supplement, but an even better way is to consume cultured and fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and unpasteurized sauerkraut. When eaten with other foods, these foods are not only a source of good bacteria; they also contain enzymes that improve digestion of the entire meal.
Find more information in Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, and Wild Fermentation
by Sandor Katz.Additional blog reading: Gut Health is a Journey, Not a Destination.
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