Kimchi

Ever notice how certain foods make you cranky?  Or sad? Or tired?  How does that work, anyway?

On a sunny Los Angeles morning, Jess Wang is in her kitchen checking on her “pets.”  “The trick,” explains the ever-gracious Jess, “is not to disturb them too much.” Just like any beloved pet, in exchange for a little care, Jess’s offer many rewards. These pets aren’t the typical furry or winged kind, but rather, they’re of the bacterial sort. They don’t cuddle or play, but they give the gift of health, the rewards of creativity, and they taste great.  

After a long, bountiful summer, autumn is finally here. To some, it's a welcomed change; to others, not so much. Regardless, I's a time of year we all must go through, and there are several ways to make it a great one. To ensure your health and happiness are at their peak this season, here are a few ways to celebrate the arrival of fall. By celebrate, I simply mean ways in which you can transform this season into something worth celebrating. By following these tips, you will enjoy a bountiful autumn and prosper.  

You might know that naturally fermented foods are one of our closest nutritional allies, but do you know the science behind your sauerkraut?

More and more studies are backing up what we’ve known for millennia about lacto-fermentation, adding a much-needed dose of holistic wisdom to the culture at large. It seems as though every time a study is conducted, more ancient knowledge quietly transforms into scientific fact. Not only is this research satisfying, but it also gives us a closer look at why fermented food plays such a critical role in our diets.

Good gut bacteria are essential to a healthy digestive system. When the bacteria get out of whack, we can experience a slew of health problems. Surprisingly, fermented foods are ideal in combating the bad bacteria and restoring our good gut bacteria. Lactobacillus is to thank when it comes to making fermented food gut-friendly. This particular bacterium plays a vital role in preventing the harmful bacteria from taking over. Restore your gut flora with one of these fermented foods.

Kefir

“All disease begins in the gut.”

– Hippocrates

Hippocrates was getting at something here. Perhaps all diseases do not begin in the gut but there is mounting evidence that many chronic diseases do.

Did you know that we have a second brain? And it’s in our gut.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that serve as beneficial bacteria. They have been known to help enhance as well as protect your health. There are many different ways to eat probiotics, with yogurt being among the most popular of choices. But not everyone can, nor desires to eat yogurt all the time, and we could always use more plants in our diet! So, for those of you who want to know about a few plant-based foods that contain powerful probiotics, here are seven!