Probiotics

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge advocate for probiotics. In fact, if I were asked to recommend just 3 supplements I would choose probiotics, Vitamin D, and Fish oil. Study after study after is study is reinforcing the notion that the gut is the center of our health, and it needs to be the primary focus of healing. We know that our gut health affects our immune function, our body's inflammatory reactions, and even our mental state. 80% of our neurotransmitters are located in our gut, NOT OUR BRAIN! When someone says they have a "gut feeling" they absolutely do!

In the womb our gastrointestinal tract is sterile and as we pass through the birth canal our mother's bacteria introduces the very first organisms that will colonize our gut. Those of us who were breastfed, were then further colonized by natures original probiotic, colostrum. The foundation of our immune system is laid down very early in life and is affected by our passage into the world, and our first nourishment.

Did you know that we have more bacterial cells in and our our body than human cells? As my chiropractor likes to say, "if all our human cells disappeared a human shaped cloud of bacteria would be left behind" The bacteria that live in and on our bodies defend us from parasites and harmful bacteria, and help keep us alive!

Now lets consider how we as a society have sought to prevent illness, kill germs right? Every man, woman, and child knows about antibacterial soaps, wipes, sprays, and hand sanitizers. We are constantly inundated with the message that germ free = healthy, so we spray our homes from top to bottom with Lysol and cover ourselves and our children with Purell. Yes, we are killing off bacteria, but we are also hindering our natural immunity. No, I'm not saying we shouldn't wash our hands or clean our homes, but we have become so terrified of germs that we are attempting to sterilize our environments without realizing the repercussions.

Now think about how we treat illness in the United States. Nearly every sniffle, cough, and stuffy nose is combatted with an antibiotic. Why? The issue is multi-factoral.  1. Telling a patient their symptoms will resolve on their own with rest, hydration, and good nutrition doesn't really cut when they've been waiting for hours to be seen; so its an issue of customer satisfaction. 2. Antibiotics are easy to prescribe, and providers have been taught to do so. 3. The discovery of antibiotics was a scientific breakthrough and has saved millions of lives. Who wouldn't want to use the miracle drug?

Unfortunately we have been slow to realize that bacteria are smart and can adapt so as to become resistant to antibiotics. We now have "super bugs" that can't be treated with antibiotics! Additionally
there are now studies linking antibiotic use to the obesity epidemic and even to cancer. The rates of serious allergies and food intolerance have skyrocketed and some experts believe that this is a result of killing off all our good bacteria.

I think its safe to say that replacing our good bacteria can boost our immune system and promote overall health, so the question is how? Fermented foods are a fantastic way to get probiotics. Foods like saurkraut, kimche, and miso all contain healthy bacteria. My favorite however, is drinking home brewed kombucha tea.

Kombucha originated in China and has been brewed for thousands of years. It is reveared as the "immortal health elixir." Kombucha is a fermented tea that is brewed with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast or a SCOBY. Also known as the "mother" this bacteria forms what looks like a mushroom. Kombucha is said to aid the liver in detoxification, heal the gut, and decrease joint pain. Bottom line, it's a fantastic way to get your probiotics. Here's my recipe for my seasonal brew.


Apple cider kombucha

1. SCOBY
2. Stainless steel soup pot
3. Large glass container
4. Filtered water
5. Organic caine sugar
6. Organic ginger tea bags
7. Clean dish towel

Second ferment:
1. Organic unfiltered apple juice
2. Pumpkin pie spice
3. Jars or bottles for bottling

 Bring water to a boil and add 1 cup of sugar. Add 5-6 tea bags and allow tea to cool. Add tea to glass jar and then add your SCOBY. Cover with a dish towel or paper towel secured with a rubber band, and set out on your counter. Allow to ferment for 7-10 days. You can taste test your kombucha and you'll know its ready when it is no longer sweet and tastes sort of viengary.

Now its time to bottle for the second ferment. I use recycled glass jars. Fill your jars 2/3 full with kombucha and then add apple juice and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.  Be sure to leave some room in the jar, your kombucha will start to get fizzy. Apply the lid and set the jar on the counter. Allow to ferment for 3-5 days.

Enjoy!