Difficult Digestion? Try Eating More Sauerkraut
Posted on: 16 September 2021
Would you consider your digestive system irritable? If you've been checked out by your doctor to rule out any severe underlying conditions that might be contributing to this irritability, then your next step should be improving your diet. One food you should consider incorporating a lot more of is sauerkraut. As strange as it might sound at first, this fermented cabbage dish is great for digestion. Keep reading to learn more.
Why is sauerkraut good for digestion?
Sauerkraut is a fermented food, which means it is created through the action of bacteria over time. These various bacteria work to break down some of the components of the cabbage. So, when you eat sauerkraut, you are eating a lot of these bacteria, which are known as probiotic bacteria. They help colonize your intestines, and once they're established there, they help break down some of the food that you eat. Just as they helped break down the fiber in the cabbage, these probiotic bacteria will help break down the additional fiber in your intestines. This will help ease your digestive distress.
How will your digestion improve?
A lot of people find that they experience less gas and fewer bouts of diarrhea or loose stools once they start eating more sauerkraut. If you're having trouble with gas and diarrhea right now, it could be because your intestines are struggling to break down the fiber in the foods you eat. All of that undigested fiber pulls water into the digestive tract, making your stools loose. Once you recolonize your gut with probiotics from the sauerkraut, those bacteria will help break down the fiber, and you should find that you have firmer, more regular bowel movements and less gas. Many patients get relief from intestinal cramping, too.
How much sauerkraut should you eat for improved digestion?
One serving per day of sauerkraut should be enough for you to experience these digestive benefits. A serving is usually about 1/4 cup. If you skip a few days here and there, it shouldn't be a big deal. Try to choose low-sodium sauerkraut so you're not overloading your body with too much salt. Get creative to keep sauerkraut interesting to your palate. Put it on sandwiches, add it to salads, and serve it as a condiment alongside your dinner.
Sauerkraut is a very healthy, fermented food to include in your diet, and doing so can greatly benefit your digestive health.
Contact a company like Fermentools to learn more about the health benefits of sauerkraut.
Share