Fermenting to Heal the Gut!

Recently my (Polish) friend Carol and I were talking about how we remember our mothers fermenting things like cabbage and sour milk in jars on the kitchen counter-top. We couldn't recall exactly how they did it, so I had to do a little investigating. I've always been interested in trying it because of all the wonderful health benefits to fermenting (the various lactic acid bacteria that ferment your food are wonderful for restoring a healthy gut flora, which as a Naturopath I know to be the foundation for good health and a healthy immune system).
I tried a very easy recipe for fermenting cabbage. Shred 1/2 to 3/4 of a cabbage (i used red) into a glass bowl. Sprinkle with 2 TBSP pickling salt (not iodized, which kill the bacteria). Pound the cabbage slightly to release the juices. Place into clean mason jars (pack it in tight). Cover with filtered water, leaving 1 inch at the top. Close the jars and let sit 4-7 days on your counter. Be careful opening the lid once fermentation has taken place because it will fizzle over and the lid may pop off from the gases! Eat a few TBSP/day, or add a few TBSP of the liquid into your fruit smoothies (great way to get the kids to eat it). This is a powerful probiotic, and wonderful for kids suffering from ear infection, allergies, or those who have taken Antibiotics and now have a disrupted gut flora.
Here's a couple websites for more info!
http://www.rawmom.com/raw-mom-blog/archives/1079
http://www.healingcrow.com/ferfun/ferfun.html

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND.
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca

Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists.

Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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