Chef Wendell: Eat some bugs for good digestion and overall health

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Gr 8 Health News, Indiana! Many people today are grasping the health benefits fermented foods have on digestion. Gut health is one of the foundations of optimal, overall health. Probiotics “pro-life” are beneficial live bacteria used for the prevention and treatment of many health problems, juxtaposed to antibiotics, “anti-life”. (https://www.bodylogicmd.com/a-healthy-gut-for-a-healthy-body)

For centuries, various world cultures have acknowledged the benefits of micro-flora rich, probiotic foods. Alas, the majority of Americans have missed the boat regarding the significant effects a ‘good’ probiotic bacterium has on digestion. Fermented foods are loaded with probiotics that promote good bacteria in the gut that improve your immune function.

A few millimeters below your beautiful skin is a busy universe-a complex ecosystem constantly preforming thousands of life-sustaining bodily functions and hopefully a balance of pro and antibiotic flora.

Over time, a diet of low quality, refined foods creates a rumbling, nasty buildup on the colon wall. Waste material loiters, grows and feeds off of unfriendly ‘bad’ bacteria, toxins and environmental pollutants, keeping them trapped inside the body. This inner pollution affects your thoughts, attitudes, moods, and emotions on a deep level. Hence, keeping the good and bad bacteria in balance is crucial.

Poor digestion can also lead to malabsorption of basic nutrients, stomach gas, belching, bloating, flatulence, yeast growth, and IBS. After the indiscriminant internal genocide of a dentil antibiotic treatment, I always take probiotics to restore my levels of ‘good’ probiotic bacteria; otherwise my GI tract would be messed up for months.

Nourishing and balancing the biology of your inner ecology is crucial for your optimum digestion, health, your immune system, and efficient organ function. But it needs a little help from you. “If we don’t get the proper nutrition from our food, we will run into serious health issues that can cause bad side effects and even death”. (http://www.guthealth.co/)

“Bacteria have a reputation for causing disease, so the idea of tossing down a few billion a day for your health might seem hard to swallow. But a growing body of scientific evidence suggests you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live, (Probiotic) bacteria. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. ” (Harvard Health publications)

Fermented foods like Korean kimchi, raw sauerkraut & beets, kombucha, kefir, real yogurt, and refrigerated supplements are good dietary sources. Eat them raw, however. Cooking with high will destroy the good bacteria you seek. Fermented foods can be easily added to salads, desserts, used as a condiment, sipped as beverages or snacks.

Caveat Emptor! Some of today’s imitation, candied brand name yogurts are ineffective and useless. Read labels and avoid sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and carrageen and food colorings. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401181/Is-Carrageenan-Safe.htmlTen reasons to consume probiotics: http://www.naturalnews.com/036419_probiotics_immunity_bacteria.htmlServing suggestions:

• Kefir over fresh strawberries or fruit salad

• Added at the last minute to a Reuben sandwich

• Fermented cabbage added to a wrap filled with creamy avocado

• Spicy kimchi and scrambled eggs in a sandwich wrap

• Fermented kraut or beets added to a spring salad.

• Fermented kraut or beets as a sandwich condiment.

• A refreshing Kombucha Spritzer.

• Granola topped with ‘real’ yogurt is an all-time favorite.Spicy Kimchi Omelet

One serving

2 fresh eggs

1 tsp. water or coconut milk

1/2 cup drained and chopped kimchi

1 tsp EVOO or butter for sautéing

Chopped cilantro for garnish and added nutrition

• Heat a sauté pan over medium and add the oil or butter.

• While pan is heating, scramble the eggs in a bowl and whisk in water or ‘milk’.

• Chopped Kimchi should be drained of liquid so the scrambled eggs aren’t watery.

• Pour eggs into the pan and make an omelet as usual.

• When the omelet has set, add the chopped kimchi. Fold it over and remove from pan.

• Don’t let it set there too long on the fire. The probiotics will be destroyed.

• Serve promptly topped with cilantro leaves and more kimchi.