Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

In many cultures, fermented foods have a longstanding reputation as good for your health. According to United Nations University, in some societies, fermented foods make up roughly 40 percent of the typical daily diet. Traditionally, fermented foods are created by adding particular microorganisms to certain foods to culture them. These microorganisms transform the food into a source of good bacteria, which benefit your body in several ways.
Fermented Food Types
Fermented foods include things like yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut and sour cream. In Western cultures, yogurt is probably the most commonly-consumed fermented food. All these foods provide billions of beneficial bacteria for your digestive system. These food-based bacteria, known as probiotics, supplement the normal good bacteria that exist in your body naturally.
Health Benefits
Although the idea of consuming bacteria for good health sounds strange, it's been done for hundreds of years. Pennsylvania State University states that Russian physiologist Elie Metchnikoff noticed the health benefits of fermented foods as early as the late 1800s. Nowadays, scientists and health experts know that the probiotics in fermented foods help regulate digestion, treat diarrhea, calm the symptoms of Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, strengthen immunity and may even help lower cholesterol.
Effects on the Stomach
Fermented foods, or probiotics, help replenish and regulate intestinal flora -- the health-promoting bacteria people need in the digestive system. The healthy ingredients in these foods do not affect, nor are affected by, stomach acid, says the Baseline of Health Foundation. While too much or too little stomach acid can cause digestive upset, this is not related to the consumption of fermented foods.
Considerations
Fermented foods are traditionally considered safe -- after all, they've been used for centuries. However, some people may be sensitive to probiotics or ill-advised to consume them. Consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of probiotic foods for your circumstances. In addition, if you think you may suffer from too much or too little stomach acid -- conditions that can lead to gas, bloating and other digestive difficulties -- discuss your symptoms with your doctor for the best recommendations.