Fermented foods not only improve the intestinal environment but also play a major role in strengthening the immune system and bone health. What kind of changes will occur in the body by incorporating fermented foods into your daily diet? In this article, we will focus on “continuing to eat” fermented foods and carefully explain the specific health benefits.
Why fermented foods are attracting attention
Close relationship with intestinal bacteria
The reason why fermented foods are attracting attention is closely related to their relationship with intestinal bacteria. There are many bacteria in the intestines, and it is believed that the balance of these bacteria affects physical condition and even mood. In particular, the role of so-called good intestinal bacteria has been reevaluated in recent years, and the general public is increasingly aware that a healthy intestinal environment is the foundation for maintaining good health.
Fermented foods have long been known as foods that contribute to improving the intestinal environment. The fermentation bacteria contained in foods such as miso, pickled vegetables, and natto are known to support the good bacteria in the intestines. Because they can be naturally incorporated into daily meals, they have been accepted as a way to improve intestinal health without any special effort.
Furthermore, as research showing the interaction between the gut and the brain expands, interest is also growing in the possibility that fermented foods may also lead to stress reduction and mental stability. The relationship between intestinal bacteria and fermented foods is becoming an important perspective for many people as an approach to maintaining health from within the body.
Healthy habits rooted in traditional food culture
Fermented foods are not a passing fad, but have long been part of food culture. Many of these foods appear naturally on the daily dinner table and are part of healthy habits that are closely tied to daily life. For example, fermented foods are consumed without any special awareness, such as having miso soup with breakfast or pickles with dinner. This is a unique feature of food culture.
The background to this is the well-established wisdom of preserving ingredients and increasing their nutritional value according to the climate and soil. Not only does it use the power of microorganisms to improve the shelf life of food, it also adds depth to the flavor and aroma, which is thought to be a factor in its acceptance as a cooking method that suits the palate.
Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a movement to “re-evaluate” traditional fermented foods. With the rise in health consciousness, the inherent functionality of traditional foods has been re-evaluated, and they are now attracting attention as something that has new value on the modern dining table, going beyond mere nostalgia.
Physical changes that can be achieved by taking it daily
Changes you can feel when your intestinal environment is in order
It is said that continued intake of fermented foods gradually brings about a change in the balance in the intestines. Some people feel that an environment dominated by good bacteria leads to smoother bowel movements and improved skin condition. These changes are thought to be due to the fact that unnecessary substances are less likely to accumulate in the intestines, which has a positive effect on the body’s metabolism and excretion of waste products.
In addition, a healthy intestinal environment can help stabilize the body’s rhythm. Physical conditions are prone to change, especially during seasonal changes and times when lifestyle rhythms are easily disrupted, but if your intestines are in good condition, it is said that these effects can be mitigated.
Furthermore, by continuing to consume fermented foods, you may find that you feel less fatigued or uncomfortable after eating. This is evidence that the digestive and absorption functions of your intestines are working properly, and is part of the process of regulating your body from the inside.
Fermented foods and hormone balance
The intestines are sometimes called the “second brain” because they are an organ closely related to the autonomic nervous system and hormones. By continuing to consume fermented foods, the intestinal environment tends to improve, and the autonomic nervous system tends to stabilize. Some people find that this helps relieve physical and mental tension.
Additionally, some substances produced in the intestines act as precursors to hormones. For example, compounds that are the building blocks of neurotransmitters that are said to stabilize mood are produced in the intestines and may be involved in the balance of the entire body. Fermented foods are said to affect these processes, and consuming them on a regular basis may help address mood swings.
In addition, fermented foods, which have an effect on the intestines, can support your diet even when your diet is unbalanced or you are under a lot of stress. They are beginning to be recognized as a way to stabilize the body’s condition during times or situations when hormone balance is sensitive.
The role of fermented foods in supporting immunity
The role of the intestine as a barrier
The skin and mucous membranes are primarily responsible for preventing foreign substances from entering the body, but the intestines play a particularly important role. There are many immune cells on the surface of the intestines that function as a line of defense against viruses and bacteria that enter from the outside.
It is said that if this intestinal environment is disturbed, the immune balance is easily disrupted. This is because changes in the composition of bacteria that live in the intestines can cause immune cells to become overactive or underactive. These changes are more likely to occur with seasonal changes and irregular lifestyle habits.
Fermented foods contain ingredients that support the good bacteria in the intestines, which are thought to play a role in maintaining the barrier function. Continuous intake of fermented foods, in particular, may help stabilize intestinal conditions and gently regulate immune function.
Support for daily discomfort
The word “immunity” has a big meaning, but it is also closely related to the small discomforts we experience in our daily lives. Conditions such as difficulty waking up in the morning, difficulty recovering from fatigue, and a general feeling of unwellness are often influenced by the internal condition of the body.
These physical signs can appear as a sign that your immune system is out of whack. Incorporating fermented foods into your diet is one way to address this issue, and they are one of the foods you should be aware of, especially when you’re feeling unwell.
Also, if the immune system becomes overactive, it can cause illness. Fermented foods are expected to help bring the immune system back into balance and are thought to help regulate the entire body, not just specific ailments.
Changing your lifestyle through “loose habits”
Tips for easily incorporating fermented foods
Fermented foods have the property of being gentle on the body when consumed daily, but if you try to incorporate them into your daily life consciously, it can be a burden to continue. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the importance of making them a “loose habit” that naturally incorporates them into your daily life.
It is effective to start with fermented foods that are already present on the daily dinner table. Foods that are deeply rooted in food culture, such as miso, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables, are easy to incorporate into your diet without any special preparation. This will help you to naturally incorporate them into your daily diet.
In addition, by using fermented foods that can be kept in the refrigerator, you can minimize the effort of preparation. Being able to easily incorporate them into your busy daily life is a big help in continuing them for a long time. You don’t have to make special dishes, just add a little to your regular meals.
Efforts to lower the hurdles to continuing
In order to lower the psychological hurdle of continuing, it is also important not to be determined to “have it every day.” A flexible approach to incorporating foods when you can will lead to continued consumption with less stress. Not striving for perfection and incorporating foods to the extent possible may ultimately lead to long-term change.
In addition, making it a habit to share fermented foods with family and friends can help you stay motivated. Doing it with others also has the added benefit of naturally making it more fun to continue.
In this way, incorporating fermented foods as part of your daily life, rather than as a “special health method,” is an element that will help you continue eating them without straining yourself. Gradually getting your body used to them may ultimately lead to mental and physical stability.
Surprising benefits for bones and blood vessels
Relationship with nutrients necessary for bone health
The health benefits of fermented foods are not limited to the intestinal environment and immune function; they may also have a positive effect on bone health. One reason for this is the presence of nutrients produced during the fermentation process. Fermented foods may contain components that support bone formation, and it is thought that these are gradually absorbed into the body through daily consumption.
In particular, some fermented foods that are deeply rooted in food culture contain nutrients that are compatible with calcium. It is expected that these ingredients will work more effectively in the body when combined than when ingested alone. Attention is also being paid to the fact that the nutritional value of the original food changes as a result of the fermentation process.
There is also an indirect connection between the intestinal environment and bone health. It is believed that a stable intestinal condition increases the efficiency of nutrient absorption in the body, making it easier for the components necessary for the bones to reach the bones. As a result, it may be possible to improve the foundation of bone health through a daily diet.
Potential to contribute to good circulation in the body
Fermented foods have also been noted for their effect on the body’s “circulation. “Circulation” here refers to the state in which the flow of blood, lymph, and other fluids in the body is kept smooth. If this flow is blocked, it can lead to a variety of ailments, such as cold hands and feet, fatigue, and skin problems.
Fermented foods often contain ingredients that are said to support circulation, and they can be easily incorporated into your daily diet. In particular, foods that warm the body easily and provide nutrients in a highly absorbable form can help improve your condition from the inside.
In addition, some products contain ingredients that affect the flexibility of blood vessels, making it easier to address the quality of circulation that becomes a concern as we age. These characteristics gently affect changes in the body that are often overlooked, making them an important point to keep in mind when managing your daily health.
Summary | Your daily choices will change your future health
Small steps to making it a habit
Fermented foods are easy to incorporate into your life without any special knowledge or tools. That’s why finding a way to choose fermented foods that suit you and are easy to continue is a meaningful action for building your future body.
The key to continuing is not to impose too many rules on how to eat and to have fun while incorporating healthy eating habits. This is because daily efforts can ultimately lead to changes in your physical condition and mood. Making small choices at your dinner table today may be the catalyst for a healthier future.