A healthy diet provides the nutrients that allow your body to function properly. Sometimes it is hard to follow a healthy diet, and eating refined foods becomes the norm. This can cause problems with your digestive system over time. Certain foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut contain enzymes that help improve digestion, even when it has suffered for some time. If you have extreme digestive issues, talk to your doctor.
Identification
Sauerkraut is a traditional German food made from fermented cabbage. Most often it is white cabbage that is shredded and fermented, though it can also be purple cabbage. The lactic acid produced through fermentation gives sauerkraut its decidedly sour flavor, and it is often used as a garnish for sandwiches, meats and warm salads, according to Verne Varona, author of "Macrobiotics for Dummies." Raw sauerkraut, or sauerkraut that has not been heated or pasteurized, may help with digestion, Varona says.
Digestion
Good digestion is an essential part of a healthy body. Unfortunately, digestive disorders are prevalent in a stressful society where people consume many refined foods and sugars. According to Dr. David Peters in his book, "New Medicine: Complete Family Health Guide," common digestive disorders include indigestion, gastroesophageul reflux disease and acid reflux. Medications and lactose intolerance may also negatively impact digestion. There are several things that may help improve digestion, including drugs, homeopathy and massage, according to Peters. Eating foods rich in beneficial bacteria may also help.
Benefits
The primary way sauerkraut helps digestion is through the beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, present in the food. Through the production of lactic acid, the beneficial bacteria help to break down and assimilate food, according to Varona. Sauerkraut also has strong detoxifying abilities, along with producing isothiocyanates, which can prevent cancer growth, particularly in the colon, Varona says.
Considerations
Sauerkraut is a tangy food, so begin by eating small amounts to get used to the flavor. Do not heat sauerkraut if you plan to use it for digestion, because heat kills the beneficial bacteria present in the food. Cruciferous foods such as cabbage may negatively impact your thyroid, so it is possible that sauerkraut may slow thyroid function. If you have issues with your thyroid, check with your doctor before consuming sauerkraut in large quantities.
References
- "Macrobiotics for Dummies"; Verne Varona; 2009
- "New Medicine: Complete Family Health Guide"; David Peters, MD; 2007
