Focus On Vibrant Health: March 7, 2024

Last time we talked about the importance of properly preparing seeds, including grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods can be very difficult for some people to digest. Did you try eating more fruit, dairy, or winter squash instead?

PRINCIPLE 7 OF GOOD NUTRITION: Eat foods with enzymes

Foods that have a high amount of enzymes include lacto-fermented foods, raw honey, raw dairy, raw meat and raw fish, tropical fruits and cold pressed olive oil.

Lacto-fermented foods include yogurt, kefir and cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles, sourdough bread, miso, kombucha and water kefir. But not all foods with these names are a good source of enzymes. You want to choose sauerkraut and pickles that contain live cultures and are in the refrigeration section, or make them yourself. These delicious pickles are not the usual vinegar pickles on the shelf. “Sourdough” bread today is typically white, refined, processed flour and soured with chemicals and not truly made with a sourdough starter and a long leavening time.

Traditional lacto-fermented foods contain enzymes and beneficial bacteria and are the original probiotics that help keep your gut healthy. They have more vitamins and minerals than their modern cousins and less plant toxins. And they help you digest all of your food more efficiently and thoroughly.

Look for whole milk, plain yogurt and fresh, unheated sauerkraut. Find a local source of raw honey to use as your favorite sweetener. It only takes a few tablespoons of an enzyme rich food at each meal to get the benefit. If you have never eaten these foods, go slowly so your body can adjust.

Dr. Veronica Tilden is a doctor of osteopathy. Osteopaths are fully licensed physicians, and additionally they learn how to diagnose and treat using their hands. She has helped people regain vibrant health with a holistic approach since 1997, using traditional hands-on osteopathy and lifestyle counseling. (931) 295-3115 or DrVeronicaTilden.com.