Fermented food for gut health is one of the most common true-isms in the healthy eating world right now.
But experts say that most claims aren’t proven.
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According to some experts, the answer isnt as clear-cut as you might think.
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However, there isnt enough research to actually make this claim, says Dr. Bhuyan.
Thats not to say that theresnoresearch linking fermented foods with gut health.
Theres also some research that suggests fermented foods can be helpful for immunity.
Dr. Bhuyan adds that yetanother studyhas singled out kimchi, in particular, as being beneficial for constipation.
But its hard to say why that is, exactly.
We dont understand exactly how eating fermented foods affects the gut microbiome, says Dr. Johnson.
There are a few other widely-made claims around fermented foods that experts view with skepticism.
There is very little research to back this up, Zeitlin says.
More research needs to be done, says Zeitlin.
But this is still very unclear.
Its also important to consider that not all fermented foods are created equal.
This is the case for many store-bought fermented foods, she adds, such as kombucha.
Just dont think you better incorporate them solely for their potential health benefits.
Honestly, they are not necessary [for health] if someone prefers to avoid them, she says.
We can still get the nutrition we need from other sources.
And if that happens to include healthy fermented foods, then by all means, go for it.
This expert has three tips for improving digestion, but only one has to do with food.
And are you surprised thatthe Mediterranean Diet came up number-one for gut-health benefits?
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