Could Eating More Fermented Foods Help Improve Mental Health?

Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi “offer an affordable dietary intervention strategy” for better mental health
Fermented foods are rich in phytochemicals and microbial metabolites that include neurotransmitters and neuromodulators
These compounds stimulate pathways of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, including those of the immune system and neuroendocrine, enteric nervous and circulatory systems
Fermented foods may block dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for the management of stress, which has also been linked to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders
A meta-analysis of cohort studies found a significant association between consuming fermented dairy foods, including cheese and yogurt, and a decreased risk of depression

(Mercola)—Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi are powerful allies to your mental health, courtesy of the neuroactive microbes and molecules they contain.¹ Microbes and their metabolites, created during fermentation modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which involves neural, immune, endocrine and metabolic pathways.²

Writing in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, researchers with University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland and colleagues reasoned that fermented foods “offer an affordable dietary intervention strategy” for better mental health.³

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Their review highlights how different types of fermented food not only have the potential to alter the makeup of microbiota in your gut but also influence the immune system and microbiota-gut-brain axis, with profound effects on your brain.

Fermentation — An Ancient Tool Valued for Modern-Day Mental Health

Many cultures around the world have relied on food fermentation since ancient times to increase the shelf-life of food. Fermentation also makes food more flavorful while helping to control potentially disease-causing microorganisms and improving foods’ digestibility.⁴

The process involves the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms like yeasts and bacteria under anaerobic conditions. This leads to the production of beneficial compounds now known to boost physical and mental health.

“Although ancient in origin, fermented foods are now seen as conduits for introducing beneficial microbes and molecules. Moreover, fermented foods are applicable therapeutics across various socioeconomic sectors given their potential affordability and cross-cultural accessibility,” the review explained.⁵

Fermented foods are rich in phytochemicals and microbe metabolites that include neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. These compounds stimulate pathways of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, including those of the immune system and neuroendocrine, enteric nervous and circulatory systems. When fermented foods are digested, they also produce compounds capable of modulating intestinal barrier and blood brain barrier permeability.⁶

Fermented foods may also help block dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the system responsible for the management of stress, which has also been linked to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders.⁷

Researchers with APC Microbiome Ireland at UCC previously investigated the influence of a psychobiotic diet on the microbial profile and mental health of 45 adults.⁸ Participants were randomized to eat either a psychobiotic diet or a control diet for four weeks. The psychobiotic diet included fruits and vegetables high in prebiotic fiber, including onions, leeks, cabbage, apples and bananas, along with fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kefir.⁹

After four weeks, those following the psychobiotic diet had a reduction in perceived stress. Those who followed the psychobiotic diet the most had the greatest decreases in stress. Further, significant changes were found in 40 different chemicals, along with subtle changes in microbial makeup. Professor John Cryan, one of the study’s lead authors who also worked on the featured Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews paper, said in a UCC news release:¹⁰

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“Although the microbiome has been linked to stress and behavior previously, it was unclear if by feeding these microbes demonstratable effects could be seen. Our study provides one of the first data in the interaction between diet, microbiota and feelings of stress and mood.

Using microbiota targeted diets to positively modulate gut-brain communication holds possibilities for the reduction of stress and stress-associated disorders, but additional research is warranted to investigate underlying mechanisms.”

Virtually Any Fermented Food May Improve Brain Health

In the early stages of the research, study author Ramya Balasubramanian and colleagues compared sequencing data from more than 200 fermented foods in an effort to determine which are most beneficial for the brain. Nearly all of them showed promise, according to Balasubramanian, who said in a news release:¹¹

“I expected only a few fermented foods would show up, but out of 200 fermented foods, almost all of them showed the ability to exert some sort of potential to improve gut and brain health … Fermented sugar-based products and fermented vegetable-based products are like winning the lottery when it comes to gut and brain health.

… For all that we see on sugar-based products being demonized, fermented sugar takes the raw sugar substrate, and it converts it into a plethora of metabolites that can have a beneficial effect on the host.

So even though it has the name ‘sugar’ in it, if you do a final metabolomic screen, the sugar gets used by the microbial community that’s present in the food, and they get converted into these beautiful metabolites that are ready to be cherry picked by us for further studies.”

The Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews paper outlined a wide range of fermented foods that may be beneficial. Among them:¹²

Sauerkraut
Kvass
Kimchi
Kefir
Yogurt
Cheese
Koumiss
Airag
Bonito flakes
Sourdough
Vinegar
Tempeh
Natto
Miso
Kefir water
Kombucha

Both food substrate and environmental conditions alter the fermented food microbiome and therefore its potential health effects. According to the review:¹³

“Fermented foods are diverse in their preparation, substrate category and type of fermentation. This can influence the microbiota and the molecular composition of fermented foods.

Subsequently, these components can influence the communication between the gut and the brain resulting in modulation of the intestinal barrier and blood brain barrier, peripheral and central immune system and nervous system and thereby modulating the intestinal milieu, general gut and brain health.”

Fermented Foods Help Ward Off Depression

Lactobacillus, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, has been dubbed a “psychobiotic”¹⁴ because of its effects on mental health, particularly anxiety and depression. Lactobacillus bacteria help dampen stress responses and prevent depression and anxiety, in part, by modulating your immune system.¹⁵

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Further, a healthy gut microbiome also depends on the consumption of fermented foods. A study assigned 36 adults to consume a diet high in fermented foods or high-fiber foods for 10 weeks. Those consuming fermented foods had an increase in microbiome diversity as well as decreases in markers of inflammation.¹⁶

In another example, Lactobacillus was found to produce gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits excessive neuronal firing, helping to induce a natural state of calm,¹⁷ in animal studies,¹⁸ while also reducing depression-related behavior.¹⁹

A meta-analysis of cohort studies, involving 83,533 people, also found a significant association between consuming fermented dairy foods, including cheese and yogurt, and a decreased risk of depression.²⁰ The study suggested the gut-brain axis may explain the link between fermented dairy foods and depression, as probiotic-rich fermented foods may help:²¹

Lower inflammation in the gut
Make the gut barrier stronger
Reduce stress responses via the HPA axis
Alter GABA receptor expression

One study using brain scans found that consuming fermented milk containing a variety of probiotics can lessen brain activity related to seeing sad or angry faces. Another study found that women who took probiotics had lower depression scores.²²

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Fermented Foods May Help Preserve Mental Health

Dietary interventions based on so-called “psychobiotics” were described as a “novel nutritional approach targeting gut microbiota for managing cognitive performance and preventing memory decline across the lifespan.”²³ The review, published in Food Research International, suggests that fermented foods may help preserve mental health.

Further, feeding your microbes with a psychobiotic diet — one that’s rich in prebiotic and fermented foods — can also reduce stress and possibly stress-related disorders. The study authors stressed the benefits of using whole, fermented foods:²⁴

“Although the more traditional psychobiotic candidates, such as probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, are promising approaches, using whole dietary approaches offers a number of advantages.

This includes the benefits associated with nutritional needs met primarily through whole diet, a more accessible way due to the necessity to consume a food daily, costs of supplemental products as well as the potential synergistic effects in the microbiota that could be elicited by complex diets.”

Interestingly, they also found that tryptophan metabolism may be one underlying mechanism behind fermented foods’ stress-relieving effects. “Tryptophan metabolism has been shown to be closely regulated by the microbiota and can serve as important bioactive messengers in the microbiota-brain communication,” the researchers explained, adding that it’s also involved in many brain-related disorders.²⁵

How to Make Fermented Foods at Home

Given the numerous mental health benefits of fermented foods, if you haven’t yet incorporated them into your diet, now is an excellent time to start. Fermented vegetables are both simple and cost-effective to prepare at home. While you can find fermented foods at supermarkets and health food stores, many commercial options, such as yogurt and kefir, are not healthy.

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Many of these products contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners and additives, with a relatively low content of beneficial bacteria. The pasteurization process used in commercial products to extend their shelf life actually destroys the beneficial bacteria they’re supposed to contain.

To reap the maximum health benefits, either purchase raw (unpasteurized) versions of these foods at a health food store or food co-op, or make them yourself. Consuming a diverse range of fermented foods is beneficial, as each offers a unique set of beneficial bacteria.

Fortunately, making fermented foods at home is simpler than it might seem. It doesn’t require extensive time in the kitchen. Start by getting some wide-mouth canning jars and filtered water, along with select organic vegetables of your choice for fermenting. After packing your jars, the only step left is to wait a few days for the vegetables to ferment, or “ripen.”

You can view a step-by-step guide in the video above. As demonstrated, you’ll see that culturing vegetables is simple and cost-effective. You can also make your own homemade yogurt and kefir. If you don’t eat fermented foods on a regular basis, a probiotic supplement shouldn’t be considered a replacement for whole, fermented foods.

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Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead

The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.

Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.

There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.

Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.

Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.

Secured Wealth

Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.

It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.

There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.

As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.

Lots of Potable Water

One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.

Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.

For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.

Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies

There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.

Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.

If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.

Energy Sources

The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.

Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.

Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.

Don’t Forget the Protein

When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.

Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.

Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.

Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.

Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.

Prepare Without Fear

With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.

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