topic Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut in Wellness

Probiotic or Sauerkraut

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:49:23 GMT

I've been faithfully taking a probiotic supplement for quite some time. I also take a couple bites of cold processed fermented sauerkraut almost daily. DH always has tummy trouble with probiotics so I have him experimenting with a prebiotic. As for me, though, I just read this in an article on the livestrong website.

Fermented foods like sauerkraut are one of the richest sources of probiotics out there. A 2-tablespoon serving of sauerkraut meets the recommended CFUs, or colony-forming units, that you need per day.

I believe my gut health has already improved and remains consistent through dietary changes and that we no longer consume sugar or inflammatory foods and oils (only a couple of small compromises). This article statement has me thinking I could quit the supplement and continue with the daily sauerkraut. I'm hoping the prebiotic works for DH because he would never touch the sauerkraut.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

KingstonMom — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:56:05 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

Thank you for that info!

I had no idea that sauerkraut is an effective source of probiotics, I love sauerkraut and would have no problem eating some!

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

Hilery — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:05:50 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Is there a brand sauerkraut you recommend?

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

NicksmomESQ — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:06:28 GMT

I've been eating a little sauerkraut almost daily for a couple of years . I find that it has helped calm my IBS. I also take a probiotic every day.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

BostonMommy — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:29:10 GMT

Thanks for the information! I am eating some right now.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:53:53 GMT

@KingstonMom wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch

Thank you for that info!

I had no idea that sauerkraut is an effective source of probiotics, I love sauerkraut and would have no problem eating some!

@KingstonMom Just be sure it's the cold processed fermented kind, always found in the refrigerator section. The kind that's preserved in a jar and on the grocery shelf is not the right kind.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:35:18 GMT

@Hilery wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch Is there a brand sauerkraut you recommend?

@Hilery I was getting the Wildbrine brand at Costco until they stopped carrying it. My new favorite brand is Cleveland Kraut. It comes in flavors. I rotate the classic, whiskey dill, and roasted garlic.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

bikerbabe — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:53:07 GMT

I’ve been eating Wildbrine sauerkraut or kimchi daily for over a year. I’ve stopped almost all the famotidine and rarely have GERD.

It’s done more for me than taking a specific probiotic.

Fermented veg:
Needs to be uncooked and no vinegar. Wildbrine is in the refrigerated section. Organic best.

I’m currently obsessed with the kimchi and I think it’s even better than the sauerkraut for my gut.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

bikerbabe — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:55:14 GMT

PS

I also like kombucha but the Wildbrine beats it hands down for my gut health.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

PA Mom-mom — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:56:31 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Thanks for the info! We were always told that sauerkraut was good for us and we liked it. But, we never knew how good homemade sauerkraut was until we tasted it at the Goshenhoppen Folk Festival in East Greenville, PA. It was a completely different experience. We went home and started making it right away. We used to can it in jars, but now we put it in ziplock bags and freeze it. Not sure what that does to the probiotics. It is just cabbage and salt, "stomped" in a 5 gal. stoneware crock. Then you weigh it down with a heavy weight on top of a dinner plate and cover it with a tea towel to keep the bugs out. Let it sit in the basement for 6 weeks, take off the mold on top (if any) and bag it up.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

moonandthestars — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:12:23 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch I think using both or either is good.

I buy bubbies from the supermarket - it was recommended by an accupuncturist to me - and I love it. Although I have to say I just checked the label and it doesn't specifically say organic. It has no preservatives, is naturally fermented, non gmo and the only ingredients are: cabbage, salt, water. Made in canada. I think it's great tasting. I used to buy another brand also - Jacob's Raw classic kraut, but I haven't been able to find it in quite a while. Not even sure they are still in business. These have been my favorites so far.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

beckyb1012 — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:21:39 GMT

I have always adored sauerkraut, even as a young girl. My grandmother would layer a large baking dish with it then chop up hot dog wieners on it then pour the single pack of corn meal on top and bake till cornbread ready. Throw some fresh blackeyed peas and onions and yum.

I have tried Probiotics several times and the longest I went was 30 days with out missing a day. I had never been more constipated in my life. It was unbearable. I will never do another supplement like that again. Pre, Pro or any of that stuff.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

pdlinda — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:32:40 GMT

@NicksmomESQ I also suffer from IBS and eat refrigerated sauerkraut AND probiotics AND prebiotics to manage the condition each and every day.

For me, my diet is pristine; HOWEVER when I'm stressed and emotional issues occur, my IBS flares up (like it is right now) regardless.

I comfort myself in the knowledge that I can only IMAGINE what my condiition would be like if I DIDN'T take the dietary and supplement steps I do each day. NOT A PLEASANT THOUGHT!

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

pdlinda — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:38:07 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch My Costco stopped carrying the sauerkraut for a bit but I saw it was available in the refrigerated deli section last week.

As with their organic vegetable broth (that I LOVE) they only carry these products when they're available.

I think the companies that produce them harvest the vegetables so there's only a certain amount they have to sell each season.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

pdlinda — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:41:37 GMT

@moonandthestars I also love "Bubbie's Sauerkraut." Yes, it is probiotic.

The price keeps going up, up, up, however,

I paid $10. for a jar last week at Sprout's here in Phx.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

Spacrazy — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:24:27 GMT

I love all you folks who post here and never know what I might learn. I'm a daily probiotic user and it has changed my life (for the better) but I will also be adding sauerkraut to my diet. Thanks everyone and keep those great ideas coming.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

bmorechick — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:32:05 GMT

Jeeze we are so much "kapusta" as kids I don't even want to look at it anymore. Kapusta is homemade Polish sausage and sauerkraut. The whole neighborhood knew when someone was cooking it because you could smell it (stinky cabbage). It wasn't my favorite and because of the time involved in cooking it, it was reserved for holidays mostly. Memories...

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:46:02 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch My Costco stopped carrying the sauerkraut for a bit but I saw it was available in the refrigerated deli section last week.

As with their organic vegetable broth (that I LOVE) they only carry these products when they're available.

I think the companies that produce them harvest the vegetables so there's only a certain amount they have to sell each season.

I'm glad to heard this, @pdlinda. I'll look again the next time we're there.

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 23 May 2023 19:55:10 GMT

@bmorechick wrote:
Jeeze we are so much "kapusta" as kids I don't even want to look at it anymore. Kapusta is homemade Polish sausage and sauerkraut. The whole neighborhood knew when someone was cooking it because you could smell it (stinky cabbage). It wasn't my favorite and because of the time involved in cooking it, it was reserved for holidays mostly. Memories...

@bmorechick My husband is Polish, I am not. Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut never contaminated my mom's pots & pans, but during our dating years I ended up loving to attend wedding receptions and family parties with DH where it was served. He won't eat it. A friend of mine once referred to sauerkraut as "stink" so that's what he calls it now too, LOL

Re: Probiotic or Sauerkraut

sann — Tue, 23 May 2023 20:05:08 GMT

Costco has an Organic Sauerkraut in the refrigerated section ...really good...