Foray into Fermenting--a Natural "Flu Shot"

I had been hearing from all sides how important it is to eat fermented foods. It's the Lord's way of ganging up on me and getting me to pay attention... so I finally did.

At the same time I had been reading about it, my sister-in-law invited me to a class about fermenting taught by Joanne Seale. She was incredible, teaching us the basics behind the fermentation process, as well as tips and tricks that work for her. She taught us about kombucha, fermented vegetables, and kefir.

Kefir is fermented milk, the result of soaking kefir grains in milk for 12-18 hours. The kefir grains are made up of beneficial bacteria that culture or ferment the milk. It is incredibly nutritious. Here are a few quotes from people who know what they're talking about:

"Kefir is a cultured and microbial-rich food that helps restore the inner ecology. It contains strains  of beneficial yeast and bacteria (in a symbiotic relationship) that give kefir antibiotic properties." (Sally Fallon, "Nourishing Tradtitions")
 
"Some evidence shows that fermented milk products prevent bone loss and cardiovascular diseases... Cultured dairy products are a host for beneficial organisms that populate and protect the human gastrointestinal tract. Some strains of healthy bacteria actually support the other strains and they are your insurance against a takeover by harmful bacteria resulting in infectious diseases... Keeping the gastrointestinal tract colonized with healthy bacteria from daily kefir dramatically boosts your body's ability to fight bad bacteria.

"'Antibiotic' literally means 'against life' and 'probiotic' means 'for life'! Taking an antibiotic kills all the good bacteria as well as the bad, leaving your body wide open to the next infection that comes along. So if you or your child takes a course of antibiotics, you can replenish the good mircroorganisms killed in your gut by the antibiotics with about 30 days of eating live, fermented probiotic foods." (Robyn Openshaw, "12 Steps to Whole Foods Manual")

"The balance between bacteria is delicate, and the reason we care is because so many illnesses are affected when good bacteria are weakened. We call the condition Dysbiosis, and it plays a major role every time the immune system is engaged. Research has linked Dysbiosis to the following health conditions:

• Candida
• Food allergies
• Leaky-Gut Syndrome
• ADD/ADHD
• Autism
• Arthritis
• IBS/Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Osteoporosis
• Hormone imbalances
• Cancer 

Basically when gut flora is out of balance, the entire immune system is compromised... When illness strikes or chronic illness symptoms flare, fortifying the good bacteria in the immune system may make all the difference. Plus when you succeed at restoring your good bacteria, you may be amazed at how seldom you get sick. Depending on the severity of your Dysbiosis, it may take 6 months to 2 years to fully rebuild your immune system – but boy are the results worth it!" (Lisa Best, Healing with Holistic Nutrition)

When I finally decided it was time to try it, I bought my kefir grains from Joanne (fermentinginutah.blogspot.com/). They proliferate and she divides and saves then in frozen half-pint mason jars. Once you thaw them they are ready to use.

Place the kefir grains in a quart mason jar. 

Add your milk. I use raw milk because it is unprocessed and unheated. It comes from cows that are grass fed and are not treated with hormones. You can buy it at Real Foods Market in Orem.

Joanne also sold me this "dairy strainer" which is actually a silk screen poly cloth. It works well to cover the jar of kefir over night to keep the fruit flies or any other curious organisms out while the milk ferments.

In the morning I get out another mason jar and this little strainer, which is actually a piece of my orange juicer. I strain off the kefir grains and put them back in a little bit of milk in the fridge until I'm ready to make the next batch (they need new milk every few days).  Then I use the fresh kefir in my smoothies (keeping the remainder refrigerated) and it makes them so creamy and delicious! Here's hoping it keeps us healthier during the upcoming sick season!

Favorite Smoothie Recipe

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups kefir
2 large handfuls of spinach
2 large leaves of kale or chard
1 cup mixed organic berries
1 ripe banana
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 packet Stevia

Blend until super smooth. Makes about 6 cups.