Dr Fermento

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here this morning before breakfast to talk about the gut-brain axis.

How about that? What affects your head also affects your stomach. So your eyes see something vile (I will not mention his name!) and your tummy does that Tullahoma Twist. Every time!

So a bad belly can mess you up! Let's ask Katherine Brooking, M.S., RD, who is a registered dietitian:  “Substances produced in the gut by bacteria can travel or send signals up large nerves, such as the vagus nerve, directly to the brain—triggering different brain activities that can alter mood, behavior, memory and cognition.”

There you have it. You thought all along it was all those Big Macs putting you in a bad way, when all along it was the thought of those Big Macs that did you in.

Well, I want you to know that fermented food are here to help. They have the good bacteria for your healthy belly and your proper mind. I found a list of the six best fermented foods for your brain health. 

1. Yogurt 

Yogurt is fine by itself or whipped up in a smoothie or as a dip. It contains probiotics - the good bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and enhances brain function.

2. Kimchi 

The traditional Korean Kimchi is made from fermented vegetables (cabbage and carrots) and ginger and garlic. Its probiotics are said to help improve cognitive function (make you smarter!) and it may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, dementia.)

And it has vitamin K, (keeps your noodle tuned up) and antioxidants for your immune system. 

3. Kombucha

Kombucha is currently very trendy, like Sydney Sweenie, but fizzier. It's tea, but not your grandmother's tea, because this one supports gut health, with probiotics to reduce inflammation and promote mental well-being. Again, it can help manage anxiety and depression, unless you are anxious and depressed over having to drink something called "kombucha."

4. Miso

You take some fermented soybeans (check the pantry) and make a thick paste of them. That's miso, used in soups, condiments, or as a glaze for salmon. It's said to be packed with flavor and full of brain-boosting probiotics. 

Say that three times. Now have some miso and say it again.

Miso contains folate, niacin and choline, all of which are supposed to improve brains, all the while reducing inflammation of the brain and the body.

Not milkshakes, but kefir-berry smoothies! 

5. Tempeh 

Net chance you get, ferment some whole soybeans, and you'll have Tempeh, chock-full of protein for a plant-based source. Tempeh is said to be good at improving your memory, so remember, "Tempeh fugit"!

6. Kefir 

Not to be confused with Kiefer Sutherland, Kefir is a "fermented drinkable beverage product that is made with milk or water" that you are supposed to think tastes a lot like a milkshake. And you'll think so, if you also believe that eating mud is like eating chocolate pudding.

Because it's so full of Lactobacillus, kefir improves your memory to a point where you will usually forget to buy some and reach for ice cream instead.