Posted in Traditional Nutrition
Although I've focused more on food preparation with lactic acid fermentation in past blogs, I'd like to use this blog to speak to a current issue in my own health that deals with bacteria. For a few months I've had problems with my teeth and gums. I've noticed that my gums have been receeding, and for someone who follows a whole food, traditional diet, I've been puzzled. What could be causing this painful and unattractive problem? I did some research and found that our oral health is very related to the balance of bacteria in our bodies. The presence of cavities, receeding or bleeding gums, and oral tissue health all deals with the amount of beneficial bacteria present in our salivia, and consequently, our bodies. I knew from my diet the wonders that whole foods can create in the body, such as the healing of cavities, chronic tendon and ligament pain, and depression. However, I was not so educated in the importance of bacteria balance. After carefully monitoring my pH balance (through testing with biological pH strips on urine and salivia) and slowly incorporating more bacteria rich foods into my diet, I noticed a marked change in my gums! Ah ha! My research was correct. Approximately three weeks of fermented drinks such as strong kombucha, kvass, and yogurt improved my gums. As well as these foods I began taking a very high quality probiotic from Dr. Ron Schmidt's website. This small instance proves more than ever the importance of fermented foods in my diet. I am continuing to learn the incredible amount of work that bacteria does for our bodies.
Victoria LaFont is owner of Kentucky Roots Market, a nutritional and fertility consultation located in Paducah, Kentucky. She loves goats, gardening, and snowy weather.
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