Enhance Gut Health: Top 5 Fermented Foods to Try Today
WHO:
Yahoo Life UK - Chris Damman, a microbiome and nutrition expert and gastroenterologist at the digestive health center at the University of Washington Medical Center, provided insights on fermented foods.
WHAT:
Yahoo Life UK - Eating fermented foods may lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is linked to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods are often loaded with probiotics that produce essential nutrients such as vitamins K and B, and health-promoting compounds like short-chain fatty acids.
Yahoo Life UK - Studies have found that when we eat fermented foods, the bacteria can survive digestion and secrete beneficial compounds in the intestines.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods include yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and others made with microorganisms.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods may lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and increase the diversity of the gut microbiome.
Yahoo Life UK - Eating at least one or two servings of fermented foods daily is recommended, with three or more servings being even better.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods can be high in sodium, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles.
WHERE:
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods are produced around the world, including cultured dairy products, fermented beans, vegetables, wine, cider, and beer.
WHEN:
Yahoo Life UK - In 2021, a panel of scientists defined fermented foods as “foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversions of food components.”
WHY:
Yahoo Life UK - Fermentation was used to preserve foods thousands of years before refrigeration was invented and to impart unique flavors and textures.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods are enjoying a resurgence due to research illustrating their nutritional benefits.
HOW:
Yahoo Life UK - Chris Damman recommends eating at least one or two servings of fermented foods daily, with three or more servings being even better.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermented foods are made through a controlled process involving microbial growth and enzymatic conversions.
Yahoo Life UK - Yogurt is made by adding bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus to heated milk, converting lactose to lactic acid.
Yahoo Life UK - Fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients like iron, zinc, and polyphenols, making them easier for the body to absorb.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 08:34 UTC)
Eating fermented foods may help lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and enhance the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. These foods are rich in probiotics that produce essential nutrients like vitamins K and B, along with health-promoting compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. Health expert Chris Damman suggests incorporating at least one or two servings of fermented foods into your daily diet, with three or more servings being even more beneficial.
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 01:50 UTC)
Chris Damman, a microbiome and nutrition expert at the University of Washington Medical Center, recently shared insights on the health benefits of fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods, which are produced worldwide through a controlled process involving microbial growth, may help lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and enhance gut microbiome diversity, with experts recommending at least one to two servings daily. While they can be high in sodium, their resurgence in popularity is driven by research highlighting their nutritional advantages, including increased nutrient absorption.