Probiotics??

[Lunar*Fey]

Can someone inform me on probiotics? I know what they are but does our body regenerate them or must we get them from a food source somehow? If yes than from what source would we, as raw foodists, consume them? I am just curious as I have had some digestive issues lately along with other things like allergy like symptoms when I have never really had allergies before.

thanks =]

[solarliving]

Pro-biotics promote healthy intestinal flora. Bascially they are good, live bacteria. I have been getting into Sauerkraute lately which is said to be a great pro-biotic. I bought some raw, unpasteurized at the local co-op. I eat a little with my meals every few days. You can also make it, I posted a recipe a few weeks ago but if you just do a search for Sauerkraute recipe you get a bunch.

Kimchee is another and I believe raw fermented miso as well.
The most well known is in the form of yogurt or kefir, but I would rather go the non-dairy route.

[Lunar*Fey]

Thanks Solarliving. You have been quite helpful. Sauerkraut seems the only doable thing for me right now...So all I do is blend up some cabbage, shred the rest, add (what else?), mush it down into a pot thing, and let it sit in a cool, dark place for a few days?? I don't have salt or oils and cannot get them...nor do I believe i can get apple cider vinegar.

thanks!

[veganman]

Hi Lunar*Fey -

I made some in a crock by shredding a bunch of cabbage in a food processor, very fine, juicing a little to add cabbage juice to cover, taking the outside pieces of the cabbage head to protect from mold, then putting a plate on top with a weight, and placing a paper bag over the whole thing. I watched and smelled for a week or so and it was great!

Also - have you ever tried rejuvelac?

[Lunar*Fey]

Thanks Veganman!!
We have a crock pot and next time we go to a store maybe I can get some cabbage as it is quite inexpensive. How much do I need? What exactly do you mean take off the outer pieces of the cabbage? like just get take them off and get rid of them or??? I don't have a juicer though...could I blend or food process some? all I need is cabbage? I don't need to keep it in the fridge right? Sorry, soo many questions.

thank you so much :)

[veganman]

Thanks Veganman!!
We have a crock pot and next time we go to a store maybe I can get some cabbage as it is quite inexpensive. How much do I need? What exactly do you mean take off the outer pieces of the cabbage? like just get take them off and get rid of them or??? I don't have a juicer though...could I blend or food process some? all I need is cabbage? I don't need to keep it in the fridge right? Sorry, soo many questions.

thank you so much :)

1 or 2 heads of cabbage. The outer leaves are larger and you take those off and set them aside (don't shred them). Do you have a blender? If so, you could blend some to make juice. Processing it might give you enough juice - you want it so that when you place the plate and weight on it that some juice come up, but you don't want it soaking. No - don' put it in the fridge until after it is done. Keep an eye on it for mold. The outer leaves should help keep that off.

Keep the questions coming! I know I was confused and intimidated by the process first myself and questions can sure help.