))
Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show "Cultured Food Life" (new episodes every Tuesday), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high ...
…
continue reading
Today, we're exploring the benefits and nutritional profiles of yogurts made with Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus gasseri. We'll walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding milk sugars in yogurt to the caloric counts of various types of yogurt. Did you know that when you ferment yogurt for 36 hours, it becomes nearly lac…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcers, and how fermented foods can be a powerful ally in healing and recovery. I'll share how cultured vegetables, kombucha, and kefir have transformed lives—including my own son's—by easing symptoms, restoring gut health, and reducing infl…
…
continue reading
Ginger is powerful medicine! I have been consuming ginger often and found it to be very effective in helping with any kind of inflammation. Ginger is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory as well as being a powerful antiseptic and antihistamine. Check out all the ways to have ginger in your life. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.cultured…
…
continue reading
Fall and winter are often called “flu season,” a time of year that many people fear, not knowing how to protect themselves. But when you strengthen the good bacteria in your body, you create an army of defenders that accompany you everywhere you go. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-299-fermented-…
…
continue reading
Curious about baking with ancient grains? In this episode, we dive into your most frequently asked questions about Einkorn flour—the oldest and purest form of wheat. Learn how to substitute it in recipes, its health benefits, and tips for perfecting your Einkorn bread. Whether you're new to Einkorn or a seasoned baker, this episode has something fo…
…
continue reading
Bifidobacteria are a group of beneficial bacteria that reside primarily in the intestines. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being and keep your immune system strong. I am hearing more and more that many people have diminished Bifidobacteria. If you don't have enough Bifidobacteria, your immune system struggles,…
…
continue reading
You are what your bacteria eat. Deep within our gut is an entire ecosystem which is affecting both our cravings and moods to get us to eat what they want. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-296-what-do-your-gut-bacteria-eat/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/what-do-…
…
continue reading
Kefir has long been used for its ability to support respiratory health, especially during the cold and flu season and for those with asthma or any lung problem. The unique probiotics in kefir can work wonders. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-295-kefir-and-respiratory-health/ Link(s) I talked abo…
…
continue reading
Many articles are popping up about reasons you should consume kefir, but few of the people writing the articles have consumed kefir every day for twenty-three years. This post specifically talks about milk kefir and not water kefir. My reasons for drinking kefir are very personal and specific to me. But here is what I've noticed through the many ye…
…
continue reading
I get many people writing me letters indicating that they are afraid they are going to get sick from eating cultured foods. Fermented foods have been a staple in diets around the world for centuries, and these foods are some of the safest foods on the planet. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-293-…
…
continue reading
I have been making lots of new yogurt recipes lately. Many people have been asking about goat yogurt and nondairy yogurts, so I have been experimenting with several versions and boy, are they good. I'm excited to share with you different yogurts you can make that can improve your health in powerful ways. Tune it in to learn more. Episode link: http…
…
continue reading
In the early days of making kombucha, I would often let my kombucha go too long, and it would lose its bubbliness. There are a few things you can do to help with this and lots of ways to use this type of kombucha. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-291-help-my-kombucha-is-too-sour/ Link(s) I talked…
…
continue reading
It's summertime, and most people don't think about making bread. They don't want to heat up the kitchen, and it seems more of a fall and winter thing unless . . . you're me. Summer bread making is a special habit I developed many years ago, and it has become a ritual. I want to encourage you to do it, too. I can show you what I do to make bread in …
…
continue reading
There’s nothing better than bubbly fruit-flavored kombucha. For those of you who don’t want to spend the money to buy it, you can make it. I have a few tips that can make all the difference. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-289-how-to-make-bubbly-fruit-flavored-kombucha/ Link(s) I talked about: A…
…
continue reading
If you’re new to cultured foods, let me help you understand how epic these foods are, especially during parties. Cultured foods are loaded with probiotics, extra vitamins, and enzymes and will keep your microbiome flourishing and cravings for bad foods down to a minimum. Tune in to learn foods you can make for your next party. Episode link: https:/…
…
continue reading
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the light, refreshing taste of kefir soda. I drink a lot of Keifr soda in the summertime. Not only is it delicious and bubbly but it's also packed with amazing health benefits that make it a fantastic addition to your daily routine. Here are some reasons why you should sip on kefir soda this summer. Tune in to le…
…
continue reading
Fermented foods are truly magical when it comes to nurturing our microbiota-gut-brain axis. These living foods don't just taste amazing—they transform our health from the inside out. They do this by modulating our immune system, strengthening our gut barrier, and even regulating our neuroendocrine system, fermented foods work wonders. Tune in to le…
…
continue reading
Having lots of fermented foods in your fridge is the same as having a medicine cabinet stocked with natural remedies. We reach for these foods not only to keep us healthy and disease-free but also when we find ourselves struggling with a virus, stomach ache, or any other kind of ailment that requires extra body support. Tune in to learn more. Episo…
…
continue reading
It’s summertime!! And all kinds of things can happen in the summertime that otherwise might seem impossible. Let me explain a few things that happen in the summertime that can help you be healthier, heal from all manner of diseases, and support good health! Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-284-su…
…
continue reading
It is quite well known that we all need more magnesium. Most people are very deficient in magnesium which affects 325 processes in the body. Tune in to listen to my guest, an expert in this field, Laura Collinwood. We talk about magnesium, why we need it, and how to get it in a form the body easily receives. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodli…
…
continue reading
What is kefir?" Kefir is a tangy, slightly fizzy, FANTASTIC fermented milk beverage. It can be made with all kinds of different milks, dairy and non-dairy. It looks similar to yogurt but is far superior. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-282-what-is-kefir/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://…
…
continue reading
I learned a long time ago that if I wanted to feel good, I had to have kefir every day. It seems to work best for me to have kefir in the morning, but sometimes I have it at other times too. I've kind of played around with different ways to have it and found these breakfasts give me lots of energy. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.c…
…
continue reading
I have been consuming einkorn wheat for many years and have converted much of my diet to exclusively using einkorn flour. I have noticed some changes in my health and have found einkorn flour makes my life a lot easier in regards to making foods my family can enjoy and consume. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/p…
…
continue reading
So, what is the difference between kefir and yogurt? Which is better? Join me as we explore all the benefits of yogurt and kefir, which ones I like the best, and why. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-279-yogurt-versus-kefir-which-is-better/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoo…
…
continue reading
Making kefir cheese is one of my favorite things to do with kefir—and it’s a great way to sneak kefir into the diets of picky eaters because it tastes so much like cream cheese. I explain the nutritional side of whey and kefir cheese in this podcast. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-278-understan…
…
continue reading
