In a Pickle? Unveiling Gut-Friendly Pickles for Your Health (2024)

FAQs

In a Pickle? Unveiling Gut-Friendly Pickles for Your Health? ›

Fermented pickles are produced using brine and go through a natural fermentation process involving bacteria that is inherent within cucumbers. These pickles contain beneficial bacteria for the gut known as probiotics, as long as they have not undergone pasteurization.

Fermented foods like pickles are basically probiotic superfoods, packed full of good bacteria that can support the health of your gastrointestinal microbiome and are good for your gut bacteria. Be sure to go for fermented pickles rather than vinegar-pickled.

Pickles are very high in sodium because it's an important part of the brining process. Consuming too much salt in your daily diet can contribute to high blood pressure. Anyone who is on blood pressure medication or looking to reduce their sodium intake should eat pickles in moderation or look for low sodium options.

Place garlic, leaves, and spices in the bottom of the quart jar. Add the cucumbers, packing them tightly. Pour the salt water brine over top, leaving an inch of headroom (there will be salt water left over). Weigh down the cucumbers, if need be, so they are submerged under the brine.

Researchers have concluded that frozen pickle juice popsicles eaten at mealtimes may reduce blood sugar spikes. Pickle juice can contain large amounts of lactobacillus, one of several healthy gut bacteria. This bacterium is one of many probiotics, which are beneficial to your overall health.

“The pickles that are beneficial for your gut health are the fermented ones, made by brining them in salt rather than vinegar,” says Dr. Oppezzo. “While vinegar pickling is a common method, true fermentation in brine enriches them with beneficial probiotics for your gut.

"[Fermented] pickles are a low-calorie food and rich in probiotics, which support a healthy balance of gut bacteria—a healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune response," says Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN.

Don't eat pickles if you have an ulcer. They can cause further damage. It is also possible for foods rich in salt to cause stomach cancer. Steer clear if you already have other risk factors, such as a family history of cancer or you are a smoker.

Pickles made to be left on store shelves are typically made with vinegar, which may deplete most of their gut-healthy benefits. Processed pickles often include preservatives and more sodium so they last longer.

It could be healthy to eat pickles daily, as long as they're eaten in moderation—one or two spears or a few pickle chips might be OK. The sodium content is another way to determine how many pickles to eat.

What are the side effects of cucumbers on the stomach? ›

Cucumbers contain an ingredient called cucurbitacin, which can lead to indigestion in some people who have underlying health and digestive issues. In some cases, eating excessive cucumber can lead to bloating, indigestion and discomfort.

Pickled foods improve gut health and reduce blood pressure by supplementing probiotics, including Bifidobacteria.

Quick pickles made in vinegar will not hold nearly as much beneficial bacteria potential as fermented pickles. Fermented pickles are considered a probiotic food, which means they contain beneficial strains of bacteria that, if consumed often, can contribute to the population and diversity of our gut microbiome.

It might sound like a strange drink, but some have taken a fancy to the yellow-green beverage because they enjoy the taste or consider it healthy. While there are a lot of claims of how pickle juice can boost your health, the fad's most well-established benefit is to your gut.

Fermented Foods

A 2014 study looked at probiotic use in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers concluded that probiotics improved disease activity and inflammatory status. Popular fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, kefir, and pickles.

So if you're looking for an easy way to improve your overall health, add some delicious olives to your next meal or healthy snack. And don't forget about all the other fermented foods out there – each one is packed with probiotics that are great for your gut health.

Over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrhea medications like loperamide (Imodium) may help. Peppermint oil supplements may reduce cramping. Some experts believe probiotics (“good” bacteria, which you can get in supplement form or from foods like pickles and sauerkraut) can help relieve IBS symptoms, including diarrhea.

Ginger, garlic, and asafoetida are examples of ingredients that not only add flavour but also have digestive enzyme qualities. Additionally, pickles made from fiber-rich vegetables might encourage regular bowel motions and a healthy digestive system.