Is fermented food really good for your gut microbiome?

What is fermentation?

What is the gut microbiome?

Factors that affect fermentation

Fermentation is a process that breaks down sugar molecules to be used as energy (ATP). It can be used to make wine, beer, yoghurt and other products. It is an anaerobic process that doesn't require oxygen to do so.

Process for Fermentation

The process for fermentation is an anaerobic biochemical process. The first process is cellular respiration where the acid pyruvate acid through glycolysis where the net 2 ATP molecules are formulated. In the second step, the pyruvate is then converted to lactic acid, ethanol, or other compounds in the following phase. NAD+ is generated here, and it is re-utilized in the glycolysis process.

The gut microbiome is the term used to refer to the microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses that inhabit the digestive tracts. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in your health by assisting in the process of controlling digestion and benefitting your immune system and various other health factors.

Temperature

Types of fermentation

Alcohol Fermentation

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid fermentation refers to the preserving and production of wholesome foods

The anaerobic conversion of fructose and glucose (sugars) into ethanol and carbon dioxide is known as alcoholic fermentation. Yeasts and a few bacteria (Zymomonas mobilis) carry out the procedure.

pH

Aeration

Time for Fermentation

Chemical Attributes

Effects of fermentation

Positive Impacts

Negative Impacts

Improves digestive health

Boosts Immune System

Foods easier to digest

Weight loss

Heart health

Positive mental health

Bloating

Headaches & migraines

Histamine intolerance

Food-borne illness

Infection from probiotics

Antibiotic resistance

Acetic Acid

Vinegar is produced when acetic acid bacteria combine with alcoholic beverages such as wine. Certain oxidation reactions occur during oxidative fermentation, generating vinegar as a byproduct.

Butyric Acid

Clostridium's anaerobic bacteria ferment dietary fibre to produce butyric acid, which provides vital energy to the colorectal epithelium.

Different Fermented Foods

Yogurt

Kimchi

Cider