Does anyone take pro or prebiotics or fermented foods?

[Stumpedasatree]

If so, what do you take and what differences and benefits do you notice? I try to drink kefir most days, but would be interested in trying a supplement that may help too - often struggle from bloating and have diverticulitis.

I eat a fair bit of kimchi, which I make myself. No idea how it works but my guts seem happier and having kimchi as a side also means I eat less of the main dish, though the amount of kimchi doesn't add up to what I might eat without it. Hope that makes sense!

I'm not sure whether it's another fad, but I like sauerkraut and make my own from red cabbage and eat some most days. I also like Kimchi and am going to start making my own as I don't like the pasteurised stuff.

I also eat olives, a lot of veg and other stuff that is high in good for you fibre.

I feel better when I eat more veg in whatever form!

@Vegemiteandhoneyontoast have you got a good recipe for Kimchi? I'd like to try making it.

Half a tick, I'll find it.

I started eating fermented twice a day for New Year and feel much better for it - regular, not bloated.

For breakfast I have 250ml of kefir with a few berries, nuts and seeds. I can get to lunchtime without wanting a snack. For lunch an open sandwich of rye sourdough with avocado, tomato and sauerkraut.

I have started making my own sauerkraut which I prefer to the shop bought one I started on. I find making it with white cabbage is easier than red as I use litmus paper to test when it's ready and safe (pH < 4).

It was based on the linked recipe. The first time I followed the recipe but decided I didn't like the radish as it made the kimchi smell too cabbagey and I didn't like the flavour of the dried shrimp either so leave that out too. Instead, I add a bit more carrot (fine sliced rather than cubed) and spring onion. We both eat it and usually make a small washing up bowl full which lasts a few weeks. It's very good with stir fry and also with eggs and chicken.

Edited to add: I used a bought kimchi to use for the original starter and afterwards use some of the last batch to get the new one going.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/may/13/how-to-make-kimchi-recipe-felicity-cloake-masterclass

@MoleAtTheCounter, can we have your sauerkraut recipe, please?

Thanks for the kimchi recipe, I really need to try making some. Also interested in the sauerkraut one!

Where does one find daikon?

Most supermarkets stock it, Stumped. It's also called mooli.

I looked in to this recently. Obviously things like vegetables are good in themselves. It's hard to find any real evidence that fermenting makes them healthier. Eat them because you enjoy them.

For the sauerkraut I bought a fermenting jar from Kilner https://www.kilnerjar.co.uk/0025839-fermentation-set/ . It came with recipes for white cabbage, also red cabbage with apple.

@Vegemiteandhoneyontoast thank you for the Kimchi recipe and tips. I use the BBC one for saukraut https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/simple-sauerkraut and I bought a jar from Lakeland

But you could use any old jar really.