Sauerkraut
Herb Quarterly Magazine,
Summer 2006
Kraut Question: I recently read the sauerkraut fights cancer with
compounds that include sulphorane, ITCs, and indoles. I have acid-reflux disease
and a hiatus hernia. I bought a can of Bush's Best shredded sauerkraut, and ate
half for lunch and the other half for dinner. I haven't had indigestion or
hernia pain for two days. I don't know how much and how often to eat this kraut;
I'm still experimenting. Do you have any info on this?
Nutritionist and herbalist Cheri Watson explains: Nutritionist and
herbalist Cheri Watson explains: Cabbage is in the Brassica family of
plants, which also includes broccoli and cauliflower. The process of fermenting
these foods involves leaving the product in a sanitary environment for several
days while it partially breaks down, making it easier for us to digest.
Sauerkraut has been shown to increase stomach secretions, form enzymes,
increase pancreatic secretions, and provide vitamins. It's also an excellent
source of vitamins K and C, and contains B6, biotin, B12, calcium, copper,
potassium, magnesium, manganese, and some omega-3 fatty acids.
Kraut comprises numerous antioxidants and cancer preventing constituents
such as indoles (indole-3-carbinol), ITCs (isothiocyanates), and sulforaphane
(sulforaphane glucosinolate). Studies have shown their effectiveness in reducing
carcinomas related to cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts,
breast (up to 74 percent reduction?), and other hormone-related and colo-rectal
cancers.
Plants in the Brassica family contain a very dominant strain of
healthful bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum, which supports the growth of
intestinal flora, normalizes acid levels in the stomach, helps the body to
assimilate proteins and iron, and stimulates cell metabolism. Choline and
acetylcholine, which aid in fat metabolism and lower blood pressure, are also
produced during fermentation. These "kraut-teria" also serve as a
natural antibiotic in the gut, killing harmful villains like Escherica coli and
Candida Albicans.
The combined effect of "food bacteria" and fermentation
by-products may have offered relief for your acid reflux and hiatal hernia
symptoms. However, don't overlook other underlying causes for these conditions,
like a food allergy or sensitivity, or the hyposecretion of hydrochloric acid by
the stomach lining.
Continue the kraut, but don't overdo it. Start slowly with 1/4 cup
servings and work up. If you're sick, currently take antibiotics or steroids, or
have been under a lot of stress, eat more. But remember, Brassicas
uncooked and in large quantities suppress thyroid function. Enjoy the bitter and
pungent taste in moderation!
Natural Health Hut
