Thank you for pointing that out. Yes, you are absolutely correct, that would have been an excellent addition to the article. Generally, in my private practice I encourage people to make their own fermented foods, rather than buy them at the store. Aside from containing additives, as you mention, store-bought products do not contain adequate levels of live cultures for the body to receive enough benefit. For a series of great recipes, I often refer people to a book called Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods.

We look forward to your future comments.

Yours in health,
Dr. Igor Schwartzman

Thanks for your comments. We are happy that you enjoyed the article. Our effort is to offer objective information, and not to endorse any specific product. We are aware of the multitude of products out on the market, and the one example that we mentioned to our readers is what we consider of highest quality based on our clinical experience and research data.

We look forward to your future visits to WellWire.

Yours in health,
Dr. Igor Schwartzman

One problem with most pickles and soy sauces that you find at the supermarket is that they contain sodium benzoate, which will kill the bacteria in the food and in the gut. Not sure about some of the other foods.

Bill

Not sure if you’re familiar with Culturelle and Lactobacillus GG, but wanted to introduce ourselves, and tell you that we fit into that category of high quality (450 clinical studies) and all natural probiotic supplement. I hope you’ll check us out!

- Your friends at Culturelle

Thanks for your comment!!!

The label will generally show a list of bacteria/cultures so it is not as much a question of ingredients as it is quality control/quality assurance (QA/QC).

There have been several independent studies done where testing was carried out on store bought probiotics which showed the lack of live cultures. This is a start to determine quality.

For myself and the professional community it can come down to the reputation of the company – yes.

However, the bottom line is positive clinical results. The reputation means nothing if clinically the product isn’t working as expected.

I hope this answers your question. =)

Amazing stuff! 70% of our immune system … makes fast food / junk food seem even less appealing!

But what’s Rakfisk? Is that the fish you bury underground and allow to rot?