Cultured Food Life

Cultured Food Life

Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show “Cultured Food Life” (new episodes every Tuesday at 1pm Pacific), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and IBS. In her down-to-earth and informative style, Donna will walk you through the basic preparation techniques and teach you how to make these delicious probiotic recipes at home. You can find out all about Donna on her web site https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/

Episodes

April 20, 2025 21 mins

Spring is a season of renewal—for the earth and for your gut! In this episode, I share how cultured foods like kefir, yogurt, and fermented veggies can help your microbiome bloom after the slower, starchier days of winter.

Learn how springtime supports digestion, boosts energy, balances mood, and even helps ease seasonal allergies—all through the power of living, probiotic-rich foods. I’ll also share some of my favorite spring reci...

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Natto is a Superfood for Stroke Prevention, Blood Clot Reduction, and More!

Looking for natural ways to boost your health? In this episode, I’m sharing the surprising benefits of natto—a traditional fermented soybean dish packed with powerful nutrients like nattokinase and vitamin K2. From preventing strokes and dissolving blood clots to potentially helping your body clear spike proteins post-COVID, natto is a sticky superfood with...

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Bleeding gums? It might be more than brushing too hard. In this episode, I share how kefir, yogurt, and even sauerkraut brine can help heal your gums by balancing the oral microbiome, reducing inflammation, and strengthening gum tissue. Your mouth has its own microbiome—and fermented foods know just how to nourish it.

Episode link: 

https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-313-how-fermented-foods-can-naturally-heal-your-gu...

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March 23, 2025 14 mins

Struggling with acid reflux? You’re not alone—and the solution might not be another antacid but kefir! In this episode, I share how this powerful probiotic drink helped my husband and countless others eliminate GERD symptoms naturally. Learn how kefir balances gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and restores digestion, plus why antacids may be making things worse. Tune in to discover if kefir is the missing piece in your gut health...

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Most people think of probiotics as a supplement in a bottle, but did you know that probiotic foods contain billions more beneficial microbes? These living foods have a natural advantage—delivering probiotics straight to the body where they’re needed most. In this episode, we’ll explore how cultured vegetables, kefir, and other fermented foods can work like medicine, supporting everything from gut health and immunity to anxiety, all...

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Discover the power of natural healing in this episode as we dive into time-tested remedies like kefir whey for pink eye, cultured veggie juice for an upset stomach, baobab kefir to support lung health, and the anti-inflammatory magic of ginger. Tune in for personal stories, science-backed insights, and simple kitchen tips that empower your body’s natural ability to restore balance.

Episode link: 

https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/p...

  • I want to introduce you to a beautiful gift from nature that has been nourishing people for centuries: Baobab! If you haven’t heard of this ancient tree’s superfruit, get ready to be amazed. Just like cultured foods bring health to your gut and vitality to your whole body, baobab, a prebiotic, offers a powerhouse of nutrients that can uplift your wellness in a gentle, natural way.

    EDIT: In the podcast, I mentioned that the Hadza pe...

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    Bread has long been a dietary staple, but modern shortcuts and farming practices have changed it in ways that can wreak havoc on our health. In this episode, discover how my search for a solution to my daughter’s gluten intolerance led her to the art of sourdough and sprouted bread. Explore how ancient fermentation methods break down problematic proteins, why chemicals like glyphosate are now common in wheat production, and how nut...

  • January 11, 2025 16 mins

    Discover the secrets of fermenting your own L. reuteri yogurt at home. We have lots of recipes like Cashew Coconut L. Reuteri Yogurt or Probiotic Ice Cream and Salsa Dips and Salad Dressings and more. Join me as we share research-backed insights, practical tips, and recipes that make it easy to nurture your microbiome. Unlock your body’s natural pharmacy, reclaim your wellness, and elevate your daily routine—all with a friendly sco...

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    I’m thrilled to share this exciting podcast episode featuring the amazing Trim Healthy Mama sisters, Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett! These inspiring women are like new fermenting friends, bringing you a perfect blend of encouragement, practical tips, and fresh ideas for embracing health, wellness, weight loss, and, of course, fermented foods. Don’t miss the chance to tune in and discover their unique approach to vibrant, balanced...

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    In this Thanksgiving episode, join me as I share a holiday meal that’s bursting with flavor and packed with probiotics! This year, I’m sharing a few of my favorite fermented recipes that bring an unexpected twist to traditional dishes while adding a boost to your gut health.

    We’ll explore:

    • Bubbly White Grape Kefir Soda for a festive fizz 🥂
    • Fermented Spiced Apples for a tangy, probiotic-rich side 🍎
    • Garlic Honey Roasted Veggie...
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    In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between gut health and the immune system. Our gut is more than a digestive organ; it's a powerful hub for immune support. We'll uncover how fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, and yogurt play a crucial role in nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn strengthens our immune defenses. Join us as we dive into the science behind probiotics, gut barriers, and immune-balan...

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    November 2, 2024 16 mins

    Welcome to Cultured Kitchen Podcast, where we dive into the world of fermented foods, probiotics, and we explore the magic of pumpkins and why you should be adding more of this nutrient-packed superfood to your fall routine. From pumpkin's impressive vitamin A content to its gut-friendly soluble fiber, this humble squash is a powerhouse for your health. Tune in, grab your favorite cozy drink, and let’s get fermenting with this seas...

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    Today, we're exploring the benefits and nutritional profiles of yogurts made with Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus gasseri. We'll walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding milk sugars in yogurt to the caloric counts of various types of yogurt. Did you know that when you ferment yogurt for 36 hours, it becomes nearly lactose-free? Join us as we navigate the fascinating world of yogurt, revealing how ferm...

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    In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcers, and how fermented foods can be a powerful ally in healing and recovery. I'll share how cultured vegetables, kombucha, and kefir have transformed lives—including my own son's—by easing symptoms, restoring gut health, and reducing inflammation. From the powerful probiotic bacteria in kombucha to the healing compounds i...

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    Ginger is powerful medicine! I have been consuming ginger often and found it to be very effective in helping with any kind of inflammation. Ginger is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory as well as being a powerful antiseptic and antihistamine. Check out all the ways to have ginger in your life. Tune in to learn more.

    Episode link: 

    https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-300-ginger-the-anti-inflammatory-food/

    Link(s) I talke...

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    Fall and winter are often called “flu season,” a time of year that many people fear, not knowing how to protect themselves. But when you strengthen the good bacteria in your body, you create an army of defenders that accompany you everywhere you go. Tune in to learn more.

    Episode link: 

    https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-299-fermented-foods-immune-fuel-for-flu-season/

    Link(s) I talked about:

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    Curious about baking with ancient grains? In this episode, we dive into your most frequently asked questions about Einkorn flour—the oldest and purest form of wheat. Learn how to substitute it in recipes, its health benefits, and tips for perfecting your Einkorn bread. Whether you're new to Einkorn or a seasoned baker, this episode has something for everyone!

    Episode link: 

    https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-298-eink...

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    Bifidobacteria are a group of beneficial bacteria that reside primarily in the intestines. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being and keep your immune system strong. I am hearing more and more that many people have diminished Bifidobacteria. If you don't have enough Bifidobacteria, your immune system struggles, and you can wind up with autoimmune diseases, food allergies, histamine problems, an...

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    September 14, 2024 15 mins

    You are what your bacteria eat. Deep within our gut is an entire ecosystem which is affecting both our cravings and moods to get us to eat what they want. Tune in to learn more.

    Episode link: 

    https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-296-what-do-your-gut-bacteria-eat/

    Link(s) I talked about:

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