Protein has become the focus of modern health — but digestion is often overlooked. In this episode, I talk about why fermented protein is easier to absorb, how fermentation transforms dairy, and why foods like yogurt, kefir, and L. reuteri ferments can support muscle, metabolism, and gut health more effectively than processed protein products.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-348-why-fermented-protein-works-differently-in-the-body/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-fermented-protein-works-differently-in-the-body/
• Video: https://youtu.be/QjXOexyjTc4

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

How does L. reuteri actually work? In this episode, I explain how this unique beneficial bacterium functions in the upper gut, produces bacteriocins that inhibit harmful bacteria, and supports balance without damaging the microbiome.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-347-how-l-reuteri-targets-harmfull-bacteria-especially-in-the-upper-gut/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5OoXoZiJAM

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

In this episode, I share how fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, cultured vegetables, and kombucha can help calm cravings, support blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and gently bring your metabolism back into rhythm. We'll talk about why weight loss often doesn't happen right away, how your gut bacteria play a powerful role, and how small, consistent habits can create lasting change.

This isn't a quick fix. It's a kinder, smarter way to support your body — and let weight loss happen naturally.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-346-fermented-foods-for-weight-loss/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-foods-for-weight-loss/
• Course: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/members/courses/kefir-mastery-2-0/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

When Is the Best Time to Eat Fermented Foods?

Fermented foods were once eaten naturally—at meals, between meals, whenever they were ready. But modern digestion is different, and WHEN you eat fermented foods can matter.

In this episode, I share the best times to enjoy fermented foods and why timing can support digestion, blood sugar, and appetite—especially if you're over 40 or just getting started. Tune in to learn more.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-345-when-is-the-best-time-to-eat-fermented-foods/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-eat-fermented-foods/
• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-the-best-yogurt-for-you/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

In this episode, I share the ancient story of skyr—an Icelandic cultured food that has nourished people for more than a thousand years. Skyr wasn't a trend or a treat. It was relied upon, day after day, to sustain families through long winters and hard work. I also share how a visit to a Danish village inspired me to create a Viking-style seed and nut bread enriched with skyr—one of the most satisfying gluten-free breads I've ever made.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-344-skyr-a-thousand-years-of-strength-from-spoon-to-bread/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/skyr-a-thousand-years-of-strengthfrom-spoon-to-bread/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

In this episode, I share the story of the forgotten foods that built strong guts for thousands of years — kefir, yogurt, cultured vegetables, fermented drinks, and sourdough. These foods weren't trends or optional add-ons. They were everyday nourishment that supported digestion, immunity, and resilience.

If you've ever wondered why modern guts struggle so much, this episode may help you remember what the body has always known.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-343-the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

People ask me this question all the time — which kefir is best? In this episode, I break down the real differences between water kefir, milk kefir, and kefir soda, and explain why they're not all the same, even when they look similar. We'll talk about probiotics, yeasts, sugar, alcohol concerns, and why microbial diversity matters — especially if you're healing your gut or dealing with sensitivities like candida.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-342-which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk

January isn't meant for restriction, detoxes, or dieting. It's meant for rest, repair, and nourishment.

In this episode, I share why January is actually the best time to heal your gut — gently and naturally. We'll talk about why true detoxing isn't about taking things away, how cultured foods support the liver, immune system, and microbiome, and why foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, kefir soda, and cultured vegetables are support foods, not quick fixes.

If you're ready to begin the year feeling better in your body — without pressure or extremes — this episode is for you.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-341-why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/
• My Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbX9Nv9OtGM

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://youtu.be/CbX9Nv9OtGM

• For health tips and recipes, subscribe to our weekly emails. We'll also send you our free Getting Started Guide: http://bit.ly/2BnHpay

• Listen to all my podcasts: http://bit.ly/cflpodcast

• Become a Biotic Pro Member: http://bit.ly/2kkhwS1

• Cultured Food Recipes: http://bit.ly/2UIfY2x

• Health and Food Topics: http://bit.ly/2SdzIOS

• My Amazon Shop: https://bit.ly/3KdhEge

MY STARTER CULTURES

• Milk Kefir Grains: http://bit.ly/2rQ99PE

• L. Reuteri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LReuteriSuperfoodStarter

• L. Gasseri Superfood: https://bit.ly/LGasseriSuperfoodStarter

• Easy Kefir: http://bit.ly/2MQ1nPV

• Kefir Soda Starter: http://bit.ly/3YVErTa

• Kombucha Starter: http://bit.ly/2g2R9hE

• Vegetable Starter: http://bit.ly/2SzzVem

• Water Kefir Crystals: http://bit.ly/2irmImW

• Sourdough Starter: http://bit.ly/2IjaaXK

• Other items in my store: http://bit.ly/2HTKZ27

STAY CONNECTED

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/culturedfoodlife/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturedFoodLife/

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnaschwenk/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnaschwenk