Pickles and Probiotics

Acne is a frustrating condition for a lot of people.  I suffered from acne for quite a while when I was younger and still get the occasional breakout.  Over time, I’ve learned what to do and more importantly, what NOT to do in order to help my acne.  Probiotics was a definite DO!  And, pickles and probiotics was a huge win for me so read on for a recipe that I use to make my own pickles!

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits by helping the gut flora.  It helps with inflammation and thus, can be helpful with skin problems like acne.  Probiotics are different from antibiotics – antibiotics will kill bacteria.  When we take antibiotics for some bacterial infection, it will kill the bacteria – which is needed.  But, the antibiotics can’t determine the good from the bad so it kills all bacteria.  That’s why you may hear that it’s important to include probiotics in your diet if you are taking antibiotics.

Pickles and probiotics – Do Pickles have probiotics?

It’s important to know which foods contain probiotics.  You have quite a few choices.  The good news is fermented pickles do have probiotics.  If you like pickles, this is one great food to include in your diet, especially when taking antibiotics.  You can also drink the pickle juice.  Hint, try drinking pickle juice to take your antibiotics!!!  Bet you never thought of that before!

Recipe for making your own Homemade Pickles

This is a recipe my family has used for decades.  Recently, my Mom and I made this.  Give it a try for some quick, fermented pickles.  Note:  that it does not use vinegar but these are still considered fermented.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds small pickling cucumbers – or use how ever many will fit in your jar (you need a tight fit) – garden cukes are preferable!  I like to use the pickling cucumbers because they are smaller – perfect to get pickles and probiotics.
• 4-5 peeled garlic cloves (use more if you really like garlic) – also, preferable if this is garlic from your garden!
• 2 – 2 inch pieces fresh horseradish root – I grow my own horseradish – they are so easy to grow!
• Dill – you can use a large bunch fresh dill or use dried.  If using dried, tie up in cheesecloth
• 2 -3 Tbsp sea salt

Instructions:

Get a 3 quart glass or ceramic jar to start your pickles and probiotics concoction.  Wash all ingredients (also peel the horseradish) and place in the jar.  Sprinkle the salt on top.  Pour enough water over the pickles so that they are covered.  If needed place a small plate on top of the water so that it weighs down the pickles.  Another option is to use a small zipper bag filled with salt water to weigh down the pickles.  Either way, make sure that the pickles are fully covered.

Then, leave in a cool place for about 3 days (no need for refrigeration just yet).  Let them ferment for this time and then try one of them at the end of the 3 days.  If they taste to your liking, you can go ahead and put them in the fridge for the fermentation process to slow down.  Then, consume within the next week or so.

Sometimes you will get a little bit of mold on top but you can easily scrape this off.

Troubleshooting:  if your pickles get soggy AND moldy – you will need to throw them out.  You’ll know the difference between a little mold on top and soggy with mold.  This usually happens if you didn’t have enough salt in the container.  Just try again next time, adjusting the amount of salt higher.  Note:  you also need to be careful not to put too much salt – otherwise the pickles will be too salty and thus, inedible.

Day 25 of our 30 day self confidence challenge

Today is all about making foods that make us healthy.  Either try the recipe for your own homemade pickles, or buy store bought pickles.  If you decide to buy store bought, just make sure all the ingredients are natural.  Read the food label and you’ll see how many might have unnatural ingredients that you do NOT want in your body.

Probiotics and acne – fast way to get rid of pimples!