At 66, I've learned that feeling young and alive isn't about fighting aging—it's about supporting the body.

For me, it starts with my microbiome. Years ago, while dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure, I kept telling myself, "My body is designed to be well. The answers will come." Then kefir found me and changed everything.

In this episode, I'm sharing the foods, supplements, and daily practices that help me feel strong and vibrant—from cultured foods and minerals to red light therapy, magnesium, organ supplements, protein, and more. 🌿✨

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/what-i-use-at-66-to-feel-young-strong-and-active-episode-369/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/what-i-use-at-66-to-feel-young-strong-and-alive/

Check out these other links:

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

• 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

As we age, nourishing ourselves becomes more important than ever. In this episode, I'm sharing simple cultured foods and protein-rich meals that can help support strong bones, preserve muscle, nourish the brain, improve digestion, and keep meals enjoyable—even when you're cooking for just one.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/nourishing-yourself-as-you-age-simple-cultured-foods-for-strong-bones-muscles-and-a-healthy-brain-episode-368/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/nourishing-yourself-as-you-age-simple-cultured-foods-for-strong-bones-muscles-and-a-healthy-brain/

Check out these other links:

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

• 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

Discover why high-protein cultured foods are one of the best ways to stay satisfied while supporting a healthy microbiome. In this episode, I'll explain how kefir, yogurt, skyr, and cultured cottage cheese combine protein and probiotics to nourish your body, curb cravings, and help keep you full. Learn why feeding your microbes may be one of the smartest things you can do for your health.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/why-high-protein-cultured-foods-keep-you-full-and-why-your-microbes-love-them-too-episode-367/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-high-protein-cultured-foods-keep-you-full-and-why-your-microbes-love-them-too/

Check out these other links:

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

• 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

Discover why probiotic ice cream is so much more than dessert! In this episode, I'll share how kefir, yogurt, skyr, and cultured cottage cheese can be transformed into creamy, high-protein frozen treats that nourish your microbiome and help keep you satisfied. Learn why these delicious desserts have become a summer favorite in my home and how easy they are to make. Plus, don't miss this week's companion article featuring my favorite probiotic ice cream recipes!

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/why-probiotic-ice-cream-is-more-than-just-dessert-episode-366/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/probiotic-ice-creams-yogurt-kefir-recipes-for-a-healthy-treat/

Check out these other links:

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

• 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

Going on vacation doesn't mean you have to leave your cultured foods behind or worry about your kefir grains. In this episode, Donna shares simple ways to keep kefir grains alive while you're away, when to refrigerate or freeze them, and why Easy Kefir and cultured veggies are some of the best travel companions. Learn how a little planning can help you enjoy your trip and still support your gut wherever you go.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/going-on-vacation-how-to-care-for-kefir-grains-and-travel-with-cultured-foods-episode-365/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/going-on-vacation-how-to-care-for-kefir-grains-and-travel-with-cultured-foods/
• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/what-to-do-with-your-cultures-while-youre-on-vacation/

Check out these other links:

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

• 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

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy kefir! In this episode, I'm sharing 7 reasons to have kefir in the summertime—from supporting digestion and hydration to helping with quick, easy meals, smoothies, dips, and refreshing treats. Kefir is one of the simplest ways to care for your gut all summer long, and I'll show you why it's a cultured food you'll want to keep close in the warm months.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/7-reasons-to-have-kefir-in-the-summertime-episode-364/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/7-reasons-to-have-kefir-in-the-summer/
• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-fermented-food-secret-behind-glp-1/

Check out these other links:

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

Don't throw away your yogurt whey! In this episode, I'm sharing how yogurt whey differs from kefir whey and some of my favorite ways to use it in slushies, smoothies, cottage cheese, dressings, marinades, and more.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-363-9-ways-to-use-extra-yogurt-whey/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/dont-throw-away-your-yogurt-whey-delicious-ways-to-use-every-drop/
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2IaN0X_u_Q

Check out these other links:

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

Simple changes can make a big difference. 💛 When I first started making fermented foods, probiotic condiments were one of the easiest ways I added more good bacteria to my family's meals.

In this episode, learn how fermented mustard, probiotic mayo, and honey mustard can help support your microbiome and turn everyday foods into cultured foods your body will love. 🌱

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-362-the-tiny-spoonfuls-that-changed-my-familys-microbiome/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-mustard-mayo-honey-mustard-the-condiments-your-gut-will-love
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIoT07zsQXs

Check out these other links:

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

Bread has become one of the most misunderstood foods of our time, but what if the problem isn't always the bread — what if it's the way we make it? Discover how wild yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and time transform simple flour and water into something extraordinary. From reducing phytic acid to creating unique flavors, sourdough reminds us that microbes have the power to transform our food — and maybe even the way we think about bread. 🌾🍞

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-361-is-bread-really-the-problem-or-is-it-the-way-we-make-it/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-lemon-rosemary-sourdough-bread-i-cant-stop-making-every-summer/
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkcN51h0Uvk

Check out these other links:

• My Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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, we explore what happens when carrots ferment and how beneficial microbes may help unlock hidden nutrition inside food. We'll talk about the gut-brain connection, blood sugar support, estrogen balance, cravings, digestion, and why cultured carrots are so much more than just probiotics.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-360-what-happens-when-you-ferment-carrots-tiny-microbes-big-benefits/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/what-happens-when-you-ferment-carrots-tiny-microbes-big-benefits/
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfDAHJOhx5o

Check out these other links:

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