Easy Kefir is the cultured food I recommend most often for beginners. In this episode, I'll explain why I started with powdered kefir, how it differs from traditional kefir grains, and how you can make creamy, probiotic-rich kefir without straining grains or maintaining them every day. It's a simple and dependable way to begin your cultured-food journey.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/easy-kefir-the-cultured-food-i-recommend-for-beginners-episode-373/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/easy-kefir-the-cultured-food-i-recommend-for-beginners/

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

With so many fermented drinks to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? In this episode, I'm breaking down some of my favorite cultured beverages—including kombucha, Jun kombucha, kefir soda, water kefir, rejuvelac, and naturally fermented ginger drinks.

Each one has its own unique microbes, flavors, and benefits, and some are easier to make and maintain than others. I'll explain the differences, what makes each drink special, and how to choose one that fits your body, your lifestyle, and what you're hoping to accomplish with your gut health.

You don't need to make them all. Sometimes finding just one fermented drink you love can be a wonderful way to bring more beneficial microbes into your life every day.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/which-fermented-drink-is-right-for-you-episode-372/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-to-choose-the-best-fermented-drink-for-you/

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

If your gut feels out of balance, where do you begin? In this episode, I'm breaking down some of my favorite cultured foods and beneficial microbes—from kefir and cultured vegetables to L. reuteri, S. boulardii, Bifidobacteria, HMOs, Akkermansia, and natto—and explaining how each one supports the gut in a different way.

You don't need everything at once. The goal is to understand what your body may need, feed the right microbes, and slowly rebuild a healthier, more resilient microbiome.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/how-to-rebuild-your-gut-finding-the-fermented-food-your-body-needs-episode-371/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-to-start-healing-your-gut-which-fermented-food-is-best-for-you/

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

Your microbiome is doing so much more than helping you digest food. Your beneficial microbes are constantly helping to keep opportunistic microbes in check—and this protection extends far beyond your gut.

In this episode, I'm talking about how good microbes crowd out the bad ones, why balance matters more than trying to eliminate every harmful organism, and the fascinating connection between the gut, vaginal, and bladder microbiomes.

The more I learn about microbes, the more I realize that everything is connected. 🌿

Feed the microbes you want to flourish, and they can help create an environment where the troublemakers have a much harder time taking over.

Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/how-your-good-microbes-crowd-out-the-bad-ones-even-beyond-your-gut-episode-370/

Link(s) I talked about:

• Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/how-your-good-microbes-crowd-out-the-bad-ones-even-beyond-your-gut/

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

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