Did You Know Pickles Can Do THIS

I have loved consuming pickles ever since I was a little girl and experienced eating my first dill pickle. I did not know pickles could do this! It was often difficult to get a lid off a pickle jar, and so I would take the end of a butter knife and bang on several edges of the lid so that air would get trapped and help me get the lid off. Once the aroma of tangy dill pickles filled the air, I would reach my little fingers in the jar and snag one, pop it in my mouth, and quench my dry palate. I craved the taste of pickle juice all of the time. I especially enjoyed them during the hot summer months. I didn't know though that they actually could help me with anxiety. Studies done at the University of Maryland, show that there is a connection between the mind and the stomach. Of course, this makes sense because everything in our bodies is connected. The foods we eat have a direct effect on our mental and emotional well being. So this would make sense that a fermented food like pickles would be a good thing for your digestive system, and then in turn for your mental health. It is all connected!

Fermented foods like kimchi, or sauerkraut, have a positive effect on the digestive system and they help to balance out the chemicals in the system, so that food can be more easily digested. This is why kimchi and sauerkraut have been eaten as a side dish with so many things for so long. But be sure that you get the fresh made stuff, not the stuff in the condiments isle of the grocery store. That stuff will be loaded with chemicals and more sodium than you need. You can also try your hand and making it yourself! It is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. It might seem daunting at first, but you will see with a little practice, it will become easier.

I am a graduate student, and over the last five years of my college experience, I have spent countless hours feeling nauseous before exams. My fear of performing badly or being called on in class and not knowing the answer makes me so sick that I often throw up. I had no idea that consuming pickles could actually help my stomach feel better. For those who are also in the boat of attending college and not being able to calm your anxiety, head to a local grocery store and buy a jar of pickles. They could just help you feel a little better and get through the day. Anxiety is difficult, and I know from personal experience that it is a struggle to control. Any way of easing the stress is better than having no options at all. So it never hurts to try anything that you can, especially if it is a natural remedy like this one. I always stay far away from any pharmaceuticals as they can sometimes mess up your system even more. I suggest trying this idea and seeing how it works out. You may feel a lot better.