Are you feeling queasy and looking for a natural remedy to soothe your upset stomach?
Look no further than miso paste!
This traditional Japanese condiment is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can help alleviate digestive issues.
From probiotics to vitamins and minerals, miso paste has a lot to offer when it comes to promoting gut health.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of miso paste for upset stomachs and how you can incorporate it into your diet.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of miso!
Is Miso Paste Good For Upset Stomach?
Miso paste has been widely believed to soothe gastric disorders, making it a popular choice for those suffering from an upset stomach. The paste is rich in protein, vitamins E, B12, and B2, fatty acids, dietary fiber, and minerals that are all beneficial for the digestive system.
Moreover, miso paste is a probiotic food that can contribute new bacteria to your existing intestinal colonies. This can help you overcome intestinal illness, including diarrhea. Consuming probiotic foods like miso can also shorten the duration of infectious diarrhea, especially in infants and children.
According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotic foods may also help treat irritable bowel syndrome and certain intestinal infections. Eating fermented foods like miso may improve digestion, reduce gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Clear broth soups like chicken soup or miso soup are also great options when you have an upset stomach. They help keep you hydrated while being easy on your digestive system. However, it’s essential to avoid soups that are too greasy or spicy as they can worsen your symptoms.
What Is Miso Paste?
Miso paste is a traditional Japanese condiment made from fermented soybeans, salt, and a koji starter that usually contains the Aspergillus oryzae fungus. The fermentation process can also include other ingredients like grains such as barley, brown rice, rye, buckwheat, and hemp seeds, which can affect the final product’s flavor and color.
Miso paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make sauces, spreads, and soup stock, or to pickle vegetables and meat. It has a salty and umami (savory) flavor that varies between white, yellow, red, or brown depending on the variety. Some miso pastes are made with other types of beans or peas instead of soybeans to cater to people with soy allergies.
Miso paste is rich in beneficial bacteria and antioxidants that are good for gut health. It contributes new bacteria to your existing intestinal colonies and can help you overcome intestinal illness like diarrhea. Miso paste can also reduce the incidence of diarrhea caused by antibiotics by as much as 60 percent. It may also help treat irritable bowel syndrome and certain intestinal infections.
However, it’s important to note that bad miso paste could cause upset stomachs, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, eye irritation, and skin rashes. Therefore, it’s essential to buy high-quality miso paste from reputable sources and store it properly in the refrigerator after opening.
The Nutritional Value Of Miso Paste
Miso paste is a complete source of protein and is rich in a variety of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. It contains vitamins such as vitamin K, B vitamins, and minerals like manganese, copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus. Additionally, it is a source of choline, which is essential for brain and nervous system health.
Interestingly, miso paste made from soybeans is considered to be a source of complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids needed for human health. The fermentation process used to produce miso paste makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients it contains. The fermentation process also promotes the growth of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that provide a wide array of health benefits.
However, it’s important to note that miso paste is also high in salt. If you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to ask your healthcare practitioner before adding large quantities of miso paste to your diet.
How Miso Paste Can Help With Digestive Issues
Miso paste is a fermented food that contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and digestion. The fermentation process involved in making miso paste promotes the growth of these probiotics, which can help maintain healthy bacteria levels in the gut. This can contribute to reducing issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Additionally, miso paste is high in nutrients such as vitamin K, manganese, zinc, protein, and calcium. These nutrients support essential structures like the bones and nervous system, which can also contribute to overall digestive health.
Miso paste contains A. oryzae, the main probiotic strain found in miso. Research has shown that consuming probiotics in miso paste may help reduce symptoms linked to digestive problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The fermentation process also helps improve digestion by reducing the amount of antinutrients in soybeans. Antinutrients are naturally occurring compounds found in foods that can bind to nutrients in the gut, reducing the body’s ability to absorb them. Fermentation reduces antinutrient levels in miso and other fermented products, which helps improve digestion.
Other Health Benefits Of Miso Paste
Apart from its benefits for the digestive system, miso paste has several other health benefits. One of the primary benefits of miso paste is its ability to strengthen the immune system. The probiotics in miso soup reduce the production of bad bacteria, improve blood circulation, and ultimately boost your immune system. Probiotic-rich diets can also help you recover from infections faster and reduce the need for antibiotics.
Miso paste is also known to contain acetylcholine, which can aid memory, and vitamin B, which can help ease stress. Soybeans, the primary ingredient in miso paste, contain isoflavones that may lower the risk of heart problems and certain types of cancer. Regular consumption of soybeans has been linked to a lower risk of stomach cancer, particularly among women.
Additionally, isoflavones provide a range of health benefits, including the alleviation of hot flashes in women going through menopause. In addition, isoflavones can improve arterial health in these women.
The fermentation process involved in the production of miso paste promotes levels of beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. These bacteria are thought to help a range of health issues, including digestion and gut health. By incorporating a variety of fermented foods in your diet, you may help promote levels of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in the gut, which may in turn improve the balance of gut microbes as well as the function of your digestive system.
How To Use Miso Paste In Your Diet
Miso paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and nutrition. Here are some easy ways to incorporate miso paste into your diet:
1. Miso Soup: Miso soup is a classic Japanese dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for those with an upset stomach. Simply dissolve miso paste in hot water and add in some tofu, seaweed, and scallions for a nutritious and comforting meal.
2. Salad Dressing: Miso paste can be used as a base for salad dressings. Mix it with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey for a tangy and sweet dressing that pairs well with greens.
3. Marinades: Miso paste can be used as a marinade for meats, fish, or vegetables. Mix it with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a flavorful marinade that will tenderize your protein.
4. Stir Fry Sauce: Add miso paste to your stir fry sauce for an umami boost. Mix it with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes for a delicious sauce that will coat your veggies and protein.
5. Glazes: Miso paste can be used as a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats. Mix it with honey, soy sauce, and ginger for a sweet and savory glaze that will caramelize in the oven.
Remember to use miso paste sparingly as it is high in sodium. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste. With its versatility and health benefits, miso paste is an excellent addition to any diet, especially for those with an upset stomach.
Precautions And Potential Risks Of Consuming Miso Paste.
While miso paste has many potential health benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that consuming too much of it can have potential risks. One of the main concerns is its high salt content, which may contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume miso in moderation and choose low-sodium options whenever possible.
Another potential risk is related to the fermentation process involved in making miso. While the fermentation process promotes levels of beneficial bacteria, it can also lead to the production of histamines and tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. If you’re sensitive to these compounds, it’s best to limit your intake of miso and other fermented foods.
Additionally, miso paste is made from soybeans, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If you have a soy allergy, it’s important to avoid miso paste altogether or consult with your healthcare provider before consuming it.
