Cultured Food Life

Donna Schwenk

Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show "Cultured Food Life" (new episodes every Tuesday), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and IBS. In her down-to-earth and informative style, Donna will walk you through the basic preparation techniques and teach you how to make these delicious probiotic recipes at home. You can find out all about Donna on her web site https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/

  1. Episode 348 - Why Fermented Protein Works Differently in the Body

    5D AGO

    Episode 348 - Why Fermented Protein Works Differently in the Body

    Protein has become the focus of modern health — but digestion is often overlooked. In this episode, I talk about why fermented protein is easier to absorb, how fermentation transforms dairy, and why foods like yogurt, kefir, and L. reuteri ferments can support muscle, metabolism, and gut health more effectively than processed protein products. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-348-why-fermented-protein-works-differently-in-the-body/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-fermented-protein-works-differently-in-the-body/ Video: https://youtu.be/QjXOexyjTc4 Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    11 min
  2. Episode 347: How L. Reuteri Targets Harmful Bacteria — Especially in the Upper Gut

    FEB 22

    Episode 347: How L. Reuteri Targets Harmful Bacteria — Especially in the Upper Gut

    How does L. reuteri actually work? In this episode, I explain how this unique beneficial bacterium functions in the upper gut, produces bacteriocins that inhibit harmful bacteria, and supports balance without damaging the microbiome.   Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-347-how-l-reuteri-targets-harmfull-bacteria-especially-in-the-upper-gut/ Link(s) I talked about: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5OoXoZiJAM Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    12 min
  3. Episode 346: Fermented Foods for Weight Loss

    FEB 8

    Episode 346: Fermented Foods for Weight Loss

    In this episode, I share how fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, cultured vegetables, and kombucha can help calm cravings, support blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and gently bring your metabolism back into rhythm. We'll talk about why weight loss often doesn't happen right away, how your gut bacteria play a powerful role, and how small, consistent habits can create lasting change. This isn't a quick fix. It's a kinder, smarter way to support your body — and let weight loss happen naturally. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-346-fermented-foods-for-weight-loss/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/fermented-foods-for-weight-loss/ Course: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/members/courses/kefir-mastery-2-0/  Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    22 min
  4. Episode 345: When Is The Best Time To Eat Fermented Foods?

    FEB 1

    Episode 345: When Is The Best Time To Eat Fermented Foods?

    When Is the Best Time to Eat Fermented Foods? Fermented foods were once eaten naturally—at meals, between meals, whenever they were ready. But modern digestion is different, and WHEN you eat fermented foods can matter. In this episode, I share the best times to enjoy fermented foods and why timing can support digestion, blood sugar, and appetite—especially if you're over 40 or just getting started. Tune in to learn more. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-345-when-is-the-best-time-to-eat-fermented-foods/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-eat-fermented-foods/ Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-the-best-yogurt-for-you/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    14 min
  5. Episode 344: Skyr- A Thousand Years of Strength—From Spoon to Bread

    JAN 25

    Episode 344: Skyr- A Thousand Years of Strength—From Spoon to Bread

    In this episode, I share the ancient story of skyr—an Icelandic cultured food that has nourished people for more than a thousand years. Skyr wasn't a trend or a treat. It was relied upon, day after day, to sustain families through long winters and hard work. I also share how a visit to a Danish village inspired me to create a Viking-style seed and nut bread enriched with skyr—one of the most satisfying gluten-free breads I've ever made. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-344-skyr-a-thousand-years-of-strength-from-spoon-to-bread/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/skyr-a-thousand-years-of-strengthfrom-spoon-to-bread/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    16 min
  6. Episode 343: The Forgotten Foods That Built Strong Guts (Before Diets Existed)

    JAN 18

    Episode 343: The Forgotten Foods That Built Strong Guts (Before Diets Existed)

    In this episode, I share the story of the forgotten foods that built strong guts for thousands of years — kefir, yogurt, cultured vegetables, fermented drinks, and sourdough. These foods weren't trends or optional add-ons. They were everyday nourishment that supported digestion, immunity, and resilience. If you've ever wondered why modern guts struggle so much, this episode may help you remember what the body has always known. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-343-the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/the-forgotten-foods-that-built-strong-guts-before-diets-existed/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    14 min
  7. Episode 342: Which is Better – Water Kefir, Milk Kefir, or Kefir Soda?

    JAN 11

    Episode 342: Which is Better – Water Kefir, Milk Kefir, or Kefir Soda?

    People ask me this question all the time — which kefir is best? In this episode, I break down the real differences between water kefir, milk kefir, and kefir soda, and explain why they're not all the same, even when they look similar. We'll talk about probiotics, yeasts, sugar, alcohol concerns, and why microbial diversity matters — especially if you're healing your gut or dealing with sensitivities like candida. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-342-which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/which-is-better-water-kefir-milk-kefir-or-kefir-soda/ Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    19 min
  8. Episode 341: Why January Is the Best Time to Heal Your Gut

    JAN 4

    Episode 341: Why January Is the Best Time to Heal Your Gut

    January isn't meant for restriction, detoxes, or dieting. It's meant for rest, repair, and nourishment. In this episode, I share why January is actually the best time to heal your gut — gently and naturally. We'll talk about why true detoxing isn't about taking things away, how cultured foods support the liver, immune system, and microbiome, and why foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, kefir soda, and cultured vegetables are support foods, not quick fixes. If you're ready to begin the year feeling better in your body — without pressure or extremes — this episode is for you. Episode link: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/podcast/episode-341-why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/ Link(s) I talked about: Article: https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-heal-your-gut/ My Story Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbX9Nv9OtGM Check out these other links: My Story Video: https://youtu.be/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

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Discover how to make and serve delicious probiotic foods and improve your overall health with Donna Schwenk. In her weekly radio show "Cultured Food Life" (new episodes every Tuesday), Donna will de-mystify different probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha, and cultured vegetables, and share how to add these foods into your diet. As a teacher and writer, Donna works with thousands of people to open the door to a world of foods that can help improve an array of health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and IBS. In her down-to-earth and informative style, Donna will walk you through the basic preparation techniques and teach you how to make these delicious probiotic recipes at home. You can find out all about Donna on her web site https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Schwenk
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    349
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018 Cultured Food Life. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Cultured Food Life

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