A doctor spoke about the benefits and harms of different types of brines

Brines are healthy vitamin drinks, not just a way of preparing vegetables. They can be both beneficial to health and harmful to the body. Gastroenterologist Alexandra Razarenova told Sputnik Radio in an interview on January 1.

"All types of brines contain electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining water-salt balance in the body. This is especially valuable after physical exertion or in hot conditions," she informed.

The specialist specified that because of the high content of electrolytes, brines are also a folk remedy for hangovers. They are able to help restore fluid levels and increase the level of the general message. Among other things, this drink can become part of a balanced daily diet because of the natural ingredients and the absence of artificial preservatives.

However, brines are dangerous for people with diabetes or peptic ulcers because of the excess sugar and vinegar. Beverages can also contain too much salt. This is worth considering for those people who suffer from hypertension, kidney disease or cardiovascular disease. But the brine from fermented vegetables is not dangerous, Razarenova noted.

"In this process, the vegetables are either placed in a brine solution or salt is added to the vegetables, causing the vegetables to release water, forming brine as a result of a natural process. As a result, we get not only a solution enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and trace elements, but also enzymes, live probiotic cultures", - said the gastroenterologist.

She also spoke about the fact that vinegar may not always be a dangerous additive. It can also have a positive effect on health.

"Brines with vinegar can be safe, if their use is moderate and there are no direct contraindications. However, people with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, GERD should refrain from such experiments, as vinegar can irritate the gastric mucosa and cause an exacerbation of the disease," - said Razarenova.

According to her, brines with vinegar are not medicinal remedies for all their positive qualities. In order to improve health, it is necessary to focus on a healthy diet, and these drinks should be used as a useful supplement.

Earlier, on December 13, the founder and scientific director of the network of clinics of immunorehabilitation, adaptive and preventive medicine Grand Clinic Olga Shuppo said that sauerkraut is rightly considered a folk superfood. This product is not only easily available, but it can be prepared at home without much effort. According to her, it is only about sauerkraut made through fermentation. During this process, microorganisms convert the sugars in the cabbage into lactic acid.