Healing From the Inside Out: My Journey with Sourdough

Healing From the Inside Out: My Journey with Sourdough

Blog by: Heather Martin – Something Sourdough Co

Healing from the Inside Out

There was a time when I barely recognized myself. At over 230 pounds, struggling with my health, and recently diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), I felt trapped in a cycle of poor eating habits, exhaustion, and frustration. As a mother of two at the time, I knew I had to make a change—not just for myself, but for my family. That day, I made a promise: I would take control of my health, heal my body from the inside out, and break free from the processed foods that had ruled my diet for so long.

Little did I know, the answer would come in the form of something ancient, simple, and powerful—sourdough!

My Journey with Sourdough

The Wake Up Call

My NAFLD diagnosis wasn’t just a wake-up call—it was a full-blown alarm. I had spent years eating ultra-processed foods, relying on quick meals, and neglecting what my body truly needed. I felt sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable in my own skin. But beyond the physical toll, I was scared. I knew that if I didn’t make drastic changes, my health would continue to decline, and that wasn’t an option.

I began researching gut health, whole foods, and natural ways to support my body’s healing process. One thing kept coming up—fermentation. The more I learned about the benefits of long-fermented sourdough, the more I became fascinated. Unlike commercial bread, which is packed with preservatives and processed ingredients, sourdough undergoes a natural fermentation process that breaks down gluten, reduces phytic acid, and makes nutrients more bioavailable. It wasn’t just bread—it was a living, healing food.

My First Loaf

 

Determined to make changes, I decided to try making my own sourdough. I remember the moment I mixed flour and water together for my first starter, watching it bubble and come to life over the next few days. It felt like a small but powerful step toward something bigger.

That first loaf wasn’t perfect. In fact, it was far from it. But the process of making it—the patience, the connection to real food, the act of creating something with my own hands—was transformative. With every bake, I felt more empowered. Sourdough became more than just a staple in our home; it became a symbol of the change I was making in my life.

Losing 100 Pounds in 10 Months

As I cut out processed foods and focused on nourishing my body with real, whole ingredients, I started to see changes. The bloating disappeared, my energy levels skyrocketed, and the weight started coming off—fast. I wasn’t starving myself or following some fad diet. I was simply fueling my body the way it was meant to be fueled. 

I lost 100 pounds in 10 months, but more importantly, I regained my health. My NAFLD improved, my mindset shifted, and I felt stronger than I had in years. It was never about being a certain size—it was about feeling alive again.

From Porch Pickups to Farmers Markets

 

As I shared my sourdough journey with friends and family, people started asking if they could buy a loaf. What started as a personal health transformation quickly turned into something more. I began baking extra and offering porch pickups, thinking it would just be a small side hobby.

But demand kept growing. More and more people wanted long-fermented sourdough, not just for its incredible flavor but for the health benefits that came with it. Before I knew it, I was baking full-time, and Something Sourdough Co. was born.

Now, we’re selling at two farmers markets every weekend, offering not just bread but cookies, cinnamon rolls, pizza dough, and more—all naturally fermented with wild yeast. Every bake is a labor of love, a reflection of the journey that brought me here, and a way to share the healing power of sourdough with our community.
Eat for Your Future Self, Not Your Current Self
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s that the choices we make today shape our future. Every meal, every ingredient, every bite—it all adds up.

I chose to eat for my future self, and it changed everything. Now, I get to help others do the same.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of unhealthy eating, know this: it’s never too late to change. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Just start with one step.

Maybe that step is choosing whole foods over processed ones. Maybe it’s learning to cook from scratch. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s baking your first loaf of sourdough.
Wherever you are on your journey, I hope you know that healing is possible. Your future self is waiting.

And if you ever need a good loaf of sourdough to get you started, well, I know just the place.

The Difference Between Real Sourdough vs Store-Bought “Sourdough”

Not all sourdough bread is created equal. Many store-bought loaves labeled as “sourdough” are not truly fermented but instead use commercial yeast with added sour flavoring. To reap the digestive benefits of real sourdough, it’s important to look for bread that is:

  • Made with a natural starter (wild yeast and bacteria)
  • Fermented for at least 12-24 hours at minimum
  • Free from commercial yeast, preservatives, and additives

If you’re unsure whether a store-bought sourdough is the real deal, check the ingredient list. A proper sourdough should only contain flour, water, salt, and starter no added yeast or unnecessary ingredients.

Sourdough isn’t just delicious it’s also one of the most digestible forms of bread available. Thanks to its natural fermentation process, it:

  • Breaks down gluten for easier digestion
  • Reduces phytic acid to enhance nutrient absorption
  • Supports gut health with prebiotic properties
  • Stabilizes blood sugar levels for sustained energy
  • Minimizes bloating and digestive discomfort

For those looking to improve digestion without giving up bread, real sourdough is a fantastic choice. Whether you buy from a trusted artisan baker or make it yourself, choosing long-fermented sourdough over conventional bread can have lasting benefits for your gut and overall health.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of real sourdough, why not try a fresh loaf from Something Sourdough Co…
We bake with love, tradition, and a commitment to gut-friendly goodness.

What’s Your Sourdough Story?
Have you noticed a difference in digestion since switching to sourdough? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn More…

Healing From the Inside Out: My Journey with Sourdough

Blog by: Heather Martin – Something Sourdough CoHealing from the Inside Out There was a time when I barely recognized myself. At over 230 pounds, struggling with my health, and recently diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), I felt trapped in a...

Why Sourdough is Better for Digestion

TheScience Behind Sourdough bread has been enjoyed for thousands of years, long before commercial yeast became widely available. Beyond its deep flavor and rustic charm, sourdough has gained attention for its unique health benefits especially when it comes to...

Hours:

Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday: 10am - 2pm

Locations:

Saturday: Just Pots Market
Redland Rd at 1604
Sunday: Shavano Market
NW Military Rd at DeZavala

Why Sourdough is Better for Digestion

Why Sourdough is Better for Digestion

The

Science Behind

Sourdough bread has been enjoyed for thousands of years, long before commercial yeast became widely available. Beyond its deep flavor and rustic charm, sourdough has gained attention for its unique health benefits especially when it comes to digestion. Unlike conventional breads made with commercial yeast and refined flours, sourdough undergoes a slow fermentation process that enhances its nutritional profile and makes it easier on the digestive system.

At the heart of…

Sourdough‘s digestive benefits is its fermentation process. Traditional sourdough is made using a starter culture. A mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria from the environment. These microorganisms work together to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and other components of the flour, making the final bread easier to digest.

How Fermentation Works:

• Breaks down gluten: The wild yeast and bacteria in a sourdough starter help pre-digest gluten, the protein in wheat that can be difficult for some people to tolerate.
• Reduces phytic acid: Fermentation neutralizes phytic acid, an anti-nutrient found in grains that can inhibit mineral absorption.
• Produces beneficial acids: Lactic acid bacteria create organic acids that improve the bioavailability of nutrients and slow digestion, leading to more stable blood sugar levels.

Because of these natural transformations, sourdough is often gentler on the stomach compared to commercially processed breads.

Sourdough and Gluten Sensitivity:

While sourdough is not gluten-free, its fermentation process can make it a better choice for those who have difficulty digesting conventional wheat bread.

Why Sourdough May Be Easier to Digest for Gluten-Sensitive Individuals:

• Gluten breakdown: The extended fermentation process allows bacteria and yeast to partially break down gluten proteins, reducing the amount of intact gluten in the final loaf.
• Less bloating and discomfort: Some people with mild gluten sensitivity report fewer digestive issues when eating properly fermented sourdough.
• Lower FODMAP content: Sourdough fermentation can break down certain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that contribute to bloating and digestive distress, making it a good option for those with IBS.

That said, sourdough is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease, as it still contains gluten. However, for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, sourdough can be a more digestible alternative.

Gut Health Benefits: The Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics:

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. While sourdough itself doesn‘t contain live probiotics (since the heat of baking kills the bacteria), it does act as a prebiotic. A type of fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

How Sourdough Supports Gut Health:

• Prebiotic-rich: The fermentation process increases resistant starch and prebiotic content, which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Easier digestion of fiber: Sourdough fermentation partially breaks down the fiber in wheat, making it easier for the body to process.
• Lower levels of harmful compounds: Unlike commercial breads, sourdough does not contain added preservatives or artificial ingredients that can disrupt gut bacteria balance.

Because of these factors, sourdough can support a balanced gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall digestive health.

Sourdough and Blood Sugar Regulation:

 

Another major digestive advantage of sourdough is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Unlike white bread, which can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI), meaning it digests more slowly and leads to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Why Sourdough Helps Regulate Blood Sugar:

• Fermentation alters starch structure: The fermentation process transforms starches in flour, making them less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
• High in fiber: Whole grain sourdough contains more fiber than refined white bread, which slows down digestion and glucose absorption.
• Lactic acid slows sugar absorption: The acids produced during fermentation delay stomach emptying, resulting in a more stable energy release.

For individuals managing diabetes or insulin resistance, sourdough can be a better bread option compared to conventional processed bread.

The Difference Between Real Sourdough and Store-Bought “Sourdough”

Not all sourdough bread is created equal. Many store-bought loaves labeled as “sourdough” are not truly fermented but instead use commercial yeast with added sour flavoring. To reap the digestive benefits of real sourdough, it’s important to look for bread that is:

  • Made with a natural starter (wild yeast and bacteria)
  • Fermented for at least 12-24 hours at minimum
  • Free from commercial yeast, preservatives, and additives

If you’re unsure whether a store-bought sourdough is the real deal, check the ingredient list. A proper sourdough should only contain flour, water, salt, and starter no added yeast or unnecessary ingredients.

Sourdough isn’t just delicious it’s also one of the most digestible forms of bread available. Thanks to its natural fermentation process, it:

  • Breaks down gluten for easier digestion
  • Reduces phytic acid to enhance nutrient absorption
  • Supports gut health with prebiotic properties
  • Stabilizes blood sugar levels for sustained energy
  • Minimizes bloating and digestive discomfort

For those looking to improve digestion without giving up bread, real sourdough is a fantastic choice. Whether you buy from a trusted artisan baker or make it yourself, choosing long-fermented sourdough over conventional bread can have lasting benefits for your gut and overall health.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of real sourdough, why not try a fresh loaf from Something Sourdough Co…
We bake with love, tradition, and a commitment to gut-friendly goodness.

What’s Your Sourdough Story?
Have you noticed a difference in digestion since switching to sourdough? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn More…

Healing From the Inside Out: My Journey with Sourdough

Blog by: Heather Martin – Something Sourdough CoHealing from the Inside Out There was a time when I barely recognized myself. At over 230 pounds, struggling with my health, and recently diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), I felt trapped in a...

Why Sourdough is Better for Digestion

TheScience Behind Sourdough bread has been enjoyed for thousands of years, long before commercial yeast became widely available. Beyond its deep flavor and rustic charm, sourdough has gained attention for its unique health benefits especially when it comes to...

What’s Your Sourdough Story?
Have you noticed a difference in digestion since switching to sourdough?
Let us know in the comments below!

Hours:

Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday: 10am - 2pm

Locations:

Saturday: Just Pots Market
Redland Rd at 1604
Sunday: Shavano Market
NW Military Rd at DeZavala