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Kefir for Health: A Fermented Alternative to Yogurt

| Modified on Jul 23, 2024
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Kefir.
Kefir is a fermented dairy food much like yogurt that is traditionally enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries. It has built a popular following throughout the world because it offers many of the same benefits as yogurt--probiotics, healthy bacteria that aid digestion, and an easily digested source of nutrition. Kefir supporters claim that it is superior to yogurt in several ways, first in offering a greater number of beneficial strains of bacteria and also in being easily digestible even for those who are lactose intolerant.

You can create your own kefir naturally at home. All it takes is a kefir starter, rather like sourdough starter, added to any sort of milk. This mixture is allowed to ferment and is then strained to retain the starter, leaving the finished kefir behind.

Kefir's naturally occurring bacteria can bolster and rebalance the body's existing intestinal flora, helping us to get the most out of our dietary intake and promoting a healthy digestive system. Kefir is said to ease bowel movements and is reputed to be a major support to immune system health. It is a good source of B vitamins and is a complete protein source.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Adrenal Fatigue

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Posted by Deana (Knoxville, Tn) on 06/15/2015
 ★★★★★

Kefir! Kefir! HOMEMADE KEFIR! Can't say enough good about this hug-from-heaven-food! I was overrun with wild symptoms of adrenal fatigue and who knows what else (16 MD specialists could do nothing for me) and then I discovered homemade kefir.

I was so very ill few years ago that I had to quit my job teaching school while I prayed for answers to weird and debilitating symptoms from hives to heart palpitations to absolute fatigue. I am not exaggerating when I say that I put aside over $400 worth of supplements each month when I found kefir. Took about a cup or so a day for three weeks before I felt the changes. At first, felt rather unwell, but I know now that there was a "die-off" of so many bad guys living within and their waste and removal from my system led to this unwell sense for a week or two, then the sun broke through! Truly!

Kefir has so remarkably changed my world that I have actually started business teaching about this food and other cultured foods. Having a ball doing something so valuable, something most weary folks don't know exists. Let's spread the news!

God bless you all. Love Earth Clinic! I have learned so much from this amazing resource. So glad to share what I eventually found to be exactly what my frail body needed. Now, more energy than ever and absolutely med free!! When you understand how the microbes in kefir work in your digestive tract, you might be drinking it daily like this grateful gal. :)

Replied by Connie
(Meridian, Idaho)
07/28/2015

Hi, thank you for posting. I must know how to obtain kefir starter please...I have suffered so with leaky gut agony for nine years now and tried everything to no avail. Please tell me how do I get/find/make my own starter. Thank you, Connie

Replied by Anon
(Usa)
07/28/2015

Have you ever considered Colostrum for your leaky gut?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
07/28/2015

I was able to get milk kefir grains on ebay. They worked very well for me. I followed directions that I found online. Making it was easier than any description of the process, by the way.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Jasmine
(Philippines)
03/17/2016

What did you exactly feel the first 2 weeks of taking kefir? Did you feel more fatigue, sleepy, lethargic and seem like your symptoms got worse? Did you have fever?

Replied by Helder Costa
(Rio De Janeiro)
12/28/2016
★★★★★

Espetacular, magnifico o kefir. Curou-me varias enfermidades que me acompanhavam desde adolescência, como gastrite, colite ulcerativa diarreia e falta de absorção de vitaminas, minerais, enzimas e produção de hormônios a níveis ajustados.

EC: Google translation of above text:

"Spectacular, great kefir. It cured me of several illnesses that accompanied me since adolescence, such as gastritis, ulcerative colitis diarrhea and lack of absorption of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and production of hormones at adjusted levels."

Replied by Id
(Idaho)
05/31/2017

Do you think water kefir would work as well? Did you start with particular brand? thanks!

Replied by Robert
(California)
06/24/2017

I am going through the beginning stages now myself, This is about a week in and I have been sore everywhere. I have been feeling like ugh and I was saying this has to be the storm before the calm. Thank you for your comment, it was just what I needed to hear.

Replied by Sandy
(IL)
12/01/2022

Hello Mama to Many,

Do you think home made butter milk also will work in a same way as kefir? Butter milk is made with Yogurt and after adding some water and churning it.

Mama to Many
(TN)
12/03/2022

Dear Sandy,

It might. I think kefir has more probiotics than yogurt but I'm sure that depends on the quality of the kefir and the yogurt.

It would be with a try if that's more convenient!

~Mama to Many~

Broad Benefits

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Posted by Ruthie (Largo, FL) on 05/27/2022
 ★★★★★

My husband has made homemade milk kefir for about 4 years now and we are both benefiting from it greatly. I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus after many problems and an endoscopy. I started the kefir and went back 2 years later for a follow up endoscopy and they did biopsy's. They found no evidence of the Barrett's that time. I'm due again in the fall for a follow up and I'm hopeful they will not find Barrett's again.

My husband has always had many polyps when he has his colonoscopy. He had 13 one time and several were cancerous. He started the kefir, and 3 years later he only had 4 polyps. His doctor told him to keep drinking the kefir.

I get through the taste by making mine into a fruit smoothie. I put frozen red cherries, blueberries and every now and then add a few slices of frozen banana. Blend it in my nutribullet and enjoy!

*Note My husband has used regular whole milk to make his kefir but we are about to try the organic 2% milk. Hopefully with it being ultra pasteurized it will still process. Also, I drink a 1/2 quart in the morning and he drinks a 1/2 quart in the morning and 1/2 quart at night. Try it!

Broad Benefits
Posted by Amit (Delhi, India) on 10/19/2015
 ★★★★★

Hello All

Lowering of blood pressure is the first thing that happened to me after the very first consumption of home made milk kefir( 30 -40 ML). It has a sedative like effect, maybe thats what people are calling brain fog...( actually I experience a kind of sleepyness which goes away after 20-30 minutes). But the blood pressure remains lowered for a long time. This is very good for someone like me who has high blood pressure. I almost dont feel the need for my BP meds but I stay on them to be on the safer side.

Once the sleepyness goes away, the head clears up and feels sharper and more alert.

The skin look and feels better.

My Breathing is better.

(Initially after taking kefir, my sinuses started clearing , a lot of mucous came out. for a couple of days.)

Another good effect of the milk kefir which I observed upon myself was that my acid reflux was GONE! This happened inside 2 days. I have a feeling that taking too much of kefir brings back some acidity. So now I just take about 5-6 tea spoons at a time(1 mouth full).twice in a day and give a break of 1 -2 days after every 5-6 days.

I would recommend taking the milk kefir fresh and directly after straining the seeds/grains. It did not seem so potent when I had it after keeping it in the fridge.So if I want to have it after an hour, I cover it and let it sit in tumbler at room temp.

incidentally the kefir I make comes via a "milk kefir "culture I bought from someone who got it from Australia.

I would recommend Milk Kefir. I think its heart friendly too.Its definitely lowered my Blood pressure.

Google> Dom Kefir to go to Dom's site. A load of Info there on Kefir.

Warm regards ,

Amit Nayar

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
10/20/2015

Dear Amit,

Thank you for sharing your kefir story!

I love milk kefir. I found it interesting that it lowered your blood pressure. I thought I would mention, for those who do have low blood pressure, that I tend towards low blood pressure (90/60) but have never had trouble with it lowering my pressure further. Perhaps kefir, like many natural remedies, has a normalizing effect.

I will have to pay attention to whether or not the most fresh kefir seems more effective. A very interesting observation.

~Mama to Many~

Broad Benefits
Posted by Lynn (Racine, Wi) on 08/04/2011
 ★★★★★

I am an avid fan of kefir and have been drinking it for almost a year now. I grow so many grains that I have been able to start over 20 people on it. They are starting to call me the kefir lady. We have gotten great results on it in our family. My 11 year old twin daughter has Type 1 Diabetes and getting great results with blood sugars. It is as though her body is trying to work, We also have celiac disease in our family and it soothes the gut and helped heal the gut. We havent gotten sick on this except for mild detoxifying My twenty year old daughter had mrsa and had great results on a natural supplement with no scarring or reaccuring bouts it was scabbed over in a week to the doctors amazement. She did not take kefir but I wanted that info for the mrsa patients.

All I can say is that kefir is part of our daily healthy living along with supplements and all natural antibiotics. Lynn

Broad Benefits
Posted by Dawn (Holland, NY) on 03/23/2007
 ★★★★★

Kefir is great for lots of things. I've been using it to help my daughter's LGS. It helps you lose weight, detoxes your liver, restore intestinal flora, allergies, and so much more. It coats your intestines and helps your body break down foods. I drink 2 C a day. If you are just trying it out you might want to start with 2 oz a day and slowly increase it. I wouldn't recommend the store bought kind in the US. It only has 4 different bacteria in it. If you make your own Kefir it was over 30 things that are great for you. Plus if you are lactose intolerant, you can handle Kefir.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Emilia (Vancouver, Canada) on 02/13/2007
 ★★★★★

I am using kefir (fermented drink) for a long time. I am making it by myself. From the country where I am coming (Macedonia) it is very a popular drink and considered very healthy. But also you can find it in the healthy stores. It helps with constipation, regenerates intestinal flora. It is very good for the skin. When you apply on the face before going to bed, after few days you will notice the results. Clean and more firm skin. Looking very youthful.

Candida

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Posted by David (Terry, MS) on 12/22/2007
 ★★★★★

I managed to give myself a yeast infection with an overzealous attempt at home-brewed root beer. I don't know how serious this sort of infection is, but I finished it off by drinking lots of water and lots of a cultured yogurt product called kefir. The idea was to flush the yeast, dead or alive, out of the gastrointestinal system and replace/combat it with the bacteria in the cultured kefir drink.

Digestion, Candida

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Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm) on 08/24/2010
 ★★★★★

If anyone is battling candida or any digestive problems for that matter, research KEFIR. I drink it daily and it has helped me tremendeously. It is good for lots of ailments and there is a ton of information on the internet. Just google Kefir Benefits. Oh yes, you can buy kefir grains to make your own kefir on ebay. Get the Caucasus grains. I like them better. Carolyn

Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness

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Posted by Zahira (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) on 12/28/2013
 ★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I am using Kefir made from young coconut water. I tried it 2 or 3 months ago and stopped because of side effects. I have started it again and I am having the same side effects - dermititis or some fungal disease on my feet and herpes. Last time my sleep was also disturbed. I take 20 to 30mls a day. Has anyone else had this result and will it pass? There have been good side effects as well - the puffiness around my eyes went, my bowel worked better and I had more energy (despite having herpes regularly which really drain me). Any feed back would be appreciated.

Replied by Mike 62
(Denver, Colorado)
12/28/2013

Zahira: I take 1 gallon home brewed water kefir daily. I get more energy than the 120g organic whole flour and organic whole cane sugar I put in. I believe kefir is the most potent of all remedies. The microbes change matter into gases that pulsate at very high energies. The nutrients are more active and available. You are experiencing a detox reaction. I am going to tell you what you must do to get well like me. I went through this myself so I understand this is not going to be a pleasant experience. For 24 hours eat raw organic fruit and raw honey, make green smoothies from organic baby leaves, and 0 fat. Dr. Doug Graham candida at naturalnews says the candida does not eat sugar in the presence of insulin when there is 0 fat. The lifespan of candida is measured in hours. Dieting is not an option because low levels of atp increase the diseased state according to Andrew Kims 3 blogs. Candida eats the sugar in the blood causing low blood sugar and chronic fatigue. Some of the candida dies and the rest hides behind biofilm makes spores and goes dormant waiting for some food. After 24 hours follow the 80/10/10 program. This nourishes the cells and creates an atmosphere where candida does not reawaken. Watch raw food for candida videos.

Replied by Tochukwu
(London)
04/28/2014

What do mean by 80/10/10? You didn't explain it very well.

Replied by Anonymous
(Usa)
12/22/2014

Gasses don't 'pulsate' at high 'energies.' This is your typical bla bla of people without any science education. If you experience problems then I would think twice before taking any of the replies seriously!

Replied by Sam
(Miami, FL)
12/22/2014

Real kefir WON'T give you what you call side effects.

Replied by Sam
(Miami, FL)
12/22/2014

80/10/10 can be googled and it is a ratio of carbs/fat/proteins which has been debunked. Paleo diet is now leading and is based on the latest research (Chris Masterjohn, ChrisKresser).

Don't blame Kefir for your symptoms.

Read about candida on "candida" page. https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/candida.html

You can't cure your symptoms unless you overhaul your lifestyle that includes not only diet.

General Feedback

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 04/19/2012

I have been using kefir for a few years but in the food matters one of the Dr. said milk kefir reacts with the fat and is not good, has anyone else heard of this? Lardiver

Replied by Lardiver
(Abbotsford Bc Canada)
01/11/2014

I have since found that this was not what the Dr in Food Matters was saying. I am still drinking my kefir and eating the grains. Not too many people like my milk kefir so I have a lot of grains, I keep them in the fridge and change them around now and then. I tried making water kefir but just couldn't get it to work, it did not taste good. some time I will try again.

Replied by Elena
(New Zealand)
07/10/2017

Kefir grains don't like fridge temperature. Low temperatures disturb the balance of yeast and bacteria in the grains. It is mainly yeast surviving and working after the fridge, that's why resulting kefir may be runny and yeasty. Other lactic and yoghurt making bacteria in the grains are affected and it may take some time for them to develop again. Kefir is generally thicker if made at higher temperature but may lack flavour, due to more yoghurt making bacteria and less yeast working.

Elena

Replied by Nandarani~nancy
(Honolulu)
09/17/2017

I know you will probably not see this but thanks for making me laugh! ;D I mean.... it's wonderful to read 'not many people like my grains' - because I guess I'm like you.... I try to give stuff and generate enthusiasm but it doesn't always work. Thanks again....

How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir

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Posted by Larry (Abbotsford, BC) on 09/15/2014

I found a recipe to make ginger ale kefir with milk grains used in water, mmmmgood.

Kefir grains, 2 quarts water, 2 large tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon tumeric, 1/4 lemon, 1/4 lime, 5 thin slices of ginger.

Let sit in dark spot 1 to 3 days.

Every one likes it even though they don't like the milk kefir.

Replied by Jr
(Michigan, Us)
09/16/2014

I thought I heard that you weren't supposed to use honey with Kefir because it would kill the grains? How many times can you use the kefir grains doing this?

Replied by Lardiver
(Abbotsford)
11/06/2014

I have been using the milk kefir grains in the water ginger ale for a couple months.

Replied by Lardiver
(Abbotsford)
12/11/2014

I have come up with a new way to use kefir, its like making greek yogurt but with kefir.

Use 3% milk to make the kefir, let sit for 2 days, strain off the kefir grains, pour kefir into a towel suspended in a container so the whay can drip off. ( not cheese cloth, to big of a weave ) let it sit on counter for 2 days, after 2 days you will have 1/4 kefir left and 3/4 whey, #1 with the kefir make whip cream by adding sugar and vanila extract, no need to beat, or #2 add salt to taste and spices to your taste to make cream cheese. great on crackers. you can find recipes to use the whey to make several things, I like lemon pie.

Replied by Elena
(New Zealand)
07/10/2017

The easiest way to drain kefir is to heat it up to around 35-40°C inside and then drain through the cheese cloth or muslin. It drains within a couple of hours, not days this way. I make fresh cheese (Tvorog) this way. All bacteria and enzymes are still intact at this temperature, Tvorog keeps fermenting in the fridge.

Elena

Replied by June Rose
(Leeds Uk)
06/14/2020
★★★★★

I made the Ginger Ale Kefir, thanks for recipe, it is really good, and I drink it often.

Replied by Wendy
(Sun City West, AZ)
06/16/2024

Please tell me know many kefir grains you use to make the gingerale????

Thanks,

Wendy

Cindy
(Illinois, USA)
06/19/2024
523 posts

It won't matter. Just use your next volume reducing excess grains. How many grains you use will simply alter the amount of time it takes. There is no "too many" or "not enough" when it comes to kefir grains. Although, I wouldn't use one grain in a jar full of ginger ale mix and expect good results.

If your kefir is healthy, you're probably already reducing on a regular schedule. Just start with that excess. If it develops overnight, so be it. If it takes more than 3 days, either use more next time or less of the ginger ale solution. The rest is up to you. For instance, I like my kefir super active so I'd adjust either the solution or the number of grains until I could get the taste I want in a rolling fermentation overnight but that certainly isn't necessary. The number of grains you use will simply affect the time it takes and you're going to be experimenting, anyway, to get it to the strength you most enjoy so I'd say to just go for it with your next batch of excess grains. OR simply take some grains from whatever you're using.

Or you could even start a separate batch of milk kefir and wait until you have the same amount of grains you're using for your regular kefir which would not only give you a reference point from which to start and an idea of how fermented you want it but also of how long it takes and the differences between the natures of the milk kefir grains and your new ginger ale grains.

You can't mess it up.

Increased Life Expectancy

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Posted by P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 08/15/2016

Editor's Choice

Kefir and Life Expectancy

During tenth century, some shepherds in Bulgaria accidentally discovered Kefir when they kept goat milk in their leather bags lined with goat's intestine. The probiotics in the goat's intestine multiplied in the stored goat milk. When they drank this fermented food, they felt healthier and energetic. They kept this information as secret. They supplied Kefir starter only to their friends and relatives on condition that they should not supply kefir starter to anyone else and also should not reveal its benefits to other people; otherwise, kefir will loose all its powers.

In the year 1905, Russian Government ordered its scientists to rediscover kefir. Russian scientists went to Bulgaria and rediscovered kefir. Then kefir production started in Russia. Russian doctors gave kefir to tuberculosis patients and people with intestine problems initially. According to the document available in the net " Home remedies that some people have said worked for them ", some people are still taking kefir to cure tuberculosis. Kefir contains about 30 probiotic strains whereas ordinary yogurt contains only 2 probiotic strains.

Russian microbiologist who won Noble Prize in the field of medicine (year 1908) " Ilya Mechnikov " did a study on kefir. He divided the population of Bulgaria into two groups:

1) Kefir consuming population

2) Non-kefir consuming population

He counted the number of people who were above the age 100 in each group. The number of people who were above the age of 100 per 10000 population in Kefir consuming population was very much higher than that of Non-kefir consuming population. His conclusion was kefir consumption increased life expectancy.

My own feeling is if a person takes one half of kefir in the morning on empty stomach for about 2 days in a week regularly, can expect his / her life expectancy to go up and will face less number of medical problems since a considerable number of diseases originate in the digestive system.

Best wishes P. Raghavan.

Replied by Bibi
(Bronx)
08/15/2016

P. Raghavan, you wrote, "If a person takes one half of kefir in the morning..."

A half of kefir? Do you mean a half cup? I take 4 ounces of dairy kefir daily for my ibs. I have done some research, but I don't think I ever heard of on an empty stomach. I'll have to try it that way and see if it makes a difference. I usually take it before bed (over 2 hours after my last food) so that I get the tryptophan. I also add turmeric paste to it before drinking. Not so very tasty, but I am blessed to be able to drink it down without actually tasting it.

For those who don't like the sourness, do a second ferment to mellow the taste. (Strain out the kefir grains, then cap the strained kefir milk tightly and let sit on the counter, unrefrigerated, for several hours. If it gets effervescent and you don't like the sparkle then just don't leave it so long. Mine is thick, creamy and not sour at all after 2 hours out like this. Then put in refrigerator.)

Victoria
(Toronto, Canada)
07/08/2021
★★★★★

I make goat milk Kefir everyday for the last 6 years. I have been using the same grains I got from a friend who has kept them going for many years. I like to second ferment it after pouring off the Kefir into a jar and using a piece of date or thin strip of lemon peel, leave it on the counter for a couple more hours. Chill. It is thicker (not like yogurt) creamy and slightly fizzy. It's called the champagne of yogurt! Totally delicious and mild. Enjoy!

Replied by P. Raghavan
(Virudhunagar, Tn, India)
08/17/2016

Bibi,

There is a typo error. It should read as " If a person takes one half cup of kefir in the morning ..." instead of " If a person takes one half of kefir in the morning ...". Sorry for this error.

Some probiotic strains in kefir may not survive in stomach acid. Stomach acid will not be there in the morning on empty stomach. If one takes kefir in the morning on empty stomach, the effectiveness of kefir will be high.

Best wishes. P. Raghavan.

Replied by Ecwannabe71
(Ohio)
08/23/2016

Don't quote me, but I thought I heard somewhere that natural death (as opposed to an accident) starts in the gut.

Replied by Herbal
(Ontario, Canada)
06/29/2017

Hello Mr. Raghavan,

I was reading on kefir, also started making it, and having it for week. While reading I came across this site and it was wonderful to read. I have a problem that somewhere within a day or two, I got a very bad pain in my back and it is still persisting. I took pain kill too, as it was difficult to breath..I think I started with a cup..I want to continue...Please if you can give some suggestions.

Replied by P. Raghavan
(Virudhunagar, Tn, India)
06/30/2017

Herbal,

You may be either allergic to kefir or have infection in the pain area. Find out the problem.

Best wishes,

P. Raghavan.

Replied by Elena
(New Zealand)
07/10/2017

If you use kefir itself, not the grains as a starter, inoculate milk with a small amount of kefir, then your next kefir will be milder in taste. Kefir made with the grains is actually a starter in the commercial setting, it may have too many bacteria and yeast.

If kefir is left on the bench to ferment more after it is ready (thickened) it will have a buildup of lactic and acetic acid which will eventually suppress the yeast and bacteria. Not really good to have too much acid.

Elena

Kefir Side Effects

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Posted by Tp (Knoxville, Tn) on 06/03/2018

I have been making and using kefir for about a month or so and like it drink 20oz or more a day, morning+night. I have recently been experiencing very loose stool and gas. I have high BP and type 2 diabetes. But I take metformen twice a day 1000m for it and stays around 100. For BP I take lisinopril, amlodipine, metaprolol, hydrochlolothiazide (! )

Could any of these with kefir be the source of the diarrhea?

Replied by Tim
(Georgia)
06/04/2018
21 posts

First you will to discontinue consuming kefire for a few days and see the result. Diabetes most often is cause of SIBO, so the main thing you must do is to reduce, even exclude all fats from your diet. It will stop your diarhea&gas immediately. Milk&all milky consist of sugar called galactosa, non -digestion of which, in your case, may lead to serious problems with liver, so as globuls of triglycerides( milky lipids). Make the changes in your diet only and you will avoid al troubles.

Wish you best.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
06/04/2018

Kefir should be started at a tolerable dose of 2 TBSP and then work your way up as your gut restores the enzymes gradually... I can tolerate two cups a day . No diarrhea

Replied by Anthony
(Oklahoma)
08/30/2023
1 posts

Interesting, I didn't know some people could get diarrhea from kefir. I've been making and drinking a half gallon a day after work for 8 months now with no side effects that I'm aware of other than it calms me and it's delicious. (Which is weird because I am not a sour food loving person, at all, but kefir really hits my satisfaction button) Oh one side effect if you want to call it that is I eat less but I'm assuming the half gallon of fermented milk is replacing about half my normal solid food intake. I'm 5'11" 45 yrs old 185 lb, a little soft around the middle but being a welder and moving steel around all day burns calories. I think my strength has increased because everything is easier to to at work, assuming due to the increased protein intake from the milk coupled with my normal job activities. my pants have loosened around the upper thigh and my belt is one notch tighter lately. Hope that adds to the conversation. Have a good day.

Joe
(BC, Canada)
07/22/2024

No kidding, kefir hit your satisfaction button! Drinking half a gallon a day! It has alcohol in it. The strength could be up to 2-3% by volume. The guys who like second fermentation kefir get even stronger alcohol beverage, could be up to 5%, like beer!

Alcohol in kefir is not the biggest problem though. Drinking kefir can cause SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), especially in the case of compromised/weak immune system. And that's the problem. When too many, those lactobacteria turn into pathogens. To avoid it, either reduce consumption of kefir, or using kefir grains make a small amount (~50-100 ml) of the "starter kefir", then put it with no kefir grain, just the kefir liquid, into a big batch (2-3 liters) of milk and stir. Let it get fermented as usual. This "derived" kefir will have lower bacterial load and virtually, no alcohol. It can be drunk in any quantities.

Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Mitchell B. (Nottingham, Uk) on 02/06/2017

Over the last couple of weeks I've been making kefir from organic whole milk, and enjoyed the results. I've also made some delicious kefir cream cheese. But I've found since having it that my appetite has shot through the roof, and especially a desire for sweet food. I've always had a good diet but have a tendency to put on weight. However, recently lost two stone in weight at Weight Watchers, so obviously do not want to put this back on through an overactive kefir driven appetite. When I stopped having the kefir my appetite returned to normal. Has anyone else experienced this?

Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Joy (Falls Church, Va) on 05/06/2013

Hi, I have been drinking milk kefir every morning for more than a week and I noticed that it makes me acidic. I have lots of saliva and betwen 3-5 am, I have to wake up because of acid reflux. I am vegan and do not do dairy, except kefir since I want to try it out. Has anyone experienced this? This morning I change the milk to soy instead of regular dairy.

Replied by Cz
(Winchester, Va)
05/22/2013

Soy is very dangerous for our health unless it is first fermented. You are a vegan and not used to dairy. Start with a small amount of kefir and build up. Being a vegan is also very dangerous for your health.

Replied by Pam
(Springdale, Ar 72762 Usa)
05/24/2013

Joy from falls, you need to drink water kefir not soy it is made with water and is wonderful contact me and I will tell you how pjaco (at) cox (dot) net.

Replied by Sam
(Miami, FL)
12/22/2014

Water kefir? Are you talking about kombucha? Kefir is made from milk, cow or goat. Goat kefir is available even at some Walmarts.

Stay away from any form of soy unless it is fermented.

Take everything you read with a grain of salt. GOOD, reputable sites to educate yourself, based on the LATEST research are

The Daily Lipid and Mercola.com. If some scientist or doctor makes sense, Dr. Mercola woould interview him. Period.


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