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.
Broad Benefits
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!
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by Victoria (Toronto, Canada) on 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!
Lowers Blood Sugar
Posted by RSW (OH) on 05/19/2021
★★★★★
I also consumed the homemade milk kefir for a few years, as advised by a poster named P. Raghavan. I ordered the grains on the internet from a reputable seller. While I wanted the probiotics, I did it as an experiment, also, to see if it reduced sugar for a relative with Type 11 diabetes. My usual blood sugar is about 99, but by using the keifer for several years, eventually brought it down to 82. My daughter informed me that it may be too low, so I stopped taking it. My blood sugar is about 99 again. I, too, had a hard time with the taste, but found it better when mixed with blueberries.
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
Posted by June Rose (Leeds Uk) on 06/14/2020
★★★★★
I made the Ginger Ale Kefir, thanks for recipe, it is really good, and I drink it often.
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 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
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Tim (Georgia) on 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.
Kefir Side Effects
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?
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Nandarani (Honolulu) on 09/17/2017
Hello Deirdre... You probably have made many more discoveries since writing in 2010 all valuable. At least now you know if you ever have trouble getting to sleep what to do... and the rest of us have more proof of it if we use it for that which am just beginning to do. If anyone can ever find book(s) by someone who wrote under the name Gurudas and was published by Pegasus Products get the book - there are details in it that go far beyond what usually we find - the foods you mention, for example - all the esoteric values of them. Have the flower essences book myself - which contains fruits and foods which bear resemblance to their flowers in terms of properties - spiritual, physical, and mental. There is a Spiritual Properties of Herbs book, and two volumes of gem and mineral information - have read them all and signatures having to do with properties and effects are all over. Celery is one: note the stringiness of it which relates to nerves - which it calms.
General Feedback
Posted by Nandarani~nancy (Honolulu) on 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....
General Feedback
Posted by Elena (New Zealand ) on 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
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by Elena (New Zealand) on 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
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
Posted by Elena (New Zealand) on 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
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 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.
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by Herbal (Ontario, Canada) on 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.
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Robert (California) on 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.
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Id (Idaho) on 05/31/2017
Do you think water kefir would work as well? Did you start with particular brand? thanks!
Yogurt
Posted by Gert (Tenn) on 04/07/2017
★★★★★
I like the thought of using kefir milk to make yogurt. My homemade kefir, even after a second ferment, is just not a taste I like. Also, my dh doesn't like the 'mess' it makes with it fermenting, straining, etc. I like homemade yogurt and, if this is really a good idea, then I'll make a batch of kefir milk, use it to make yogurt and then just keep using my yogurt to keep it going. I don't know if there is any science showing that the kefir bacteria/yeast/etc can grow in the yogurt process thereby making the yogurt more healthy. I like kefir because it can repopulate the gut and yogurt cannot. Can anyone give me a reason not to do this? If you have done it, can you tell any difference between regular yogurt and kefir yogurt? I use yogurt like sour cream on my oatmeal in the morning, wierd but a taste I like.
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?
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Helder Costa (Rio De Janeiro) on 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."
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by Ecwannabe71 (Ohio ) on 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.
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 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.
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by Bibi (Bronx) on 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.)
Increased Life Expectancy
Posted by P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 08/15/2016
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.
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Jasmine (Philippines) on 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?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 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 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
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 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~
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Anon (Usa) on 07/28/2015
Have you ever considered Colostrum for your leaky gut?
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Connie (Meridian, Idaho) on 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
Adrenal Fatigue
Posted by Frank (Perth, Western Australia) on 07/22/2015
★★★★★
If in the right environment (good quality milk) Kefir grows endlessly. I do not waste the grains ever. I share or eat them. Many years ago the medications I was given caused me chronic Gastritis. Bleeding at both ends etc. No medications helped. Drinking Kefir helped, made me feel better, but didn't cure, until I started eating the grains. Nearly immediately I started to get better and better. By eating Kefir nearly on every day basis I maintain this condition. As I mentioned above, that was 25 yrs ago. I am also using Kefir "very successfully" to treat chronic folliculitis. It brings down the inflammation, reducing itchiness. Everything starts in our digestive system. Kefir and all the goodies in it keeps me in a tip top condition. Prevention is the best cure. I drink it every day. I can mix it with oats/muesly add ice cream, honey, banana and this is my breakfast/dinner, or drink it plain. Finally my wife started eating it as well. Olle! Kefir is my "Doctor Everything", by using Kefir you make THE DOCTORS UNEMPLOYED.
Adrenal Fatigue
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. :)
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 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.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 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.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 12/22/2014
Real kefir WON'T give you what you call side effects.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
Posted by Anonymous (Usa) on 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!
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford) on 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.
Yogurt
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc) on 11/11/2014
★★★★★
Good news. I made my yogurt with about 1/4 kefir milk added to the yogurt mix before going into the yogurt maker. 20 hours latter the yogurt was thickened and I had yogurt that was 400 to 800 times more probiotic bacteria than plain yogurt, plus about 10 times the bacteria strains. The yogurt is vinegary tasting so next time I will us 1/2 the kefir milk. So this means that for those who don't like the taste of kefir can eat yogurt and get all there probiotics since yogurt is easy to make. Next I have plans to make kefir cream cheese and kefir ice yogurt.
Yogurt
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc) on 11/06/2014
I have an idea that I want to try and wonder if anyone else has tried this. My plan is to make my milk kefir and while it is still room temperature make yogurt and add the kefir to the mix before putting it into the yogurt maker. This if it works will give the yogurt all the bacteria of kefir, 20 some strains of bacteria instead of just the 3 strains of bacteria of yogurt. For those who don't know about bacteria, the probiotic pills you buy have 15 - 50 billion cultures of bacteria, yogurt has 100 times more and kefir has 400 times more. A lot of people don't like kefir so if growing it in yogurt makes it taste better then this will make it easyer for them to get the benefits.
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford) on 11/06/2014
I have been using the milk kefir grains in the water ginger ale for a couple months.
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
Posted by Jr (Michigan, Us) on 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?
How to Make Ginger Ale Kefir
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.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
Posted by Tochukwu (London) on 04/28/2014
What do mean by 80/10/10? You didn't explain it very well.
General Feedback
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford Bc Canada) on 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.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 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.
Energy, Digestion, Eye Puffiness
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.
Kefir Tips
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 11/10/2013
★★★★★
Planky: I make kefir everyday from organic whole dried cane juice, called sucanet or rapadura, and organic buckwheat flour. If you use white sugar you have to add some blackstrap molasses for nutrients. You probably got kefir grains that were dormant. It takes around 4 days for them to fully wake up. Put 30g sugar in a pint of water. Wait 24 hours. Taste. When slightly sour add another 30g. Repeat this proceedure. When the kefir is fully awake the water gets vinegry instead of slightly sour. Drink. Start the next batch with 4oz. from the previous batch. Bubbles rising to the surface show that the kefir is fermenting. After the kefir grains wake up you can make more than 1 pint. I make a gallon per day. You have to feed them 30g sugar per pint.
Kefir Tips
Posted by Planky (New York, United States) on 11/09/2013 7 posts
I bought water Kefir grain on ebay and instructions were not clear. Put it in sugared water and waited 36 hours and still looks like colored water. What should I do?
Kefir Tips
Posted by Ozmel (Melbourne, Australia) on 11/08/2013
★★★★★
Hello everyone, the kefir consumers,
I have been consuming kefir for the last 6 months. It really has done wonders for me for my bowel.
Please do not use metal utensils when dealing with kefir. It spoils in time. Instead of the benefits you will see ill effects. Metal containers, spoons, strainers and any other metal utensil will destroy your kefir. Wooden, glass and plastic utensils are the ones to use. You will see your kefir grow healthy and you will also take pleasure by sharing it with your friends.
Happy kefir making to all.
Ozmel.
Kefir Tips
Posted by Frank (Perth/mindarie, W/australia) on 06/14/2013
★★★★★
Kefir is my GOD. I use it already on and off for over 25 yrs. I use it for many internal/external problems. Kefir lives/grows "only on full cream milk". I use it as a milk tester. If it doesn't ferment the milk, I know the product might be marketed as milk, but according to my very reliable expert "Kefir", the fluid I bought as milk is only some overpriced coloured water. I did experiment with just about any milk on the market (soy included). It will probably ferment some of the not so good milk as well, but it wouldn't grow on it.
The growth factor of my Kefir is an indicator for the quality of milk. If the culture/Kefir grows like crazy, I know I bought a top quality milk. If after the fermentation I am being left with some murky fluid, I wouldn't touch it at all. Treat Kefir as you would treat any food product! It can go off. If it goes off it still doesn't mean it is dead! Strain it and add fresh milk. Repeat the process a number of times. If the Kefir responds and grows, it will revive itself and can be used again with no problem at all. As long as one follows the simple rules of the Kefir cultivation, I never ever met anyone who ever developed or had any health problems or complications caused by Kefir, maybe with stupidity. (There are always some odd ones, mainly because their body just doesn't respond to anything any longer. THE BODY'S NATURAL RESPONS/COMMUNICATION IS ALREADY IRREVERSIBLY DAMAGED BY DRUGS/MEDICATIONS, therefore gives misleading info.)
Kefir should be kept in a dark place, maybe in a glass jar, with the lid lose. Fermentation needs oxygen. Kefir lives preferably on full cream milk. Any type of milk can be used, but the growth and the quality of the culture/Kefir is always an indicator! Time for the fermentation depends on the amount of Kefir, the amount of milk, and the temperature. Fridge isn't a good place. Cold slows down the growth/fermentation. May even kill the culture/Kefir, just like heat can. The best quality you've achieved when the milk is fermented and lightly thickened all the way through. If it separates, you are being left with a level of conglomerate/waterish liquid, and thickened Kefir, smells acid and not pleasant (light lemonish, sourcream smell), you left it too long. Can be used maybe for another condition, but most of the time it is an indication it is off. You left it too long. I definitely wouldn't drink it, or wouldn't offer it to my friends. In my experience the best time is around 18-24 hrs. Again the amount of milk, the amount of Kefir and the temperature, plays an important role. Make sure the Kefir you use is Kefir and not something else. People in Health Food stores should have the knowledge to give you the proper information. Although there is a problem! It grows endlessly, therefore "THANKS GOD" nobody can make any real profit out of it. The legend says it was given to the Muslims by their GOD. A more reliable version says! It originates from the Caucasus in Russia, where the mountain people used to carry their goats milk down to the villages and on the way back the grains they bought down there in exchange for their milk. The two things started to germinate creating the culture called Kefir. Good luck!
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Pam (Springdale, Ar 72762 Usa) on 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.
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Cz (Winchester, Va) on 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.
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.
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by M.chris (Dallas, Texas) on 09/29/2012
I am not lactose intolerant, but kefir give diarrhea, but I can eat butter, youghurt, cheese, milk. I love kefir.
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Susan (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 05/23/2012
I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome a few years ago and I was taking medication for it and they said I was going to have to be on the medication for the rest of my life but when I started drinking the kefir I dont have any side effects from it and I have been drinking it for months. In fact, it totally lowered my blood pressure and it is even getting rid of my pcos and my cysts.
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
Kefir Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Atlanta, Ga) on 12/28/2011
Deirdre, The brain fog you experienced from kefir is what Donna Gates, author of the Body Ecology Diet, states comes from an over growth of yeast (candidiasis). Check out her website at www.bodyecology.com - her diet has changed my quality of life by giving me good health back & now I drink kefir without the brain fog symptoms.
