In a nutshell, Kefir is a fermented milk product full of friendly yeast and bacteria that is so good for your gut. The word Kefir comes from the Turkish word, Kief, which means,” Good Feeling.
Wow! now that is something we all want, not only for us but also for our families, right? I know I do!
So let’s take a deeper look at what Kefir is and what Kefir does
As I mentioned before, Kefir is a fermented milk product, and possibly you immediately think of yogurt. Yes, it is somewhat like yogurt, but it has way more Probiotics than yogurt does. Yogurt only helps to clean the colon and provides food for the existing microbes that are in your gut, whereas Kefir actually grows new friendly bacteria and yeast in your gut. It is loaded and that is why I’m so excited about it! It is one of the most potent Probiotic foods available.
Pro, means for life. Anti means against life. How many rounds of antibiotics have you had? Did you know… every time you take a round of antibiotics you not only kill the bad bacteria, but you also kill the good bacteria in your gut?
Yes, that’s right! You have both good and bad bacteria in your gut and depending on which one is thriving will show up in your health. The bad will thrive if you eat sugar, unfermented grains, and processed foods. Once you stop eating these foods, the good bacteria can thrive!
That is what I ask my kids a lot when it comes to food, “Does it feed the good guys or the bad guys?'“
Most people in America have a much greater percentage of bad bacteria in their gut, while people who drink Homemade Kefir have a greater percentage of good bacteria in their gut.
You may have noticed how I threw the word Homemade in there. That is because store-bought Kefir is very unlike homemade. Lots of times the store-bought Kefir is pasteurized after it is fermented, totally killing off any good bacteria. It may also contain sugar. Homemade Kefir is as alive and kicking as food comes!! My kind of food!
Can lactose-intolerant folks drink Kefir?
Absolutely! The Kefir grains break down the lactose in the milk making it one of the easiest of foods to digest. Many people have healed their gut of irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and leaky gut by incorporating Kefir into their diet.
Allergies and asthma
Kefir is very effective for allergy and asthma symptoms. Your immune system, the most important part of your body, is in your intestines. That’s where the probiotics need to do their work. So many people are experiencing allergic reactions to certain foods and substances. People with overly sensitive immune systems are more prone to allergies which can provoke conditions such as asthma.
Kefir has potent antibacterial properties. These Probiotics inhibit the growth of various harmful bacteria such as salmonella and e coli.
Osteoporosis
This is for the older folks, or before you get there! Kefir will also improve your bone health and lower the risk of osteoporosis. Full fat Kefir has plenty of calcium, but what’s more important is, that it has vitamin k2. This vitamin k2 helps calcium metabolize to get into the bones to prevent fracture and keep your bones strong.
I could go on and on, about preventing cancer, all the minerals it has, how it produces the happy hormone in your gut, and kills candida…. All in all, it is so good for your gut where your immune system is and that in turn helps you feel good!
Since introducing Kefir into our family’s diet in late November we have seen a tremendous improvement in our resistance to the flu and colds. For once our colds have been only slight. No coughing our insides out, no fevers, aching bones, or headaches, and no stomach bugs! But most important of all, no croup! Our 2 youngest have scared me so often with croup! Other winters they would’ve had it at least 2 times by now. This is now mid-February, so we still have March to go through…
A Word of Caution
Having said all that, I want to add a word of caution. As with anything, always start out slow when trying something new. I had always thought that going the fermented route is the answer for all of humanity’s health ailments! I have learned otherwise.
I have learned about histamine intolerance. Everyone has histamine in their gut, but not all people’s gut absorbs it properly and thus they get a histamine overload. Histamine is found in all fermented foods, molds, etc. and thus when a person has histamine intolerance he will have a reaction when ingesting fermented foods.
Where do I get Kefir Grains?
Look no further! Since I make 2 gallons a day we have plenty of grains right here.
Check out the video below. As you will see, it is very simple to make, but it takes commitment. I make 2 gallons a day, but if you want to take a break simply put your grains in a jar, cover them with milk, and set it in your fridge. They will simply go to sleep, but shouldn’t die. If you keep them in the fridge for more than 2 weeks, strain out the grains and refresh with fresh milk.
Kefir grains are very prolific. When you make a fresh batch daily they will multiply rapidly.
Do not use metal bowls or utensils as the kefir does leach metal.
So take a look and may good health be yours!
Blessings, Louise
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