Kefir probiotic benefitsBy Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

What is kefir probiotic?

Kefir is a yogurt-like fermented milk that has a creamy and drinkable consistency. Its taste can be compared to that of buttermilk.

In Turkey, the term “Kefir” means feel good.

Produced by using grains (looks like clumps of cauliflower) that are used for fermentation of any kind of milk whether it is goat, cow, coconut, etc.

Rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins (B vitamins)

The homemade kefir usually has 35 strains of probiotics (good bacteria & yeast).

How does Kefir work? Kefir undergoes fermentation through the

use of kefir grains which are described to be yeast and bacteria clumped together. Also added are the casein (milk proteins) and sugars.

Unlike the probiotics in yogurt, the beneficial bacteria and yeasts contained in kefir are able to colonize the intestines.

The yeasts in kefir are able to fight off the pathogenic yeasts in the body. Meanwhile, the other yeasts and bacteria strains are able to kill the resistant pathogens by teaming up together to cleanse as well as fortify the intestinal tract.

Benefits of Kefir1. Improvement of digestive health

Kefir contains huge amounts of probiotics which are known to be beneficial in restoring the balance of intestinal microflora to prevent digestive tract problems such as diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and constipation.

Kefir has natural inhibitory factors which act on preventing bacterial growth. This can also be referred to as the “antibacterial effect”.

Cleanses the digestive tract by eliminating the toxic or pathogenic substances present in food.

Regulates colon function, metabolism and digestion

Benefits of Kefir2. Immune system booster

In a study featured in the June edition of BMC Immunology Journal, the effects of probiotic fermented milk were tested on the offspring of a nursing mice. They discovered that the fermented milk with probiotics can hugely affect the immune system status of the nursing mice mothers as well as their offsprings.

The immune system plays an important role in the resistance to diseases.

A study in 1995 has found out that kefir has a property which can fight off disease causing microorganism such as Salmonella.

Said to be effective in preventing and treating AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and herpes.

Benefits of Kefir3. Anti-inflammatory effect

In the Journal of Medicine and Food’s June edition, researchers used the carbohydrate fraction that was derived from kefir to determine its anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo by utilizing rats.

They found out that there was a significant reduction in rat paw edema as well as the trauma after kefir treatments as compared to the rats in the controlled group.

Benefits of Kefir4. Cancer fighter properties

Kefir has been discovered to contain Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This is a fatty acid naturally found in kefir as well as other ruminant products. Also, this has been found to have anti-cancer properties in in-vivo animal subjects and in-vitro cell culture systems.

In the July edition of BMC Cancer Journal, the researchers proved that CLA has anti-cancer activities effective on the human breast tissue since this fatty acid stops the apoptosis (programmed cell death).

According to some studies conducted in Japan, the animals fed with kefir had been shown to have slowed growth as well as reversal of different cancer types.

Benefits of Kefir5. Calming effects on the

nervous system

The dairy kefir has been discovered to contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which have been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system. Together with calcium and magnesium, tryptophan from kefir makes a very soothing and relaxing drink.

This property of kefir makes it a good choice for those who have difficulty in sleeping.

Benefits of Kefir6. Lowers blood sugar and

cholesterol levels

Kefir has lots of lactose and sugar-eating bacteria which positively affects those who are diagnosed with diabetes. As they munch the sugars at the intestines, the blood sugar is lowered as well. This goes the same in the case of cholesterol.

Benefits of Kefir7. Hair and skin enhancement properties

Kefir can also be considered as a beauty product since it can promote smoother hair and skin.

8. Weight loss properties Due to the fact that kefir contains lactose

eating bacteria, these probiotics prevent the body to store up excess glucose in the body. As a result, it aids in losing weight.

Benefits of Kefir9. Other benefitsKefir also aids in treating varieties

of health conditions such as:

Fungal infections Tubercolosis Eczema Hypertension Ulcer Depression Anxiety Osteoporosis

My Favorite Probiotic Kefir in all it’s forms is one of my favorite

probiotics, but in terms of commercial probiotics my favorite is Probacto.

Probacto is the best probiotic that I have ever run into. They use multiple strains and they are spore forming so they can last while not refrigerated. They do not use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones such as B. Subtilis.

Probacto also contains prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probacto contains digestive enzymes to assist with candida die-off

Probacto is enteric coated and made to be slow release so it will release in your gut gradually.

Conclusion Kefir as a probiotic has indeed numerous

beneficial effects to the human health. It is a great contribution to the field of medicine. With its incorporation to daily diet, it can positively have a huge effect on different health conditions which are oftentimes hard to resolve. However, more studies should be implemented in order to establish more accurate facts to ensure the beneficial properties that kefir has. Overall, trying kefir seems to be less harmful since it is a food product not a supplement nor a drug product.