Kefir: The Ancient Health Secret

1. Kefir is rich in vitamin K2

Kefir produces vitamin K2 as a by-product of its fermentation process that occurs because of kefir’s probiotic content. Low levels of vitamin K2 are linked (1) to all kinds of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, but getting optimal vitamin K2 levels mean a better chance at a longer, healthier life.

2. Kefir contains B vitamins

Your body uses B vitamins for many different important functions. Your brain and nerves need B vitamins to function properly, and optimal levels increase your energy and improve your mood, too. B vitamins are also the key players in a biochemical process called methylation, which is needed to help your body detox properly. Fortunately, kefir is a good source of multiple B vitamins.

3. Kefir has tryptophan

You know that sleepy, relaxed feeling you get after a big turkey dinner? That’s thanks to tryptophan. This amino acid is also found in kefir. No giant dinner required.

4. Kefir improves digestive health

Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1, a specific bacteria strain from the kefir grain culture, has been shown (2) to help in cases of colitis, by balancing the immune system and calming inflammation in the body. Research has also shown (3) that kefir improves lactose tolerance, and has a larger variety of beneficial probiotics than yogurt. It’s a better and more efficient way to help promote healthy digestion and microbiome health.

5. Kefir has anti-tumor properties

Step off, cancer! Kefir was shown in one study to reduce (4) tumor growth and increase the body’s ability to fight cancer.

6. Kefir reduces cholesterol and blood pressure

Kefiran, a unique sugar produced by kefir grains, was shown in a study (5) out of the UK to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

7. Kefir balances the whole immune system

Kefiran, the kefir sugar I just mentioned, also demonstrated the ability (6) to decrease allergic inflammation and calm the immune system. (Not all sugar is bad!)

By now you are convinced (I hope) that kefir is a great addition to a healthy diet….but which kefir should you get?

There are many varieties of kefir on the market today, and as with most mass-produced food items, many kefir brands are made to be low in fat and high in sugar, for mass appeal. Unfortunately, these alterations transform a healthy drink into an unhealthy one.

I advice always choosing a kefir drink without added sugar, which essentially cancels out kefir’s microbiome benefits. Also pass on the low-fat kefir because, as with any dairy, the bulk of the nutrients are found in the fat (this is why low-fat or non-fat dairy products have a bunch of synthetic nutrients added back in). I also suggest opting for grass-fed and organic kefir for higher levels of nutrients. Better yet, skip the store altogether and make your own kefir at home! You can purchase quality kefir grain cultures and kefir starter kits online. These come with simple instructions to DIY your kefir. It’s easy!

Also note that even though fermentation makes regular kefir tolerable for most people (including those who can’t eat dairy products), not everyone can or wants to consume dairy. You can use the kefir grains to make your own water kefir, coconut water kefir, or coconut milk kefir, all of which have benefits similar to the regular variety.

4 Ways To Incorporate Kefir Into Your Daily Life

1. Put it in your smoothies

Blend your kefir with berries, greens, and some ice for a yummy kefir smoothie.

2. Make it into popsicles

Freeze your kefir smoothie in a Popsicle mold for an icy treat that kids will enjoy. Keep in mind that the freezing may damage the beneficial bacteria, but the other health benefits will still be intact.

3. Use it for salad dressings

Any dressing recipe where you would use yogurt as an ingredient will be even better if you substitute kefir! (You probably won’t need to add as many other liquids such as water, since kefir is already thinner than yogurt.)

4. Make it into cheese

If you like cheese, try kefir cheese, which contains more beneficial probiotics than conventional cheese. Look for it in health food stores.

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe. 

Photo: Stocksy

Read Next: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome + It’s Relationship To Histamine Intolerance: A Functional Medicine Overview