immunesupport

WHY I STARTED DRINKING KEFIR

I struggled with digestive health most of my life, but I found it getting worse after college. …I’m sure all the beer I was drinking at the time did not help my issue, but I knew there was something else going on with my body. At this point of my life, I was busy trying to figure out my career, I was not getting an enough sleep, was eating out 80% of the week, and truely NOT paying any attention to my body. This, of course, led to some serious stomach issues! I tried to ignore my stomach pains and move on with my daily routine until it became tremendously worse. I started getting uncomfortable EVERY time I ate, no matter what I ate. I literally wasn’t able to go one single day without feeling horrible. (At this point I started feeling extremely self-conscious about my symptoms.) I then realized that this was a SERIOUS issue and that it could no long be ignored.

Note, I have always dealt with a lactose intolerance, so I had already avoided dairy, so that wasn’t the case. I then started taking certain things out of my diet like breads and grains, thinking I had Celiac Disease. It turns out, after testing, it was NOT diagnosed with Celiac Disease! Although I was relieved it wasn’t Celiac, I was not happy that there was still not an answer to my stomach problems. I knew I needed to find a solution, and find it fast! I ended up making another appointment with my regular doctor to see if there were any more tests that could run. After talking to her and explaining my symptoms and reviewing previous tests she then diagnosed me with IBS. At the time I had a general idea of what IBS was, but didn’t know what it all entailed. FYI- I would NEVER wish IBS upon anyone, it is not enjoyable. She then explained that I needed to change my diet (eating habits) drastically in order to feel better! She suggested that I eat more fruits, veggies and begin taking probiotics daily to help decrease my symptoms. She also informed me that I needed to take fried foods out of my diet (Of course I already knew that, but didn’t want to actually admit it because I LOVE fried food)! It just so happens that one of the Probiotics she suggested was Kefir!

Since my diagnoses, I have learned to maintain my symptoms with taking probiotics daily and being more conscious of the foods I put into my body. I am now to the point that I rarely have any stomach pains or issues. The rare times when I do encounter stomach issues from eating fried foods (dangit!).

Because of my stomach issues, I am a true believer in all probiotics! The truth of the matter was, my stomach couldn’t absorb the nutrients from my food because I didn’t have the proper bacteria balance in my stomach, because of the food I was eating.

Today, my stepson and I drink Kefir as well as take a probiotic vitamin daily to keep our tummy’s and immune systems regular.

—Everybody poops, so you might as well do it without any pain, right! This may be too much information for some, but it is the truth. The more aware we are of how our body’s function, the easier it is to properly take care of them. —

WHAT IS KEFIR

• Kefir is a fermented milk product that is cultured from kefir grains.
• It tastes like a drinkable yogurt. 
• Is one of the most probiotic rich foods and has incredible health benefits. —I feel it is a healthier and more powerful version of yogurt.
• It contains 30 different microorganisms (“good bacteria”).
• Its name derives from the Turkish word “Keif,” which means “good feeling.” —Which is EXACTLY how it makes me feel!
• Personally, I love the way Lifeway Kefir products taste and how accessible they are at my local grocery store. 
  • You can also make it homemade, in the form of milk or water.

THE ENDLESS BENEFITS OF KEFIR

• Probiotics
  • “Healthy bacteria” or “Superfoods” (Live microorganisms) 
  • One the most common probiotics found in Kefir is Lactobacillus kefiri, which can protect against harmful bacteria.
  • Support the Immune and Digestive System

• Filled with Nutrients
  • Calcium
  • Protein
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium
  • Biotin
  • Phosphorus 
  • Enzymes 
  • Vitamin K2

• Lactose-FREE!
  • Fermented milk products, like kefir, can help with lactose intolerance because when the lactose is fermented it turns into lactic acid.
  • Enzymes also help break down the lactose.

• Digestive Health
  • Probiotics in kefir help restore “good bacteria” in the stomach.
  • Live and active cultures are found in Kefir with help with digestion.
  • Kefir is highly effective in helping with all sorts of digestive issues, including IBS and Ulcers.

• Immune Support
  • 75% of our Immune System is housed in your digestive system.
    • So, next time you think about taking an antibiotic (which will kill all of the good bacteria) drink kefir instead.

• Healthy Weight
  • Kefir is high in protein, which reduces hunger cravings throughout the day.

• Improves Skin
  • Kefir contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is an ingredient in skin care products and can lead to a more clear complexion.

• Builds Bone Density
  • It is filled with Calcium and Vitamin K2, which have major bone health benefits.
  • Studies have shown that kefir benefits bone density and can reduce the risk of Osteoporosis. 

• Fights Allergies
  • Those with an over-sensitive immune system can especially benefit from kefir because it has been known to suppressed inflammatory responses related to allergens and asthma. 
    • Strong anti-inflammatory properties.

• Fights Cancer
  • There have been studies showing that the probiotics in kefir have been known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This then reduced carcinogens and stimulated the immune system.

If you would like to read more on any of the information I provided in this post please take a look at these fantastically informative sites:

Dr.Axe Food is Medicine

Authority Nutrition

Lifeway Kefir

Enjoy living a longer, healthier life, with a happy tummy!

#HappyTummy #GutHealth #ImmuneSupport