Probiotics the Easy Way: Part 1

May I introduce you to KEFIR?  

I know, I know… it looks something like small chunks of cauliflower or wadded up cottage cheese. It doesn’t look good at all; I get that.

But listen up for just one minute, and maybe I can convince you to try some?

Simply put, probiotics are vital and important to optimal health, because they help balance your body’s levels of good bacteria to bad bacteria.

Keeping the walls of your intestines clean is important so you can absorb more of the nutrients from the food that you eat. (Jason King)

Kefir is a natural probiotic that…

1. contains significant amounts of tryptophan (amino acid that promotes relaxation and sleep)
2. is loaded with minerals and amino acids
3. rich in vitamin B-12, vitamin K, and biotin
4. provides beneficial bacteria and yeast

 Taking probiotics will increase and strengthen your friendly bacteria population to a level that will allow it to oust the intruders. Kefir is fermented by kefir grains that contain the bacteria and yeast mixture clumped together with casein (milk protein) and complex sugars. The yeast in kefir is able to deal effectively with pathogenic yeasts in the body. The bacteria/yeast team cleanses and fortifies the intestinal tract making it more efficient at resisting pathogens. Because kefir is a balanced and nourishing food, it has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, and cancer. It has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system and is beneficial for people with sleep disorders, depression and ADHD. Kefir promotes healthy bowel movements when used regularly, and helps reduce flatulence. It also helps reduce food cravings by allowing the body to feel more nourished and balanced. (Barbara Minton)

I strain my kefir everyday in the summer and up to every-other-day in the winter. I re-feed my strained kefir grains and store the strained kefir in my refrigerator until I can use it. While kefir can be drank plain, I prefer to use it in a daily smoothie. Kefir can be used in many ways, however, and finding new ways to use your kefir can be a fun adventure. Here is a recipe for pancakes using two cups of kefir per batch!

Caring for your Kefir

• To receive the optimal benefits of your kefir, refrigeration is possible but not recommended for a lengthy period of time. If you desire a short break from your kefir, you can refrigerate up to two weeks. If you get tired of feeding your kefir and want a kefir break, here is a suggested method of long-term kefir preservation (not tried by me!).
• Using metal strainers/utensils is not recommended since kefir grains can react negatively to contact with metal. I suggest using glass, wooden, or plastic utensils to care for your kefir.
• It is best not to rinse your grains between batches, as some people are inclined to. This is not necessary.
• In the summertime, I suggest straining your kefir every 12 hours for best flavor. In the winter you can go 24 hours without straining. Store your kefir in a sealed, airtight container.

Are you convinced to at least try?

You can even buy organic kefir grains on Amazon!

 

RESOURCES (to get your research started):

http://www.naturalnews.com/024477_kefir_bacteria_probiotics.html

http://www.traditional-foods.com/kefir-grains/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Probiotics-Are-Important-To-Your-Health&id=571030