03/05/2018
Here are 4 main reasons you should be drinking kefir, even if you are lactose intolerant.
1. Improves Lactose Intolerance:
Fermentation changes the chemical composition of dairy products like milk, rendering it relatively low in lactose. An enzyme, β-galactosidase – which is essential to digest lactose – is present in the microbes in the fermented milk, according to researchers at Ohio State University who published their results in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Some bacterial cells die in the intestinal tract and release the enzymes that digest the lactose. It is suggested that microbes in kefir may be able to colonize the intestines and benefit health by shielding them from harmful disease-causing bacteria.
TIP: If you struggle with lactose problems, try adding kefir to your diet in small amounts to see how well you tolerate it.
2. Provides benefits for the digestive system:
Kefir contains viable microorganisms (lactobacillus and bifidobacterium) that inhabit and colonize the digestive system, protecting it from diseases such as leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Kefir improves digestion, alleviates some common digestive problems like gas, bloating, indigestion, etc. It promotes regular bowel movements and has a stimulatory effect on the motor and emptying function of the stomach. Milk, milk whey, cheese and butter have an inhibitory effect on this function. Russian physicians have successfully used kefir to treat peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
3.Boosts immunity:
Kefir has a stimulating effect on the immune system and improves its disease-fighting capacity. Nearly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. Kefir is able to modify the balance of the immune cells in the intestinal mucosa. When your immune system is functioning normally, it usually controls bacteria and yeast in the body to prevent infections. Certain medications you may be taking can decrease your body’s immunity and therefore, increase your chances of getting sick from bacteria and yeast. Kefir is an excellent source of nourishment for the elderly, pregnant and nursing women, kids and those who are immunocompromised.
4.Antimicrobial properties:
Antimicrobial activity in kefir is associated with the production of lactic acid, carbon dioxide and ethanol. These compounds not only reduce the foodborne pathogen in your body, but also aid in the treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis and vaginal infections. Kefir acts against pathogenic bacteria Salmonella, Helicobacter, Shigella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, etc.
Written by Shantha Kalia- Healthcare Professional and Certified Health Coach at Shantha Kalia
Shantha Kalia is a healthcare professional in New York City.After completing her Masters in Public Health, she has worked in different capacities in health care for over 15 years.
Shantha is a medical writer and contributes articles to several websites on various medical and health-related topics. She is a certified health coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
