How do you take kefir?
Gut health has become a hot topic in the wellness world, with kefir championing as a natural way to support your gut microbiome. Kefir is a simple and effective way to increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut, but what exactly is it, and how do you take it?
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains beneficial bacteria and yeasts. It comes from the Black Caucasus Mountains of Russia, where the inhabitants lived very long and healthy lives. Kefir spread globally, and now the UK is enjoying its benefits, too!1https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/kefir
The best kefir is made with goat’s milk, which is then fermented with real, live kefir grains. At Chuckling Goat, we leave ours unflavoured, as additives like sweeteners can damage and deplete the good bacteria. Many supermarket kefirs contain additives and flavourings to make them sweet, but real kefir should be tart and tangy! Ever tried Chuckling Goat Probiotic Kefir? That sharp, sour taste is the flavour of butyrate — a postbiotic short-chain fatty acid that calms inflammation and feeds your gut lining. It’s the same flavour note as Parmesan cheese. Butyrate is so beneficial that it’s sold as a standalone health supplement — but in our kefir, it’s created naturally through fermentation.
Kefir is loaded with probiotics, vitamins, and bioactive compounds that support your health. Here are some of it’s many benefits:2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7071183/
- Improves gut health by balancing your microbiome.
- Aids digestion and may relieve bloating and constipation.
- Strengthens immunity by boosting your gut health.
- It can help with skin, mood, and inflammation.
Many people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate milk kefir, since the fermentation process significantly reduces lactose levels. Goat’s milk also has slightly less lactose than cow’s milk naturally, making it easier to digest.3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12728216/
How do you take it?
Drink it straight – our kefir can be kept refrigerated or at room temperature. To maximise the probiotic benefits, we recommend taking our kefir on an empty stomach 15-20 minutes before food.
Blend it into smoothies – kefir is great blended with other ingredients like banana, berries, and oats to make a nourishing gut-health smoothie. Check out our gut health protocol to optimise your gut health!
Pour over cereal, granola or porridge. You can use kefir as a yoghurt alternative, perfect for a quick, probiotic-packed breakfast.
Salad dressings or dips – you can use kefir as a base for creamy dressings, like tzatziki. Or add it to one you already have for a gut-health boost!
It’s important to start slowly with kefir, as it is a potent drink, and it may take some time for your system to adjust. If you are sensitive, start with one tablespoon daily and gradually increase to the full dose of 170ml over several weeks.
Kefir is one of the simplest ways to support your gut, immune system, and overall health. Whether you blend it into a smoothie, pour it over porridge or drink it straight, the key is to start slow and stay consistent.
Would you like to learn more about kefir? Check out this article – What are the benefits of kefir?
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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