The Benefits of Kerry Kefir

1. Made with Kefir Grains

The word ‘grains’ does not refer to grains as we know them. Kefir ‘grains’ are a symbiotic culture of live bacteria and yeast, living in harmony (symbiosis) together. They look like little florets of cauliflower!  In order to survive, these beneficial bacteria and yeast need a source of energy. The naturally occurring lactose in milk provides a source of carbohydrates for the microbes. Through the process of fermentation, these powerful microbes enter the milk, creating the product Kefir. As they ferment the milk, they grow and multiply and can be re-used over and over again (as long as they are well cared for). Read more about Kefir Grains here (What are Kefir grains)

The most natural form of kefir, is kefir made using the live kefir grains. It’s a broad range probiotic that packs a powerful punch.

Kerry Kefir is a home-made kefir using kefir grains, promoting all the time-tested benefits of traditional kefir.

2. Immune System Support

 This is one of the main reasons to drink kefir in the current climate. Research has shown that 70-80% of our immune system is in our gut. The foods we eat and the microbes (living bacteria) in our gut directly impact our immunity. By drinking kefir, you will be adding beneficial microbes to your gut thus supporting your immune system.

3. Helps Relieve Constipation and/or Diarrhoea

 Constipation is caused by slow motility of food through the digestive tract. Taking a probiotic such as kefir will add the beneficial bacteria to the gut, which along with your immune system and nervous system, will help move food along the digestive tract.

In the case of diarrhoea- having a healthy gut has a huge impact on the instances of diarrhoea, helping to fight off infections etc that can be the cause of diarrhoea.

4. Helps Relieve Acid Reflux

 Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach is pushed back up through the oesophagus. This can cause pain and irritation. A potential cause of acid reflux is an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the gut. If there are too many bad bugs digesting our food, this can cause gas to be produced which pushes the acid in our stomach back up our oesophagus. Drinking kefir will help to inhibit the activity of the bad bugs with natural lactic acid present. Kefir also has natural anti-inflammatory properties which will help relieve some of the irritation caused by the acid reflux.

5. May help Reduce the Symptoms of Anxiety/Depression

 Studies have shown that our gut and brain are connected (Gut-Brain axis)! Our gut microbiome (bacteria) send signals to the brain and vice versa. Our gut is responsible for our brain function in regards to our mood! 95% of serotonin (known as the ‘Happy Hormone’) is produced in the gut! Drinking kefir will add these beneficial bacteria to our gut.

6. It’s All Natural (A natural Probiotic in particular)

 Kefir has been around for so long, it’s one of the most natural probiotics available. Probiotics are particularly important when taking a course of prescribed antibiotics. ​​Antibiotics kill the necessary bad bacteria they are targeting, but they also kill any good bacteria in our gut too. It’s so important to take a good probiotic when taking antibiotics, so that we can build up and maintain a healthy gut microbiome for our gut health.

7. Can Improve your Bone Health

 Kefir has been around for so long, it’s one of the most natural probiotics available. Probiotics are particularly important when taking a course of prescribed antibiotics. ​​Antibiotics kill the necessary bad bacteria they are targeting, but they also kill any good bacteria in our gut too. It’s so important to take a good probiotic when taking antibiotics, so that we can build up and maintain a healthy gut microbiome for our gut health.

8. Helps to Relieve Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common digestive ailment, experienced by at 10-15% of the population worldwide! Usually the signs are discomfort after eating, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhoea or a fluctuation between constipation and diarrhoea. The causes of IBS are not very well understood or known. One potential cause may be SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth).

Kefir can help balance the bacteria in our digestive system, which helps us to digest our food better. It can also help to improve the stool consistency by keeping food moving along your gut.

9. Contains Many Essential Nutrients and Vitamins

Kefir contains protein (in particular an essential amino acid called tryptophan), calcium & magnesium which all help to relax our nervous system.

Kefir also contains phosphorus used for cell growth and energy.

There are B vitamins found in kefir, which are essential for our kidney and liver function. Vitamin K is also present, which is important for our bones.

10. Suitable for Lactose Intolerance

Kefir contains protein (in particular an essential amino acid called tryptophan), calcium & magnesium which all help to relax our nervous system.

Kefir also contains phosphorus used for cell growth and energy.

There are B vitamins found in kefir, which are essential for our kidney and liver function. Vitamin K is also present, which is important for our bones.

11. Aids Digestion

Because kefir is a natural probiotic, it contains large amounts of bacteria and yeast. By drinking kefir, we are adding these bacteria and yeasts to our digestive system. Recently, scientists have discovered that there are many different types of enzymes within these bacteria. By having a good balance and range of bacteria in your digestive tract, you will also have a broad range of different enzymes which help us to break down our food efficiently.  The more our food can be broken down, the more nutrients, vitamins and minerals we will absorb from our food, thus supporting our health even further.

12. Promotes Healthy Skin

Because kefir is a natural probiotic, it contains large amounts of bacteria and yeast. By drinking kefir, we are adding these bacteria and yeasts to our digestive system. Recently, scientists have discovered that there are many different types of enzymes within these bacteria. By having a good balance and range of bacteria in your digestive tract, you will also have a broad range of different enzymes which help us to break down our food efficiently.  The more our food can be broken down, the more nutrients, vitamins and minerals we will absorb from our food, thus supporting our health even further.