I have been using probiotics (beneficial bacteria) for a long time to try and sort out my tummy problems.
When I first started to use them I found that my symptoms just got worse. My bloating was so bad that I had to stop taking them. That was before I gave up eating wheat.
Nowadays my tummy is perfectly happy having probiotics and I take them because I believe firmly that they can help keep me fit and healthy (as you may have read in my post about gut microbiota here).
Anyway, last week I was offered some kefir grains to make my own milk kefir. Having done many experiments with sourdough last year I realised that making gluten-free sourdough was pretty hard without some sort of help from a starter like kefir.
For those of you who don’t know, kefir contains a mix of beneficial yeast as well as friendly probiotic bacteria. The naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine symbiotically to give superior health benefits when consumed regularly.
As well as using the kefir in sourdough, I plan to drink the stuff and cut back on the expense of probiotics. Along with its beneficial bacteria and yeasts, it is high in protein and also contains a number of B vitamins including thiamine, that helps you withstand stress…so just watch this space. You might just get a surprise about how relaxed I become over the coming weeks!!!
Interestingly, those who are lactose intolerant can normally tolerate milk kefir because the lactose is broken down by the bacteria. There are also some studies that suggest that drinking it can help people to become less intolerant. You can read more about that here. I shall be experimenting with Roo to see how she tolerates it and will let you know!
The best thing of all is that once you have the kefir starter you can make infinite amounts of milk kefir, so it is super cheap!
If you want to find out more about kefir, including how to make it, then take a look at this article.
And, if after reading this, and the articles I link to, you want to have a go yourself then you either need to become friendly with me (at some point my starter will multiply and I will have some to give away) or Google where you can buy kefir grains. I can’t recommend anywhere because I was given mine!
Have you tried kefir? If so, can you give me any tips on the best way to consume it? I was planning to put it on my porridge in the morning or in a smoothie….
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Janette King says
I make up a muesli mix every morning using GF museli base, dried fruits and seeds and kefir, leave it to sit for a few hours and then eat it with blueberries. I add a spoonful of apricot jam to cut the sharpness and really enjoy it. I was diagnosed as coeliac in July 14 and am so amazed and glad at the growing awareness and range of products that we can now buy here. I still crave pain aux raisins but hey, you can’t have it all (yet…)
Vicki Montague says
Hi Janette, thank you for letting me know about your fabulous sounding breakfast! Pain aux raisins are certainly doable! I have created my own wholegrain flour blend that I am in the process of bringing to market and with that I make danish pastries. Those who buy the flour will be given access to my recipes so you can certainly eat pain aux raisins again!
Choclette says
Will be interested to hear how you get on with your kefir Vicki. We’ve been drinking it for well over fifteen years now and when we have the occasional lapse, I do notice it. Mostly, we just drink it straight, or at least we used to. I’ve recently got into smoothies as I think you’ve gathered and it is perfect for those. I also make pancakes with it, cheese and use it in baking and porridge.
Vicki Montague says
Ooo exciting to know of someone else who uses it! I will be picking your brains about it once I can tolerate it!
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says
I love how your using the milk kefir. We also make probiotic foods (kimchi, water kefir, milk kefir cheese, and kombucha). Thank you! #sharewithme
Vicki Montague says
Fab! I think I will be coming to you for tips then!!!
Jenny says
I actually have never heard of it before but sounds like it is nutritious and good for you. Which I could really use right now. I have let christmas snacking go on far too long. Great post and good luck with it. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Vicki Montague says
I know how you feel Jenny re the Xmas snacking!!! I will let you know how we get on with the kefir! It smells lovely so far! Thank you for hosting share with me as always x
Vicki Montague says
Ooo exciting! That smoothie sounds lush…may have to give that a try for the kids, with their fermented cod liver oil bunged in for a laugh! Did you blog the chocolate cake recipe? I have been rather rubbish at getting round blogs lately although I generally see yours as they come into my inbox…just can’t keep up with them ;). Does using the kefir in a cooked product kill the bacteria? I presume so but then it would still be a good sub for buttermilk or something I guess?
Vikki Cook says
I’ve got constant stomach problems at the moment that the GP is failing to sort, so I’ll be watching how this works for you with baited breath!
Vicki Montague says
Hi Vikki, sorry to hear that. Have you tried going dairy-free for a bit just to see if that helps? Just a thought x