Does Kefir and Probiotics help with RA/RD? Link attached - NRAS

NRAS

37,263 members46,132 posts

Does Kefir and Probiotics help with RA/RD? Link attached

iAce profile image
iAce
22 Replies

Hi guys for some time a while ago I was buying and drinking milk kefir which is basically fermented milk full of healthy bacteria beneficial for the gut.

I’d read a lot about how a leaky gut can affect the severity of RA/RD so thought I’d give it a try with only so-so impact.

Due to the cost of buying it I then decided to buy the actual grains and make my own which I was told would be far stronger than store bought and the homemade seemed to actually make a difference to my inflammation.

I then accidentally destroyed the grains (they’re quite temperamental) and since then my symptoms has increased to normal levels with me begging for another steroid injection and I’m now going to try to start it all again and see if it really does work or is a placebo.

Has anyone else heard of Kefir’s benefits or taken and seen any differences themselves please?

arthritis.org/living-with-a...

Written by
iAce profile image
iAce
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
22 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Tried it, and it does nothing for me.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply tohelixhelix

Thanks for responding 🙂

I've heard of Kefir, in fact I've tried it. But not for RA. Those of us with Osteoporosis are advised to give it a try, which is why I tried it. Didn't take it long enough to improve my bone density but I've never heard it suggested for RA.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply to

Interesting, did they say how long would be long enough to improve your bone density at all?

The benefits for RA as I understand it is the healthy gut bacteria help to reduce the ‘leaky gut’ which is cited as a cause of inflammation.

in reply toiAce

I don't know a lot about it, perhaps you could join the bone health community (for Osteoporosis) and ask on there?

iAce profile image
iAce in reply to

No that’s ok I’m more focused on my RA to be honest but thank you x

Campaigner profile image
Campaigner

I was told by a doctor that her daughter took this produce and used Mediterranean diet for RA.

I use regularly and don't expect dramatic results but trust the advice.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toCampaigner

Did the doctor say whether it helped her in anyway as I already try to eat as healthily as I can and am hoping this also helps in the mix.

How long have you yourself been using it and just as importantly how much do you drink at a time please?

Campaigner profile image
Campaigner in reply toiAce

Hi there,

She said Kefir and probiotics so I buy yogurt form. There is a lot of information about healthy gut on line and seemed logical to me.

Love the taste and a good substitute for cake etc.

I also think that they need to be taken indefinitely.

Campaigner profile image
Campaigner in reply toiAce

Hi, no she did not 'actually' say it helped, but the fact that she was a doctor and suggested I try was enough for me. Also other evidence about leaky gut if you research is enough for me.

I actually eat this yogurt stuff most days. Also take Turmeric tablets. Consultant said will not cure RA but helps inflamation.

woodstar1 profile image
woodstar1

I use it along with turmeric, a multi vitamin and my regular RA meds and I'm doing ok!! I dare not stop any of them as I don't want to falter!! I think it's worth a try but give it at least 3 months, what have you got to loose!

iAce profile image
iAce in reply towoodstar1

That’s great so glad you’ve found a happy medium between the meds and diet!

I am certainly going to start this ‘trial’ for the long haul l to see how I feel and coincidentally have also purchased some high dose turmeric capsules too. Thanks for your advice x

Cheylann profile image
Cheylann

In my opinion there isn't a food that helps RA.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toCheylann

I understand

Gnarli profile image
Gnarli

If you feel it's helping you I'd go on taking it. It won't hurt you and the calcium will be helpful with bone health

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toGnarli

Good point I didn’t even think of it like that lol!

HappykindaGal profile image
HappykindaGal

Tried it for two years, along with Turmeric, Boswellia, CBD paste, Vitamin D, Fish Oil, COQ10. Stopped the Kefir 6 months ago - no difference I'm afraid. Did absolutely nothing. Still taking the rest, just in case one of them is doing something, haha.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toHappykindaGal

Lol!!

LuluBwin profile image
LuluBwin

I've been eating Kefir yogurt for 2 years and it's transformed my life as far as gut problems are concerned. It was shown to be the best remedy for that in a trial on the TV programme Trust Me I'm a Doctor.

I do not know if my OA would be worse without it. I use Celadrin cream and pills as well as turmeric, boswellia and ginger for that.

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toLuluBwin

Oh that’s great to hear LuluBwin, well done!

So far it seems to be taking the edge off for me and it’s very early days so whether it’s a placebo effect or not I’m going to continue on and see how it goes.

I too take super strength turmeric tablets so perhaps between the two it’s eleviating some of my more serious symptoms but only time will tell I suppose

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie

read michael mosely 'good gut guide

iAce profile image
iAce in reply toGranAmie

Thank you will do x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Gum Disease and RA link?

Hi Went to the dentist this morning, and found out I am heading towards gum disease. She asked if...
ccg123 profile image

Link between RA and OA???

I've been pondering on this a while but not really got any closer to the shedding any light on the...

How to cope with ra and copd?

Hi all. I've been a member on this site from day 1. But for lung problems as I have copd,was...
Fantasy3 profile image

RA - trouble with acceptance again and the doctors are driving me crazy…

Hi guys, been awhile since my last posts, I think 8 months ago. Sooo… Still not taking meds,...
forislava profile image

For those who found help with diet changes, especially Paddison Program

I have inflammatory arthritis from Crohn's and am interested in people who have found help through...