Kefir evidence

[ConstanceD]

I have started drinking kefir to help with gastritis. Have others found that this helps? Does anyone know of credible studies which give evidence that it helps?

[kathmax]

Would be interested to know if it help you as I have thought about buying some.How long have you suffered with gastritis and what are your symptoms ?🌈

[ConstanceD in reply to kathmax]

On and off for just under a year. It seemed to go and then has flared up again recently. I take Lanzoprazole and it helps but it hasn't calmed down fully after flare up. Endocopy and tests were negative for HPylori, only mild gastritis. Symptoms are either a kind of burning acid feeling in stomach or a dull pain just under my ribcage. It seems to get better with eating & am trying various diet changes to see what helps. Kefir seems good so far but just wondered about evidence/experiences.

[Fifegran in reply to kathmax]

Hi, I have used kefir for the past 2 years instead of Omeprazole. I put it on my porridge at breakfast, along with blackberries, blueberries and pumpkin seeds and had no stomach problems. I don’t use it as a drink, but a lot of people do. Understand it has a long history of being gut-friendly, used in the Caucuses mountains for 2000yrs. Can’t help with scientific evidence, can only say I really enjoy it! And I don’t need Omeprazole, which can thin your bones, which is a big Plus.

[DogAgilityObsessed]

I make milk kefir and drink it every day. But it is a stronger taste than the bought stuff so I make it into a smoothie with a little banana, a few berries and a couple of lumps of frozen spinach. I probably make about 400 ml a day. Not sure if it helps or not but I think it must be good source of calcium.

[LWNE]

Hello, I take my Pred every morning with a glass of kefir, and I think it really helps- ive been on Pred for 2 years, now on 5mg and i dont take omeprazole. I do take Vit D, and curcumin too. I feel good on this combination! Hope this helps.

[ConstanceD in reply to LWNE]

Thanks - sorry - what is Pred?

[Thelmarina in reply to ConstanceD]

Pred is shorthand for our steroids Prednisolone 🌺

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it is unlikely you will find "credible studies" - they cost a considerable amount and I doubt kefir manufacturers would invest so much in the sort of studies that are likely to be allowed to make such claims for a foodstuff because of the legal regulations. But like everything - you may find anecdotal recommendations and, in the final analysis, you have to try it and see if it helps you.

[ConstanceD in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I understand but there are anecdotal claims for many many things made online e.g. apple cider vinegar, potato juice etc etc etc and it becomes hard to know what is best, given that it would be impossible to try everything. It seems to agree with me and help so far so that is a positive.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ConstanceD]

I did find a small study that gave patients with osteoporosis calcium supplements with and without kefir being added - kefir seemed to have improved the effect of the calcium in the short term at least. But that isn't gastritis

At least trying something for gastritis doesn't need a very long trial.

[Floridafan]

Kefir didn’t seem to agree with my stomach no matter how much I drank, even a dessert spoonful a day. No idea why but I have tried shop bought, made my own kefir using milk and a water version. They say to start with a small amount and then gradually increase the amount. I kept convincing myself it was doing me good but my stomach didn’t agree so gave up ☹️

[Hummingbird28 in reply to Floridafan]

I was exactly the same. I thought it was really going to do me good but had to give it up. I also bought some kefir yoghurt to try and that had the same effect.

[kimsaunsc]

I have been taking my prednisone with Kefir for a while now and it works well for me!