Quirky study

[fmkkm]

Israeli scientists studying the effects of kefir on cytokine storms.

m.jpost.com/health-science/...

[Highlandtiger]

How interesting! I started making my own kefir about 4 or 5 weeks ago and since then have been feeling much better than I have in months. Probably a complete coincidence but I love the taste anyway...

[Wenben in reply to Highlandtiger]

Very interesting and would love to give it a try. How do you make it?

[Highlandtiger in reply to Wenben]

It’s very easy actually once you get going. I bought a set but you really only need to buy the kefir grains as you’ll probably have the rest (Kilner jar, plastic sieve etc) at home. If I can find the instructions they sent me with my set I'm more than happy to email them to you if you send me your email address by private message (not on open forum). But basically you buy some milk kefir grains (available online and probably elsewhere), stick them in a Kilner jar, add milk and leave it. My first few efforts took a couple of days but once the grains 'wake up' from being sent in the mail and get used to their new surroundings it happens much quicker and it’s ready in a day or so. You then sieve it and retrieve the grains from the sieve to use in your next batch. The kefir grains multiply too so you can always give some away. I have bought kefir for some years but the home made stuff really is much nicer.

[Wenben in reply to Highlandtiger]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have found suppliers of the milk kefir grains online and will give it a try. I usually have semi skimmed milk but I imagine it is better with whole milk. Thanks again.....

[Highlandtiger in reply to Wenben]

I certainly use whole milk but I understand you can use semi skimmed too. You can also use non dairy milks such as almond milk but the grains do need to be fed with normal milk in between times.

[Wenben in reply to Highlandtiger]

Thankyou

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Wenben]

You can even make kefir with water but then you use sugar to feed the grains.

culturesforhealth.com/learn...

[Wenben in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou

[Fifegran]

Am a great believer in Kefir, have been using it since the beginning of my PMR journey almost three years ago. Very interesting article, thank you.

[Meggsy]

I had been using kefir for 2 years before PMR and 2 years after diagnosis. I then developed histamine intolerance and had to give up all my fermented foods, (kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso and sourdough bread) as all high histamine.

[fmkkm in reply to Meggsy]

I understand, I felt that way a couple years ago. One day I drank a kombucha and had an immediate GCA headache. I seem to be okay now with yoghurt etc.

[Meggsy in reply to fmkkm]

I’m ok with avocado and banana for which I am grateful as they are on all the NO lists for high histamine. I might try some yoghurt and see what happens. I miss my kefir with my berries. I have lost quite a bit of weight. I didn’t really need to but I don’t mind as I am getting into clothes I haven’t worn for years. 🙂 👗🩱Piriformis muscle causing pain at the moment. Thank you PMRpro for educating me on that one. I think caused by too much sitting due to shingles. I have had a heat pack tucked in my undies for the last couple of days. Ah the joys of aging!

[Jackoh]

Very interesting. I’ve just recently made some sauerkraut. Although I followed the recipe exactly, it was too salty.

[fmkkm in reply to Jackoh]

I used to make it all the time and it can be very salty. Do you have a crock or do you use glass jars?

[Jackoh]

Glass jars

[Louisa1840]

This is interesting! I wonder if it has to be kefir or if normal yogurt would give the same result? I make my own yogurt using skim milk powder it always works and results in a thick, delicious yogurt. The culture seems to last for ages too and I very rarely have to buy a fresh one. I always have a few spoonfuls when taking my steroids to line my stomach.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Louisa1840]

Different organisms are used to make yoghurt and kefir - and kefir has far more of the desired probiotics:

healthline.com/health/kefir...

[Louisa1840 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro - this is what I suspected. I will get some kefir grains and start making it!