Kefir at night - is it possible or not?
Is it possible to take kefir at night when losing weight? For a long time, answers to this question varied among scientists. Today they have come to the general conclusion that there can be no harm to health when drinking kefir at night. It is at this time that the fermented milk product is absorbed best and also burns fat deposits. Therefore, you can and should drink it in the evening or before bed.
To make the fat burning process more noticeable, it is recommended to consume kefir in the morning on an empty stomach.
Useful properties of kefir
If there are slight deviations in body weight from the norm, you can drink 1 glass of kefir at night when losing weight. If the weight is too heavy, then an additional 250 ml of the drink is added to this diet in the morning. These rules do not apply to fasting days. At this time, you are allowed to drink no more than 1.5-2 liters of kefir and not eat other foods. If problems with the gastrointestinal tract are observed during fasting days, the daily dosage of the drink should be reduced.
The benefits of kefir are as follows:
- accelerates metabolism;
- normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
- restores intestinal microflora;
- is a source of calcium, which means it strengthens bones;
- improves cellular metabolism and supplies cells with oxygen;
- strengthens the immune system;
- makes it easier to fall asleep;
- prevents atherosclerosis;
- delays the development of skin diseases;
- treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- enriches the body with useful substances and vitamins;
- reduces appetite and suppresses hunger.
These effects of fermented milk drink promote weight loss, since the stress of dieting is much easier to bear.
Composition and calorie content
Not everyone likes milk in its pure form. Some even in childhood perceived it without much enthusiasm. It’s just like kefir - refreshing, with a pleasant sourness, quenching thirst so well! It is obtained from milk during fermentation with the help of kefir “fungi”. This fermentation process, turning milk into a new product, increases its digestibility as lactose (milk sugar) becomes lactic acid. This makes kefir suitable for nutrition even for those who are lactose intolerant. But do not confuse lactose intolerance with an allergy to the milk protein casein. Kefir is contraindicated for such allergy sufferers.
Kefir is suitable for people with lactose intolerance
When converted into kefir, milk retains all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients for which it is famous.
This drink contains calcium, organic and fatty acids, natural sugars, cholesterol.
Table: vitamin and mineral complex
vitamins | minerals |
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Table: nutritional value per 100 ml of product
Fat content of kefir | Squirrels | Carbohydrates | Fats | Kilocalories |
0% | 3,0 | 3,8 | 0,0 | 30 |
1% | 2,8 | 4,0 | 1,0 | 40 |
1,5% | 3,3 | 3,6 | 1,5 | 41 |
2% | 3,4 | 4,7 | 2,0 | 51 |
2,5% | 2,8 | 3,9 | 2,5 | 50 |
3,2% | 2,8 | 4,1 | 3,2 | 56 |
That is, 1 glass of kefir (250 ml) with an average fat content of 2.5% contains only 125 kilocalories. That's not much, especially considering its enormous nutritional benefits. Therefore, we can say with all confidence that it enriches the body with almost everything necessary for proper functioning, while being easily digestible.
How is it harmful?
Kefir can harm the body only if there are contraindications to its use. Also, a negative effect is observed as a result of increasing the recommended dosage. Contraindications to drinking kefir at night are:
- diarrhea;
- lactose intolerance;
- increased stomach acidity;
- gastritis;
- renal failure;
- increased gas formation.
If you drink the drink despite these contraindications, you may experience nausea, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, decreased performance, rash and itching of the skin. That's why they say you shouldn't take kefir at night when losing weight.
Should you drink kefir in the morning or at night?
Some experts still believe that drinking kefir at night when losing weight is harmful. Here's how they explain it:
- High glycemic index. In the period from 23 to 24 hours (sometimes from 24 hours) for 50 minutes, the human body synthesizes a special growth hormone that promotes fat burning. During this time, the body can get rid of 150-200 g of adipose tissue. After consuming kefir, the insulin level increases sharply, which interferes with this process, and therefore interferes with weight loss.
- High protein content. The body spends a large amount of energy on the absorption of kefir. Therefore, in the morning, a person who drinks a fermented milk drink before bed may feel tired and depressed.
- Diuretic effect.
It is worth noting that this opinion of experts was recently refuted. Also, from the reviews of people who have tried to introduce kefir into their evening diet, it becomes clear that the reaction of each individual organism is individual. Many, on the contrary, experience a surge of energy in the morning, and the urge to go to the toilet at night is extremely rare.
Kefir is the opposite of caffeine in its effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink it in the morning. It slows down the reaction and calms the nervous system. But for this reason alone, it would be strange to say that kefir is harmful to the body.
There are many recipes for drinking kefir.
Useful properties of kefir
The drink is prepared with the addition of special living microorganisms. Bacteria trigger fermentation processes, due to which kefir acquires a recognizable slightly sour taste and its consistency becomes thick. The benefits of kefir are undeniable:
- it contains animal protein, which is the basis for building tendons and muscle tissue;
- vitamins A give beauty and health to hair and skin;
- vitamins B and C strengthen the immune system and increase performance;
- Probiotic bacteria normalize intestinal microflora, stool, and destroy pathogens of various diseases;
- calcium and phosphorus make bones stronger;
- amino acids have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helping to maintain a positive mood and emotional background.
What if it's low fat?
It is not recommended to drink low-fat kefir regularly. This product does not contain those components that help you lose weight. The optimal fat content of kefir consumed at night should be in the range of 2.5 - 3.2%. If after some time the result is not noticeable, then you can give preference to a product with a fat content of 1.5%.
With such indicators, body weight is reduced due to fat burning, and no harm to health is observed.
100 g of low-calorie kefir contains 40 kcal, 3 g of protein, 1 g of fat, 4 g of carbohydrates. Even such a product contains vitamins B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, PP, potassium, calcium, zinc, chromium, magnesium, sodium, molybdenum, phosphorus, chlorine, selenium, copper, iron, necessary for the body. iodine, cobalt, manganese and fluorine.
Possible contraindications
Almost all people in good health will benefit from it. But those who have a congenital or acquired intolerance to kefir or its individual components should not take it before bed. These include:
- those suffering from enuresis, as it has a diuretic effect;
- having increased acidity of gastric juice, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis, a tendency to fermentation in the intestines, flatulence and diarrhea;
- those suffering from edema, and having pancreatitis or other kidney diseases, there is a general recommendation for them not to drink any liquid before bed;
- pregnant women, since kefir taken at night, like any liquid, will cause the formation of edema, to which women are so susceptible during this period, especially in the later stages;
- those with individual intolerance to kefir components, for example, an allergy to the milk protein casein;
- having exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- children under 1 year. Kefir is contraindicated for them even during the day, since it is very different in composition from mother’s milk and infant formula and will cause severe digestive problems.
It is not useful for pregnant women only at night . At the rest of the day, this product must be included in the diet, because it improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is under a lot of stress when carrying a baby. The results of such a load are most often heartburn and constipation. For many pregnant women, kefir helps overcome these unpleasant digestive problems.
Recipes
Adding additional ingredients to the drink significantly increases its effectiveness in losing weight. In addition, the recipes described below allow sweet lovers to overcome their cravings for unhealthy foods and at the same time continue to lose extra pounds.
Kefir with prunes
Add 10 crushed pitted dried fruits to 250 ml of low-fat drink. The combination of a fermented milk product with prunes will improve intestinal function and improve metabolism.
With sugar
To prepare this drink, you need to add a level tablespoon of sugar to a glass of kefir. It is better to take the dietary supplement before bedtime. Sugar will improve the taste of the drink, but will not cause a sharp rise in blood glucose levels. If you are slightly overweight, it is recommended to consume this drink for no longer than two weeks. Next, you need to take a break equal to the duration of taking the dietary supplement.
Kefir with spices promotes weight loss
With honey
Beekeeping products in combination with cold drinks do not lose their beneficial properties. Therefore, when added to kefir, honey saturates the body with valuable substances, promotes weight loss, and also strengthens the immune system. It is better to drink this drink during the day or in the evening. To prepare it, you need to add 7-10 ml of honey per glass of kefir.
With apple
Kefir with apple can completely replace an evening meal in its nutritional value. Therefore, this recipe is often used during weight loss. To prepare the drink, you need to add an apple (any variety) cut into medium pieces to kefir at room temperature. It is recommended to drink the dietary supplement an hour before bedtime, but not in the morning.
There are practically no contraindications to drinking this drink.
Weekly kefir diet
With banana
If you add banana pieces to kefir heated to room temperature, you will get a drink that not only has a pleasant taste, but also promotes weight loss and improves overall well-being. Use the dietary supplement prepared in this way in the evening or 1 hour before bedtime.
With garlic
There are also more unusual recipes for making kefir. For example, if you add garlic to a drink, it will not only promote weight loss, but also cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol, and also strengthen the immune system.
Prepare a dietary product according to the following recipe:
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped.
- 400 ml of kefir is heated to room temperature.
- The crushed product is added to the drink.
- The resulting mixture is divided into 2 parts.
- The drink is consumed twice a day, during the day and in the evening.
Duration of taking the drug is 2 weeks. During this time, you will be able to lose up to 2 kg of weight without harm to your health.
Kefir with garlic is not allowed to be drunk by people with peptic ulcers, acute forms of colitis, as well as those who are intolerant to this bulbous plant.
With bran
Bran is good for digestion. They cleanse the intestines and help fight constipation. To prepare the drink, you need to add a tablespoon of bran to a glass of medium-fat kefir. Thoroughly mixed dietary supplement should be consumed daily before bed for three weeks. Then a break is taken for 5-7 days, followed by the introduction of the product into the diet.
The diet will help you lose up to 8 kg - drink kefir correctly
Cinnamon
Nutritionists call cinnamon a “superfood.” It has fat-burning properties, improves metabolism and allows you to quickly lose weight. Therefore, to enhance the weight loss effect, you can add 1 teaspoon of powdered product to a glass of kefir at room temperature. This drink should be consumed daily before bed for a month.
Cinnamon is contraindicated only for people prone to allergic reactions.
With lemon
Lemon juice in combination with kefir promotes weight loss, improves the taste of the drink, and also enhances the body's protective functions. To do this, squeeze one slice of citrus onto a glass of low-fat fermented milk product, and then leave the mixture for 5 minutes. The drink should be consumed in the afternoon or evening every day for 14 days, clarifies hudeem-bez-problem.ru.
Since lemon juice can cause increased stomach acidity, kefir with its addition is contraindicated for people with severe gastritis or peptic ulcers.
With ginger
To prepare the drink, add half a teaspoon of ginger powder to a glass of low-fat kefir. The resulting mixture can be drunk in the afternoon or evening every day for no longer than 3 weeks. This drink helps fight extra pounds and stimulates metabolic processes in the body.
Kefir with ginger is contraindicated for people with kidney pathologies, intestinal or stomach pathologies.
Drinking the drink can aggravate the course of these diseases.
With turmeric
The spice enhances the fat-burning effect of kefir. To prepare the drink, you need to mix a glass of low-fat fermented milk product and a tablespoon of turmeric powder poured with half a teaspoon of boiling water. The drug is taken before bedtime. According to reviews from people who have tried kefir with turmeric, it can be said that the mixture helps you lose 4-5 kg in a week. The main thing is not to drink the cocktail for longer than 3 weeks.
Recipes on how to lose weight with kefir and pepper >>
With celery
The root of the plant is rich in substances valuable to the body; it speeds up metabolic processes and helps fight excess weight. Therefore, to enhance the effect of consuming kefir, you can add 50 g of chopped vegetable root per 300 ml of fermented milk product.
You should take the drink before bed for 4 weeks. The only contraindication for use is hypersensitivity to the product.
Kefir will help you lose weight and improve your health if you drink it correctly
With olive oil
The combination of this product with kefir is recommended for people with chronic intestinal diseases. Prepare the drink according to the following recipe:
- A glass of kefir is heated to room temperature.
- I add a spoonful of olive oil to the container with the fermented milk product.
- The ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- The drink is taken every day before bed.
Consuming kefir with olive oil at other times of the day can lead to bloating and increased gas production.
The drink is contraindicated for people with a tendency to diarrhea.
With cucumber
The cucumber-kefir cocktail is perfectly absorbed by the body at night. It speeds up metabolism, which means it promotes weight loss. You can prepare it according to the following recipe:
- One cucumber is peeled and cut into slices.
- The vegetable is ground in a blender along with a glass of kefir 1.5% fat.
- At the end of preparing the drink, add a pinch of Italian herb seasoning.
A cocktail with cucumber has a calming effect, which promotes good sleep.
With greens
You can also enrich the drink with vitamins and nutrients by adding herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro or mint). Herbs will make the taste more interesting and add variety to your diet. Cilantro has a beneficial effect on the liver, parsley cleanses the blood of toxins, dill will improve digestion, and mint will calm the nervous system.
Useful tips for use
Recommendations for consumption will help you get the maximum benefit from fermented milk drink:
- It is recommended to combine kefir with cereals and grains; this combination of ingredients can harmoniously replace a full meal.
- For weight loss, it is recommended to give preference to kefir, which contains at least 1% fat content.
- In order for kefir to be better absorbed, you should consume it an hour before meals, as well as an hour before bedtime.
- Consuming kefir with cinnamon helps satisfy hunger and speed up metabolism.
- With a balanced diet, it is not recommended to consume more than 2 glasses of kefir per day.
- The product should not be left open in a warm place for more than 2 hours, and it should not be left on the radiator, as its use will be harmful to the body.
How to replace kefir at night when losing weight
Due to many contraindications to consuming kefir, people are starting to look for alternative ways to lose weight. You can replace the fermented milk drink:
- tomato juice;
- banana;
- low-fat yogurt without additives;
- tanom;
- fermented baked milk, but its fat content and calorie content is higher than that of kefir;
- ayran (slightly diluted with water).
All these products differ in energy value. Therefore, when replacing kefir with them in the diet, hudeem-bez-problem.ru recommends taking this factor into account. You may need to reduce or increase the dose of the product when eating.
Kefir at night is an excellent way to lose weight. It promotes the loss of extra pounds and has a beneficial effect on the entire body. But before using it regularly, you should familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications.
Author - Nadezhda Putilova, checked by practicing family doctor Elizaveta Anatolyevna Krizhanovskaya. For more information about the experts, see the site authors
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How to choose the right kefir when buying
Any product with a short shelf life must be purchased by first studying the label and expiration date. As a rule, the shelf life depends on the container in which the fermented milk product is located. Kefir, which does not contain additives that extend shelf life, can be stored for no more than 3 days: polymer packaging - 72 hours, glass bottle - 36 hours. The fermented milk product, which has a shelf life of about a month, contains a large amount of artificial emulsifiers and vegetable fats.
Harm of kefir drunk before bedtime
Due to fermentation, not only bacteria but also alcohol appear in the dairy product. Yes, its concentration is negligible, but the drink is not suitable for ardent opponents of alcohol. Kefir is a protein product, and proteins are poorly digested at night. As a result, this can lead to weight gain, although this statement can be argued.
The causes of negative symptoms can be excessive consumption of the drink, as well as the body’s individual reactions to fermented milk foods. Many people face problems such as:
- feeling “broken” in the morning, tiredness;
- increased flatulence;
- bloating;
- constant urge to urinate.
Whether kefir is harmful in the evenings is largely determined by its quality, composition and freshness. An expired drink is a guarantee of an upset stomach.