Water kefir is a drink made from Japanese crystals, a culture of beneficial bacteria and yeast. Its properties are used very widely, but in alternative medicine it is used mainly to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Find out what effect water kefir has on the body!
Water kefir is a drink made from water, sugar and water kefir grains, which are a symbiotic “community” of bacteria and yeast - SCOBY (Symbiotic Cultures of Bacteria and Yeasts). These grains look like small white translucent granules that grow quickly with regular feeding. They are known under different names - “Japanese crystals”, “Tibetan pearls”, “Japanese algae”. Despite their name, these microorganisms have nothing in common with the well-known seaweeds.
Their origin is not connected with Japan either - they probably came to us from Mexico, where, according to some data, they develop in certain types of cacti. There they are called "tibi" or "tibikos". Water kefir grains resemble traditional kefir in appearance, an ancient culture of bacteria native to the Caucasus used to ferment milk. However, they are not related to each other in any way; they are two completely different substances.
The benefits of kefir in the treatment of constipation
Constipation refers to problems with bowel movements and retention of stool for 24 to 48 hours.
The main symptoms of constipation are:
- Heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen,
- Difficult gas formation,
- Intestinal bloating and deterioration of general condition.
Remember that symptoms cannot be ignored. It can cause intestinal obstruction and necrosis.
Kefir itself has the ability to restore intestinal microflora. It contains a huge amount of useful substances. Primarily calcium and magnesium. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, bones and musculoskeletal system. Kefir also contains vitamins A, B, C and beta-carotene. It also contains natural sugar, organic and fatty acids. It is absorbed much better than milk.
When microorganisms enter the intestines, they suppress the processes of decay and fermentation, prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria and break down protein. It has a very gentle effect on the body and delicately eliminates constipation.
Features of using kefir
There are a number of rules that will help enhance the positive effect of kefir on the digestive system.
Kefir for constipation in adults and children
- In the store, pay attention to the date of manufacture. Fresh kefir has laxative properties, while “old” kefir causes constipation.
- It is advisable to drink kefir at room temperature. A drink that is too cold or warm will have an aggressive effect on the intestines and its microflora.
- Take kefir in small sips. Large portions will put a strain on the stomach.
- For constipation, drink a glass three times a day. By evening, the problem should be resolved.
Healthy recipes
With prunes and dried apricots
Prunes and dried apricots are very beneficial for the body. They are components of many diets. Dried apricots improve immunity and normalize the cardiovascular system. Prunes can prevent diseases of the digestive system. Dried fruits are good at normalizing chemical processes in the body. Finely chop 1-2 prunes and dried apricots into kefir. This drink will also maintain normal blood sugar levels.
With vegetable oil
Kefir with butter is a comprehensive remedy against constipation. The oil relaxes the intestines and provides the body with beneficial microelements. Add one tablespoon of oil to one glass of kefir. Drink 2 hours before bedtime. A week later, the constipation problem was resolved.
Additives to kefir for constipation
With linseed oil
This mixture contains a number of fatty acids. Of all the oils, flaxseed oil has a positive effect on intestinal function. Therefore, in combination with kefir it gives a very good result. You need to take it once a day, one glass before bed. It does not have any contraindications.
With soda
Drinking kefir with soda is one of the simplest and most accessible remedies for constipation. For a glass of kefir, use a third of a teaspoon of soda. Do not fill to the brim as the contents will begin to foam. When the mixture sizzles, drink it. You should take this remedy only when necessary. Baking soda can be harsh on healthy intestines.
With water
Another way to get rid of constipation is a mixture of kefir and water. It will help normalize the microflora and eliminate problems with bowel movements.
It is important to use boiled water. It has a more delicate effect.
What you need to know about water kefir
Japanese crystals, seaweed, tibikos... There are many microorganisms from which you can make water kefir at home - a product that is increasingly popular all over the world. It is considered one of nature's most powerful probiotics, with impressive healing properties. Does he really deserve his fame?
Several years ago, our compatriots were impressed by the Tibetan mushroom, from which you can make homemade kefir - a product that strengthens the immune system, has a sedative effect, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Now another natural remedy has been discovered - Japanese crystals, which are sometimes called seaweed, although they have nothing in common with them.
Despite the name, the origin of these unusual microbes is not in Japan, but most likely in Mexico, where they develop in some species of cactus. There they are called tibi or tibikos. Today they are grown all over the world, and the resulting water kefir is becoming increasingly popular, especially in Western Europe. Its healing properties have not yet been the subject of scientific research, but this product is considered a very effective probiotic.
The power of microorganisms
Japanese crystals are nothing more than colonies of bacteria (including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus and Leuconostoc) and yeast (Saccharomyces, Candida, Kloeckera, Brettanomyces, Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula). Under the right conditions, microorganisms produce water kefir, which can be an interesting and healthy alternative to popular sodas, “juice-like” drinks, or dairy products containing lactose, which many people cannot tolerate.
It is also an effective addition to a vegan diet that excludes dairy products and requires vitamin B12 supplementation. It improves well-being, increases the body's resistance to stress, and helps the brain function properly. Water kefir also contains other B vitamins, and especially a lot of B1 (restores the nervous system, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, is involved in the process of burning fat) and B6 (prevents the aging of the body, is necessary for the production of red blood cells).
The product, as already noted, is a very powerful natural probiotic. Valuable bacteria have a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate the body to produce immune cells and antibodies, which are distributed in the blood.
Restoration of bacterial flora
Water kefir, like other probiotics, contains, among other things, lactic acid rods. They prevent the activity of harmful bacteria, helping to cope, for example, with infections of the intimate area. This product should be included in the diet after a course of antibiotics, which can really effectively fight against dangerous microbes, but at the same time leave a negative mark on our body. For example, they destroy “friendly” bacterial flora, which leads to disruption of the synthesis of certain vitamins and contributes to the development of mycosis of the gastrointestinal tract.
As stated in many publications (here you need to remember that their position is not always confirmed by experts), water kefir also helps with weight loss, prevents tooth decay and even protects against the development of colon cancer. The drink can also be used externally - to wash the skin (helps fight acne and various blemishes) or rub into hair (prevents hair loss).
How to make water kefir
The preparation is very simple. The most difficult thing in this matter is to find good quality crystals. Therefore, before purchasing them, you should make sure that you are dealing with a reliable seller.
“Growing” microorganisms begins by pouring 2 teaspoons of sugar into a glass vessel, preferably a large jar. Pour a liter of cold water (spring, still mineral or just tap water) into it and mix thoroughly. Then add a tablespoon of “crystals” washed in a sieve (necessarily a plastic one, because “algae” does not like contact with metal) and a few raisins, a few pieces of dried apricots, prunes or figs. In many countries, they are considered the best ingredients in water kefir because they accelerate the growth of bacteria and yeast.
Cover the container with gauze and leave in a bright place for 24 hours. Every other day, draining the water through a plastic sieve, the crystals are thoroughly washed and refilled with water and dissolved sugar. The optimal fermentation time is 24-48 hours. Then kefir takes on the taste of champagne, and should be drunk after adding lemon juice or grapefruit juice.
Start by drinking a small amount of this drink to accustom your body to probiotics. But you need to keep in mind that there may be side effects at first, such as diarrhea.
How to make kefir at home
How to make kefir at home
There are several ways to make kefir at home.
- Kefir prepared using starter culture. Boil fresh milk and cool to 40 degrees. Pour into a sterilized jar, add a starter tablet, cover with white paper and place in a warm place (even in the sun). Stir every 2 hours with a wooden spoon. It should infuse for about 12-18 hours. Cool the finished kefir to -12 degrees and store in the refrigerator.
- Kefir made using ready-made store-bought kefir. This method is similar to the previous one. Just instead of sourdough, use 15 tablespoons of ready-made kefir. The mixture is also infused for 12 hours.
- Kefir based on kefir grains. This is a rather complex method of preparing kefir, which requires special equipment, raw materials and a lot of time. This kefir takes at least two weeks to prepare. Cooking requires multiple processes and strict temperature control.
Biostimulating properties
Kefir is a natural immunomodulator and growth stimulator. Processing cucumber leaves during the flowering phase leads to the formation of more ovaries. The nutritional composition is prepared from the ratio of 1 liter of kefir to 10 liters of water.
Fermented milk products are actively used to prepare seeds for planting. The seeds are soaked in a solution of two liters of kefir, a glass of ash, 5 tablespoons of honey and 10 drops of iodine.
All ingredients are mixed until smooth. The mixture is infused for two days. Vegetable seeds are then pumped into it before germination. The prepared solution is also suitable for foliar watering during flowering. To do this, it is first diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2.
The combination of kefir and yeast is actively used to speed up the decomposition of mullein and bird droppings. As a result, the process is reduced in time to several months. Preparation of compost using starter culture takes 3 weeks.
Contraindications for this product.
Despite all the beneficial properties, not everyone can drink kefir. There are a number of characteristics of this product that may adversely affect some people.
- Kefir has high acidity. That is why it is contraindicated for people with increased secretion of gastric juice and gastric and duodenal ulcers.
- Kefir that can be stored for a long time contains ethyl alcohol. Because of this, it is not recommended to consume kefir for pregnant and lactating women.
- Kefir contains lactose. Some people with lactose intolerance can consume this product normally without consequences. Some people have a negative reaction to this product. That is why people with lactose intolerance are advised to gradually start drinking kefir in small doses.
- Carbon dioxide. In some people, kefir can cause increased gas formation and bloating, like after soda. This is due to the presence of carbon dioxide in kefir.
It is also not recommended to use kefir in the diet of young children under 9 months. Then you can gradually try giving it to them in small portions.
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Water kefir is not for everyone!
The healing properties of water kefir have not been scientifically proven, however, it has a reputation as a very effective probiotic. However, despite its many positive properties, the drink is not recommended for everyone. Here is a list of those who should not drink it.
1.People with immunodeficiency
Elderly people, patients with cancer, those infected with the HIV virus, and other people with insufficiently strong immune systems should not drink this drink produced under “wrong” conditions (especially at home, where it is difficult to ensure sterility). The fact is that this can lead to contamination of kefir with pathogenic fungi, for example, the genus Aspergillus (aspergillus). They produce toxins that are especially dangerous for people with weak immune systems.
People fighting fungus
A diet rich in carbohydrates can speed up the development and increase in the population of Candida albicans, the yeast responsible for fungal diseases. Therefore, people struggling with them should limit their intake of certain foods, including some types of fermented foods. These include a drink made from water kefir grains.
Diabetes patients
For them, the drink is prohibited because it contains sugar, albeit in small quantities. In addition, diabetics should not consume it due to the alcohol content, which can, in particular, interfere with the action of injected insulin and medications used to treat the disease.
