What is Kefir?
Kefir is a cultured, creamy product with amazing health attributes.
Kefir’s tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt. The naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine symbiotically to give superior health benefits when consumed regularly. It is loaded with valuable vitamins and minerals and contains easily digestible complete proteins.
For the lactose intolerant, kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose left after the culturing process.
How is Kefir Made?
Kefir can be made from any type of milk, cow, goat or sheep, coconut, rice or soy. Although it is slightly mucous forming, the mucous has a “clean” quality to it that creates ideal conditions in the digestive tract for the colonization of friendly bacteria.
Kefir is made from gelatinous white or yellow particles called “grains.” This makes kefir unique, as no other milk culture forms grains. These grains contain the bacteria/yeast mixture clumped together with casein (milk proteins) and complex sugars. They look like pieces of coral or small clumps of cauliflower and range from the size of a grain of wheat to that of a hazelnut. Some of the grains have been known to grow in large flat sheets that can be big enough to cover your hand!. The grains ferment the milk, incorporating their friendly organisms to create the cultured product. The grains are then removed with a strainer before consumption of the kefir and added to a new batch of milk.
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{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, I am in search of MILK KEFIR GRAINS, it is for a cancer patient and was reccomended by the Doctor,
I have the water kefir grains, but he stipulated MILK Kefir.
I am IN Johannesburg/Centurion area
0825589196
Dear Andree,
If you need only the milk kefir grains you should check out kefirlady.com. She was very helpful with us. May I also put in that you should use raw milk. (we ourselves sell raw goat milk, and Raw goat milk kefir, and a limited supply of camel milk, but if you can make it yourself it will definately be cheaper for you. Our site is camelmilkassociation.com) As far as Raw milk verses pasturized we found that, You can buy what is labeled as Kefir in health food stores, but that is not real Kefir. You can also buy Kefir starter cultures to inoculate your milk, but that is not real Kefir either. These products are expensive, do not last, and have only 7 probiotic bacteria in them. True Kefir has 36 documented probiotic bacteria for digestive tract health. Let me know if I can help even if you are not interested in purchasing from us. My dad passed away from cancer almost ten years ago now. May God bless you all and restore your friend to health. (note; our Raw Goat milk kefir is due to be available online in the next couple of days)
I have been making kefir for almost a year now from raw milk I buy from a local dairy and love it. I make a smoothie of a cup of kefir, handful of frozen berries, frozen plums and a banana. That is my breakfast every morning. Sometimes changing up the frozen fruit that I have froze myself from fruit that i have bought or grown. My grains will not grow and I wonder why. Has anyone else had that problem?
The grains will not grow if you put them in the refridgerator. It is too cold. At least this is the experience I have had. They should be left in a warmer place. I generally just leave the milk with grains in it on the counter. The grains as they begin are very small. You may be eating them before you recognize that they are there.
I need help! What do I do if a first kefir batch was left on the kitchen counter for ten days (not ten hours!) ????? I would greatly appreciate some advice! Thank you!
seriously?? you need help to know wht to do? PITCH IT. THROW IT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just rinse the kefir grains thoroughly with cold water through a plastic sieve until the water runs clear. Let the grains drip out most of the water and then reuse it to make new kefir by pouring new milk on it. I did it and it worked fine.
When you rise the grains make sure the water is not chlorinated, it will kill the grains. The site “What is Kefir” gives you important kefir precautions. Use bottled water if you are in question.
For any that did not know, kefir helps diabetics because it lowers the candida overload that is causing the diabetes.
And remember sugars, except Stevia, feeds candida.
This is my first visit to this site. The comments are very helpful. I started keifer and found it constipating so I stopped. Then restarted and it occurred again. Then again. I resorted to cooking with it. The pancakes are like non other! Salad dressings are superb. I am going to take your suggestions on the flaxseeds. Any other helpful hints?
Kefir needs to be taken first thing in the morning after a 12 hour period of culturing, it then has a sweetish flavour and acts as a mild laxative. If taken after 24 hours it becomes quite sour and may cause constipation. If one googles ‘What is Kefir’ and ‘What is Kefir good for’, one has all the information one can get on Kefir. I’ve been on Kefir for just three weeks and my IBS has vanished, my fatty enlarged liver has improved as I can eat anything without getting a bloated distended feeling and I have stopped medication for my liver problem. Besides I feel more energetic, sleep well and enjoy a general feeling of good health.
I just received packets of kefir starter from the Body Ecology Company by Donna Gates. It lists candida keyfr as an ingredient and I read online that this kind of yeast can cause disease. I am working on a systemic yeast infection. Has anyone heard of this?
Ginger you would be better to use the real grains so the helpful bacteria stays in the gut.
Here is a web site that offers grains from all over the world. Kefir is so easy to make and the grains last a life time if you take time to learn how and what to do, I highly recommend the site “What is Kefir”.
Do not over process the kefir or it will be constipating to you, no more that 20 to 24 hours, just as it starts to set. Real kefir takes care of a candida overload, besure to take it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning and last thing at night or a half hour before meals.The kefir site gives you great information.
http://www.torontoadvisors.com/
You can also make kefir with water.
Hi everyone..i have crohn’s disease for the past 4 years ..have tried many different natural remedies that doesn’t seems to work .Someone has advise me to try using Kefir to reduce the pain and the diarrhea.will it help me…in need for help as i don’t want to take the doctor’s strong medications .
To Mona Friolet,
I am reading “The Maker’s Diet” by Jordan Rubin. He was dying of Crohn’s Disease, but since 1996 he is in amazing recovery. The doctor’s who left him to die are amazed. I recommend his book to you. He is in Florida, is a practicing doctor, and is really helping so many people. All the best to you.
Hi Mona:
I have a few customers with crohns and ibs who are using our Vital and Confianza from It Works and they seem to be helping them . When you have crohns, colitis or ibs, you are not able to absorb the good nutrients that you need daily and flare ups are usually caused by stress. If you are wanting more info please email me.
Hi Mona, I’m sorry to hear of you suffering with crohn’s. Many have received lasting relief from a special alkaline water. See testimonials at: http://www.DownloadMyEbook.com/vcover. Contact me for help.
hi gentelman;
thanks , ineed only ‘ kombucha mushroom’
iam liveing in tehran / iran
pleaze tell me what can i do
thanks again good luck doc
Im just getting into Kombucha Tea, which is also a probiotic, what are ppls thoughts on Kefir vs Kombucha?
Hi kefir carers, I leave my kefir for up to a week or more and get a great cottage type cheese which acan be flavoured with anything olive salt is especially good. I have used all sorts of milk even UTH when I ran out. My daughter has even frozen the grains when away and the sprang back into action. It all worked!
I am now thinking of trying to make a coconut kefir mix as I have just tried coconut yoghur t from the store at a riduculous price.
Also tried camambert but mixed the rind fron a real camembert into the hanging muslin, in progress at present. Not sure what that will make, after belatedly reading the right process.
I recently taught and gave work collegues kefir to use. I call it ‘ the creature’ and care for it as any living thing, and have fun responding to the question ‘ Where did you get this” dip,cheese,or what ever I have made! Enjoy Neri
I have been drinking Kefir for about two and half weeks now. I am feeling really bloated and constipated and I have put on a couple of kilos! Is this normal?? I have heard that drinking kefir helps people that suffer from constipation? Am I doing something wrong? I want to keep drinking it as I know that it is good for you, but if I keep feeling like this I might have to stop!!
Along with the kefir milk, I add 3 T. of ground flax seeds to my oatmeal and I am never constipated. Might be worth a try plus ground flax seeds are very healthful. I have been taking both daily for over 5 years.
That’s a good suggestion Linda. I would start slow Mel, this will give your system time to catch up. – bri <3
Linda I want to buy kefir for a new diet but I don’t have any idee what it looks like or what to look for where in the croceries store can you help me please?
Hi Marina,
Are you in South Africa? If yes, there are people who can give you the kefir ‘grains’. Have a look at some of the websites, and YouTube videos. That will give you a good idea of how the process works.
I found some ‘grains’ from an elderly couple in Pretoria some years ago, but I have unfortunately not had the opportunity to make kefir for almost four years. My ‘grains’ have been frozen, so I don’t think they will be worth much now. Life has been very busy recently.
I will start the kefir process early in 2012 again, so can let you know if I have success tracking down someone with a fresh supply of kefir grains.
Best wishes,
Tersia
Hi Tersia
If your Kefir came to life, i am desperately looking for some MILK KEFIR grains for a cancer patient.
0825589196
Hi Marina – where in South Africa are you? I have kefir grains – you need a tiny bit to start with as they grow – well RAPIDLY!!
Hi Marietjie I saw your kind offer and would love to buy some kefir grains from you. I live in Sandton, Gauteng and have tried a few places but they only sell the ready made kefir.
Best regards
Shelagh
Hi Marietjie
I am in Johannesburg/Centurion.
I need MILK KEFIR grains desperately for my brother-in-law.
He has oesophagus cancer and Dr recommended Milk Kefir
If you got some i will be very grateful
0825589196
Kefir is good for you yes, but if you have been going along in life, with little frenziedly flora in your gut all these years, what happens is, the kefir wants to replace the missing flora, and at the same time it has a cleansing effect. If you slow down your consumption a bit, till your system can catch up, you will probably have some major cleansing (elimination of toxins in the form of waste material).
You might also want to drink as much fresh clean water, per day, as you can.
good luck
- bri <3
Hi Mel,
I have been drinking 250ml of Kefir every morning (1st thing) for about 2 weeks now and I am feeling the same effects you are – bloated and constipated and i have also gained weight. What did you do?
I’ve been using kefir for a year now and am so pleased. A friend gave me a starter. Before using it, I have been hospitalized for abdominal blockages and divericulitis. This is the first year in four I have not had a major abdominal issue. I have IBS and have in the past had a lot of trouble with bloating and constipation. Since I started the kefir, bloating and constipation have become less of a problem for me. I don’t drink it by itself. I use it instead of milk with cereal. I also use it in recipes instead of buttermilk to make pancakes and muffins. One advantage in making pancakes or muffins is my husband gets some kefir without knowing it! : )
Gloria
Hi Mel.
I have the same problem sometimes. But I drink two cups water right away it work very well after that. Some times I found the sour level in kefir that may cost conspitation. I had stomach bloating too, I just take kefir any way, Somehow it ‘s gone after few weeks.
I was like that at first,too. It took about a month and now I am very regular. I guess my body got used to it . Make sure you drink alot of water as your main fluid intake.
oops…met to respond to Sue…
I’ve just begun drinking kefir, and i enjoy it very much. I bought the blueberry flavor and it’s great. Is there any danger in gaining weight from it if consumed even moderately? And does it still have the value if buying from the grocery store? Thanks for your comment, Virginia
If you are using a commercial kefir, you would have to look at the nutritional values to be able to determine how pure your kefir is. If there is added sugar, flavouring, and who knows what, this will have to be taken into consideration. Otherwise you can easily get plain kefir, and add blueberry jelly or jam, to flavour it. Just choose a good, healthy jam. I would use natural juice sweetened jam.
good luck and have fun
- bri <3
Hola… quiero saber si el Kefir y los bacilos búlgaros son lo mismo o cual es la diferencia, también en Bogotà donde los puedo conseguir.
Gracias
Kefir Bulgarous is the kefir mushroom, yes! – bri <3
¡El kéfir Bulgarous es la seta del kéfir, sí! – bri <3
LAURA.
Have you tested for Candida/Yeast infection? Your symptoms sound like that may be a possibility.
If that is the case and you jump on it now you will for certain start to feel better and i’ve been assured Kefir will help. That is why I am on this site trying to research the product.
Hello, I am 69 years old , just start to use Kefir, I do in the morning, and in the afternoon my body is very congested (diarrhoea) I would like to know it is normal ,because I suffer about Diversticulit for long time,
waiting for you answer,
Lydia
Lydia, Hi I to have suffered from Diverticulitis, but for the last 18 years i have been free from that disease, for me the answer was live enzyme,s mainly from raw juice,and kefir, and enzyme supplements, like systemic enzymes have been a blessing for me, it may take up to 90 days but you will feel like a new person, full of energy,and life. God Bless.
Kenny, what do you mean by “raw juices”? Just curious. I am trying a new diet & all this is new to me?
I am 69 years old , just I have start with Kefir , I take one glass with honey in the morning, and in the afternoon I feel my body very congested ( diarrhoea), I would like to know it is normal . I Start with Kefir because I am suffer of Diberticulate for long time,.
I will appreciate so much you answer,
Thanks, Lydia
Hello
I live around brooks, Alberta Canada. where can i get some kefir already made. What would be the equivalent to kefir, just in case I can’t get it here.
@ laura desperate for kefir – try Caravan Grill and Bakery. They have it there.
I want to start making kefir regularly but right now I travel a lot and I am afraid I can’t take care of the grains properly. Tell me how to use the powder for the time being- I heard you can continue to make new kefir from the powder for 6-7 times before needing to get fresh powder. I assume that means using a half cup or so of kefir to be the starter for a new quart batch? Someone please tell me if this is ok! Also, after the kefir is made I have used a metal whisk or blending tool to add vanilla and stevia and blend it to a smooth consistency. Why do I read that I should not ever use metal and is that advice only for when the kefir is actively producing? Can you thoroughly blend the kefir if only using a wooden or plastic spoon? I would appreciate any help you can give me on this. Thanks!
Where can i find kefir in san antonio, tx. I am desperate and tired of all my digestive problems, i tried a lot of doctors and specialists and all my test results come back negative, they say nothing is wrong but I don’t fell right. I am bloated all the time and with abdominal pain, tired and depressed. In my search I read about kefir… can anybody tell me if this product is as good as they said?
It did help me with my stomach problems, I had bloating, pain, cramps, and couldn’t eat anything after 6pm, then it went to where I was waking up already bloated and lots of pain, This had been going on for over a year and getting worst every time.
I stared kefir and after a month I was sooo much better, after 3 months all my stomach issues went away. email me a littlekids1@yahoo.com if you want some grains, I can share some.
Rosa
Laura,
We live in Blanco and make fresh kefir please email us if interested. This product is outstanding and if you stay on the regimine your whole body will feel better. I have bowel obstruction, reflux and this has been the best cure! (artesian22@gmail.com)
Thanks and good luck.
when i can buyy?
Email me at littlekids1@yahoo.om
Rosa
How much sugar in a serving of Kifer?
the kefir lives off of the sugar in the milk! kefir is not sugar. Any sugar in the milk you use to make kefir milk will be diminished and therefore have less or nearly no sugars. Although if you add honey or fruit to the kefir milk that will add sugar grams, but that is up to you. I drink my kefir neat, or over fresh fruit. Another nice drink in kefir ginger ale.
How can I make the kefir grains? I live in Mexico and I can’t buy them
You can’t make the grains. You have to buy them, or hopefully get some free from somebody whose batch has grown too large. Then when youre batch gets too large you then pass some on.
Google for a website that shows a kefir user near you.
Hi Rosalinda,
We sell kefir (cultivated from the grains) at the local organic market. Are you anywhere near Chapala/Ajijic/Guadalajara?
I can send you some dry grains, I mailed som to my mom in Mexico and she rehydrated them with no problems. email me at littlekids1@yahoo.com if you still need some.
Rosa
On day 3 with my Kefir. I change it every 24 hours. Is the benefits better nutritionally if I leave it longer? My kids love it in smoothies. I also heard that blender’s take away some of it’s nutrition. Is this true?
Thank You,
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
I have read that metal should not be used when transferring or even stirring the Kefir. It “kills” the grains. The best way to get all the nutrition out of your Kefir is to drink it without any additives. It takes some time getting used to because of the smell of it but it does wonders for the body.
i know that you should not use metal on the grains – but isn’t it OK to use a blender AFTER you have seperated the grains for the next day supply and want to blend the Kefir for today with fruit for instance – with a blender – without the grains??
where can I buy this in cookeville tenn.
I know a source in Fayetteville, that would be happy to share with you. But, I have not seen HOW or IF anyone has shared by mail. I shared two starts this morning. It’s like the widow’s flour and oil supply when she fed Elijah.
If it’s the Kefirlady, I can vouch for her. My grains are MASSIVE now and produce GREAT kefir!
would love that info please:)
Consuming kefir at the same time every day, preferably in the morning when the stomach ‘s empty, wil train your bowel movements to correct itself. You will eat less, have more energy. If you have left over kefir milk, use it as a face or hair mask. Good luck.
I do use my kefir milk as a face mask morning and night and it is keeping wrinkles at bay.
Rosa
Kefir grains should be rinsed every other day or once a week. Doing so the nutritious bacterials would stay with the grains, instead of being washed away. Kefir milk should be strained within 22-24 hours. If not consume right away, kefir milk can be stored in glass with lid container. Don’t contact kefir milk or grains w/ metal of any sort ( that includes the strainer). Expose the grains to light and it will grow faster.
so that means you should not blend the finished product without the grains (of course) in the blender for a smoothie?
Hi! I am so glad to have found this page
I was hoping that somebody could answer this question for me. I have never used Kefir before and I was wondering if Kefir is a good healthy substitute for buttermilk? I have been doing the Maker’s Diet for the past year, and I really miss Ranch Dressing on occasion. Making it without buttermilk just isn’t the same, but then somebody mentioned to me that they heard Kefir is like buttermilk. So, I guess I just wanted to confirm this with somebody who has used it before. I am new to all this, so I appreciate your advice.
Mistie,
Milk Kefir can be used as a substitute for buttermilk. I use it along with homemade Piima Yogurt to make my homemade Ranch Dressing. I also use it in other recipes like homemade pancake and waffle batter and in my Buttermilk Syrup recipe. Please note: If you use it in a recipe that is cooked, you may lose the probiotic properties due to the temperature your recipe is cooked at but it still will add great flavor and texture to recipes that are cooked.
I have been making kefir for over a year. I make it in a jar and put it on top of my fridge to ferment, but I usually leave it for at least 5 days – the longer it ferments, the thicker and more sour flavoured it is. I have never had any issues with it, even leaving it that long. On another site though, I read that kefir should be kept in the dark while fermenting – this is something I haven’t done as I ferment it in a mason jar. I’m wondering if I am losing a significant amount of the dietary benefits?
Hi
you might help me in answering the following questions:
what is the best way to restore kefir? for how long i can restore it in water only?is restoreing kefir in refrigator god or bad?when kefir turnes to be poisonous?
jasem
The most informative site I have found with milk & water kefir info is Dom Anfiteatrors kefir site. It explains everything you need to know about kefir…how to make, how to store, how to restore grains etc. and also has recipes. Here is the link: http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html
Cathi
Our grains are growing!
I was able to find kefir grains close to home through craigslist. Plenty of people are willing to give their grains away for free. I wouldn’t buy grains from anyone especially a store. Real Kefir grains will thrive and grow indefinitely so long as you give them fresh milk.
I have been making and consuming kefir for 3 months. I let it ferment until the curd and whey start to separate on the bottom which is usually around 20 to 24 hours. Any longer that this and it is difficult to strain. After straining the kefired milk goes into the fridge for an additional 24 to 48 hours with the lid tight.
When you say you strain the keifred milk, do you mean taking out the clump of grains or do you actually put the milk through a strainer before it goes into the jar and then in fridge? What do you use to strain with? I use a wooden slotted spoon to remove the grains. I am new at this and want to make sure I am doing it correct. Thanks for any tips.
I am new as well – and learning. When you strain – do you also strain out the curds with the “grains”? I have a little hard time telling the difference.
Where can i buy kefir? or its mother culture and how much is it. thanks ving
what did u find about where to get kefir
I get my kefir at Whole Foods. They have several brands and types, including lowfat and nonfat, flavored and plain. I think most large grocery stores stock it.
What you can get at Whole Foods is a kefir drink…it does not contain the grains needed to culture your own kefir. You can get milk and water kefir grains online (milk grains are great forculturing milk kefir to make fruit smoothies and water grains can be used to culture water that can be used to make great kefir ice tea once brewed.) Look carefully at what the companies are selling. Some places are not selling grains but a powder. You need grains to be able to continually culture your own kefir. Here is a link for the best site I’ve found for kefir: http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.htmlonline.
Cathi
Kefirdude.com is under construction at the moment, but we do sell kefir grains. 4oz $15 + shipping($20 total). Shoot me an email if interested. They are home grown grains.
I sometimes let mine go for that long. It just makes the kefir a bit stronger, thicker, and even more nutritious. I think it is perfectly safe to leave it for 48 hours. I do.
Hi! Great page you have here!
I was wondering, we have kefir at home, and my husband leaves it fermenting for 2 whole days. Is that too much? Should we leave the Kefir with the milk only one day, and then rince and change the milk?
Thank you for your knowledge!
Maria
You can ferment your kefir for 2 days. 1-2 days is the usual time people leave the grains in the milk to ferment. I would taste it after a day and after 2 days. What do you pefer? I personally like mine after 24 hours but there are variables that will change the fermenting time of my grains like the amount of grains I have in my jar compared to the amount of milk I am culturing and how warm the room is. My milk grains ferment quicker and multiply more in the summer when my kitchen is warmer than in the winter when my kitchen is around 69 degrees. From the info I have read, wash your jar after each culture (make sure it isn’t hot when you put your grains back in or the heat can kill them) and it isn’t necessary to rinse the grains. I’ve been culturing the same grains for a year and have only put them in water when I was going on vacation for 2 weeks.
Thanks for your info since I am new at using Keifer grains. What kind of milk do you use? Whole, fat free, organic, or regular? I am using fat free organic (NOT ultra pasturized) from whole foods.
I use raw whole milk without the cream removed from a local farmer’s pastured cows. Pasteurization kills the good bacteria and limits what your kefir is producing. I would suggest organic whole milk from pastured cows if you cannot get raw milk.