Lately, I’ve been researching natural ways to boost the immune system.
I have 10-month old twin sons and want to ensure that I start them off right, especially since I was unable to breast feed for very long.
While researching, I came across kefir. It’s a probiotic food, similar to yogurt, but packs many more health benefits—especially if you compare it to commercially-prepared yogurt. The type you’d buy at the supermarket.
I actually tried kefir for the first time while pregnant in the hospital (I stayed 90 days in the high-risk obstetrics unit due to pre-term labor) because I’d developed an overpowering craving for dairy.
I usually don’t drink dairy because I don’t like the way it affects my body. But during pregnancy, my body called out for it… several times a day… and loudly.
I loved kefir’s taste, but at that time didn’t know much about the health benefits and how powerful kefir’s supposed to be when it comes to building or rebuilding the immune system…
I also didn’t understand that there was very little actual lactose in it and that the casein (a very difficult protein for our bodies to break down) was broken down during the lacto-fermentation process.
When the twins were 6 months old, I began buying kefir at our local health foods store, in hopes of boosting the boys’ immune systems—and thankfully, they took to it instantly.
I began by giving them 3-ounces a day (diluted w/ 3-oz of purified water & organic maple syrup, to taste) and now they’re up to 8 ounces. I’m drinking about 12-ounces a day myself and absolutely love it. 
Although it’s not possible to tell what benefit the kefir is having on the boys’ immune system at this point, Ryan has been spitting up a lot less since he began his kefir regimen.
He used to spit up a lot, after every meal, and now spits up infrequently. I’m not sure if this can be attributed to the kefir or if it’s just a coincidence, but I noticed this within a day or two of giving them their first serving.
If you haven’t tried kefir—and are interested in natural ways to promote a higher level of health for yourself and that of your family—you might want to give it a try.
Here are some of the health benefits that sold me:
1. Stimulates the immune system
2. Cleanses the colon
3. Increases energy
4. Treats depression
5. Nourishes the hair and skin
6. Provides the body with complete proteins
7. Provides many essential vitamins, including A, B2, B12, K and D
8. Provides minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
9. It’s rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties
10. Treats IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
11. Relieves gas, bloating, indigestion
12. Ensures regular bowel movements
13. Treats pancreatitis, eczema, stomach ulcers, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis and gout, osteoporosis and anemia
14. Can reduce the risk for certain cancers including, colon cancer, by preventing the growth of cancerous cells
15. Calms the nerves to maintain a healthy nervous system
16. Helps control acne, sleep disorders, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, colitis and diarrhea
17. Assists patients who are suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep disorders
Though kefir would certainly be a healthful addition to anyone’s diet, it can quickly become an expensive habit.
Since 32-ounces will set you back anywhere from $3.49 to $5.00, depending on the brand and where you purchase it, I decided to begin experimenting with making it at home.
I was shocked at how easy it is. Also, aside from it being much more inexpensive to make at home, there are other reasons to consider making it yourself.
I’ll write about this—and share my kefir-making diary—later this week.
With much love & enthusiasm,
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