Personal problems (includes ranting, whining and more than a dash of self-pity)!

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by Vintage VFer

Pam, how do you recommend getting started making my own kefir? Is there a kit/brand that you like?

You can get milk kefir grains that you can use over and over, they are a living combination of yeast & bacteria. They do require regular attention though. The easiest way is to buy kefir culture, similar to yogurt culture. It’s so easy to make and it’s creamy and delicious, reminds me of buttermilk. Most health food store would have it in the dairy section. This is the one I’ve used, says one envelope makes a litre but I’ve stretched it to 1.5 litres and it works fine.
http://www.yogourmet.com/usa/kefir-starter-culture

[Vintage VFer]

Originally Posted by yogapam

You can get milk kefir grains that you can use over and over, they are a living combination of yeast & bacteria. They do require regular attention though. The easiest way is to buy kefir culture, similar to yogurt culture. It’s so easy to make and it’s creamy and delicious, reminds me of buttermilk. Most health food store would have it in the dairy section. This is the one I’ve used, says one envelope makes a litre but I’ve stretched it to 1.5 litres and it works fine.
http://www.yogourmet.com/usa/kefir-starter-culture

Thanks, Pam!

[Judith L]

Alta, that's great news about your latest BD scores! You may never have dipped into osteoporosis since many can get fractures while "officially" osteopenic, but that your scores are higher than two years ago is absolutely fantastic!

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by Vintage VFer

Thanks, Pam!

You’re welcome! Kefir is great for all the health benefits and you don’t need any appliances to make it as it incubates at room temp.

[Pat58]

VV, great news about your increased bone mass!

[Karen Beckwith]

Originally Posted by Pat58

VV, great news about your increased bone mass!

Yes, yay, Alta!

[Nuggie's Auntie]

Originally Posted by Pat58

Older thread alert.

I've been adding kefir to my diet (the dairy kind) for the probiotics. Today I googled to see what other health benefits it might have, and discovered that it is great for bone health.

Google "medical journal kefir bone density"

This study was encouraging:

https://tmu.pure.elsevier.com/en/pub...n-ovariectomiz

I've started drinking kefir daily as well. I moved last summer and the stress of the move and other life difficulties took a serious toll. I was sick almost constantly and had to take antibiotics FOUR TIMES. The need was legitimate (true bacterial illnesses, not antibiotics as panacea) but I hate taking them. I've heard them described as 'a nuclear bomb for your gut.' I hadn't taken any in many years, so I've been working to repopulate my gut. Kefir is one of the best sources of probiotics, or so I've read. So far I can't say I've noticed any difference in my well-being (though I haven't been sick!) but I'm encouraged to hear they can help with bone density, too.

I do think the whole topic of the gut microbiome is fascinating. It seems gut health might be the key to health and well-being in so many areas.

[Pat58]

Gut microbiome is indeed fascinating. It seems to be the root of all evil - or good health. I sat through some fascinating online lectures on it. The things that improve it - leaving the peel on your carrots, having a pet, having a good social life - are amazing.

Good luck with your kefir efforts. I started with Lifeway Natural Kefir Cup (plaing), a couple of spoonfuls. The taste was - not great - but its growing on me so I'll be eating one container daily instead of yogurt.

[Nuggie's Auntie]

Originally Posted by Pat58

I started with Lifeway Natural Kefir Cup (plaing), a couple of spoonfuls. The taste was - not great - but its growing on me so I'll be eating one container daily instead of yogurt.

I plan to buy kefir grains and make my own once the dust settles on our spring travel. In the meantime, I'm buying a bottle of plain and a bottle of raspberry flavor and mixing them together. My kids, of course, prefer full-strength raspberry but there is way too much sugar. My older son LOVES kefir, and my younger one loves sauerkraut and kimchi, of all the odd things for a 7 year old to love!

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by Nuggie's Auntie

I plan to buy kefir grains and make my own once the dust settles on our spring travel.

I plan to do the same! My water kefir grains are thriving, now I need to get some milk ones going too. In the meantime, the yogourmet starter powder is easy to use & works great.