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Hi everyone, I haven't written for quite awhile but I wanted to say that my most recent journey has been with kefir. Those of you who know me know that I have been through many of the remedies here on earth clinic and each has been wonderful and beneficial. Still, I am always in search of alternative remedies/ protocols for ultimate health. I continue with my hyaluronic acid, once to twice a week I take apple cider vinegar and baking soda in water in the morning and zeolite once to twice a week as well to remove heavy metals/toxins.
For 3 months we were about 90% raw and had green juices everyday for 10 months. I had been dealing with excruciating pain in my body for 5 years and the juicing and raw really brought that to an end and all within about a week. I continue to not eat pasta or mainstream bread and no dairy. With that, I began to learn about kefir and had been making my own young coconut kefir for about 4 months drinking it daily. Then, I began to learn a lot about milk kefir. I was concerned about it because I had pinpointed the culprit of my pain was dairy so I was hesitant about milk kefir. I did a lot of research and what I learned was that those who are dairy intolerant rarely have a reaction to real kefir. I say "real kefir" because I'm not talking about commercial kefir but rather making it yourself at home with living kefir grains. It has been a little over 2 months now that I have been drinking it daily and have fallen in love with it. The benefits are amazing. Although I saw my skin change with green juices and going raw, I saw it change yet again with milk kefir. I have had melasma for the last 10 years or so and with the kefir have seen it disappear. Also, I notice my lungs feel very strong and when I'm teaching my voice is very strong and I can speak all the way to the other side of the room. I feel steady and calm when I drink it too. My nails grow unbelievably fast now and my digestion is really good too.
When I first started researching this, my thought was, this sounds miraculous but could it be true? The history of kefir is also fascinating. So far, it is proving to be a miraculous food. It contains over 30 strains of bacterias and yeasts that the body needs to stay healthy and strong. It can combat candida and prevent candidiasis. Anyway, if kefir is something that interests you due to its benefits you can google it and find lots of info. There are sites you can order living kefir grains from which I believe is the way to go to truly get the benefits that are claimed about kefir. Don't just get the commercial kind in the store. Also, if you buy the grains, they live forever because they are self-propagating so you never have to buy them again!
Here's to our health! Lisa
(Elsewhere, Ca, Usa)
10/13/2010
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
10/13/2010
Hi Elsaeasterly! Thanks for the welcome back! I use raw milk to make my kefir but it's available here in CA and legal. That sounds so weird- real milk, legal. Still, in my research you can use pasteurized milk to make it as well. Either will work, I just think the health benefits of raw milk are superior to the pasteurized. Do you make it?
(Coloma, Mi)
10/15/2010
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
10/15/2010
Hi Janice, Thanks for the welcome! In regards to kefir, I have found one website in particular of great interest. It is quite a comprehensive site on this subject in its many forms.
http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html#intro
I'm sure you will find all of it fascinating and informative. As for buying kefir, I purchased it from culturesforhealth.com but people acquire it all sorts of ways. There's a yahoo group I belong to which people offer their grains for free- if you live close by you can pick them up or you can pay just shipping and they send them to you. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Real_Kefir_Making/The price seems to be $10 that most ask for.
There are other kefir making groups that you can google and find as well which offer the same thing. I recall one that I found listed people all over the world and they make their own kefir and offer their grains for free as well.
If you have questions I would be happy to answer them although I think the site I gave you covers all of it!
(Elsewhere, Ca, Usa)
10/15/2010
Lisa,
No, I haven't tried making it yet. I have bought it, and I thought the plain would be hard to drink, but I don't mind it at all. I'm sure that raw milk is superior, but I do have reservations. Do they sterilize the udders? There is a reason for pasteurization, so how is the safety of raw milk ensured? It kind of grosses me out a little, like I might as well go up to the cow and take a drink. I'm not saying I will never use it, clearly it hasn't made you sick, I'm just hesitant.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
10/15/2010
Hi Elsaeasterly,
Actually, I did a lot of research on raw milk because I started hearing controversy on pasteurized milk and since I always like to research anyway, I thought I should understand this subject. The first person to bring my awareness to this subject was Dr. Joseph Mercola and he had a lot to say on it! You can find information on on the Weston Price Foundation as well which is an amazing source of information on the importance of whole, real foods.
Also, I noticed that you are here in CA one of the states where raw milk is legal. Organic Pastures is a raw dairy farm here in CA and I get their raw milk at our farmer's market and also at a local health food store. If it interests you, go on their site and you will learn so much! The farm is very humane in the treatment of their cows and the strict laws and guidelines that raw dairies are held to are a world above the pasteurized milk dairies. You will actually learn some scary and disturbing things about pasteurized milk dairies. I hope you take the time to read about the differences- they are quite eye-opening!
Oh, one other interesting thing is that my husband and daughter cannot tolerate milk but after studying about raw milk, I introduced it to them because they both love the taste of milk. Well, neither of them had any adverse reactions as is the common reaction for those who are "lactose intolerant". Because the milk has not been heated to destroy all the enzymes and nutrients the milk is handled differently by the body. As a result, we have continued to use it regularly in addition to my kefir making!
(Atlanta, Ga Usa)
10/16/2010
I buy raw milk & make kefir & yogurt from it. Though the directions say to boil the milk, I thought WHY destroy the milk?! ? Therefore I only heat to about 80 degrees & cool a bit before innoculting. It sits on my counter for 24 to 48 hours til thick, them refrigerate. You will never go back to commercial products again.
(Coloma, Mi)
10/17/2010
Thanks for those web-sites Lisa. I have visited them briefly and will definitely check them out further when I have a little more time. I'm going to try to get some grains and give it a try. I guess my only concern is that hubby and I won't be able to use it up fast enough and I'll have the stuff growing out of my ears! ... Hmm they say the grains look like cauliflower. That would give me cauliflower ears! ..
(Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
11/13/2010
Hi Lisa from Thousand Oaks, I know you can buy milk kefir grains and water kefir grains, but on a website called yourkefirsource they say you can use the milk kefir grains in water but you have to wait nearly a week for fermentation due to the change of medium. I was wondering if you have heard of this. Lily.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
11/13/2010
Hi Lily,
Yes, I know of this. You can cross mediums w/ the milk kefir grains in water but they will eventually die. It will only work for a period of time. It's best to order water kefir grains for that purpose and retain your milk kefir grains for milk. If you need a source for water kefir grains, I can give it to you or you can go to the Yahoo Group I also cited and ask members if they have any they can send to you. It should only cost about $7 which is for shipping and handling. Hope this helps. Also, if you check out the website that I posted at the top of this thread you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about kefir! Hope this helps, Lisa
(Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
11/14/2010
Hi Lisa, thank you for your reply. I had read a few posts regarding the milk kefir grains not lasting in water because of the lack of lactose. Some people seem to have success with it and others none. I can buy water kefir grains here in Australia so I shouldn't have a problem. I have ordered some more milk kefir grains already because I didn't change the milk in my last batch before it went off. Thank you for all your posts, we all appreciate your amazing input. Lily.
(Singapore)
02/17/2011
Hello Lisa,
Afte reading your post about kefir, I ordered it to make my own home made kefir drink. I am having melasma for last 7 years, and nothing till date has helped me. However, your post has encouraged me to drink kefir. I want to ask if we can add cold freshmilk straight from the freeze to kefir grains. Also, let me know if kefir is effective when prepared with pasteurized milk and not with raw milk. Since here it is not easy to get the raw milk.
Please update your progress with kefir for melasma. I am keeping my fingers crossed, and hoping to get positve results soon.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
02/17/2011
Hi Butterfly, I'm glad you ordered kefir grains! Did you check out the sites I recommended?
Now to answer your questions. Yes, you can use cold milk right out of the refrigerator to add to your grains. It's no problem at all. I leave my kefir on my counter to ripen as well after it's done. It builds the beneficial bacteria and reduces all traces of lactose. Any kind of milk can be used as well so, pasteurized is fine. You can also experiment to see how you like your kefir. If you like it a bit fizzy then close the lid to your jar. If you'd prefer flat just set the lid on top w/ out tightening. The longer it ripens the stronger it gets too. So if you'd rather it not be too strong, you can refrigerate it after it becomes kefir. Some people actually use powdered milk and it works too!
And as for my melasma, it has been greatly reduced since drinking kefir. Almost to non-existent.
Anyway, hope this info helps. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Lisa
(Singapore)
02/17/2011
(Hyderabad, India)
02/17/2011
(Singapore)
02/17/2011
(Singapore)
02/28/2011
Hello Lisa,
I am drinking kefir for curing the melasma. How much kefir should ideally be consumed since presently I am taking a cup of kefir in the afternoon. Should I take it in the morning or this is okay?
I want to know if I can also drink Apple cider vinegar along with kefir. Will it accelerate the process or kefir is enough to help me remove melasma?
I have also read about grapefruit seed extract for melasma. Have you used it? Please share your views.
Please also let me know if you have seen the fading of brown patches or permanent disappearance of the spots with kefir.
(Singapore)
03/08/2011
(Singapore)
03/08/2011
Hello Sue,
I have recently started making kefir, and it takes time for the grains to grow.
But, if you are really interested in purchasing kefir grains, just google, Kefir grains sharing in Singapore, and you will find a blog. This person share his kefir grains with many people. You may contact him, and he will surely help you.
Reader Feedback
If anyone is battling candida or any digestive problems for that matter, research KEFIR. I drink it daily and it has helped me tremendeously. It is good for lots of ailments and there is a ton of information on the internet. Just google Kefir Benefits. Oh yes, you can buy kefir grains to make your own kefir on ebay. Get the Caucasus grains. I like them better. Carolyn
(London, Uk)
10/02/2010
(South Wales, Gb)
01/12/2014
Reader Feedback
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At the end of 2006, I contracted MRSA. I still have scars from that early time before I learned about kefir. I only bought one batch of kefir grains in early 2007, and I am still fermenting using grains created from that first batch. I never took any antibiotics. After I started sipping homemade kefir all day and night, I have never had any more outbreaks, except one time in 2008, I stupidly cut back on the amount of kefir I was drinking and got paid back with an outbreak on my chest. I am sipping my kefir as I write this. My primary said my MRSA looks "dormant". Yes, it is "sleeping" but if I stopped kefir, it would rage up again.
I sprinkle some turmeric in a couple times a day. Mike will teach you all about how to make your own fresh kefir at home. Or write to me. BTW, I do not eat any kind of meat or fish, because they contain HEME iron which causes MRSA bacteria to rage up. I am 66, I garden, shop, do my web work, and live normally just as I did before I contracted this hideous MRSA. If I can do this, so can you! Anyone can email me anytime. I care about people with MRSA.
(Racine, Wi)
08/04/2011
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I am an avid fan of kefir and have been drinking it for almost a year now. I grow so many grains that I have been able to start over 20 people on it. They are starting to call me the kefir lady. We have gotten great results on it in our family. My 11 year old twin daughter has Type 1 Diabetes and getting great results with blood sugars. It is as though her body is trying to work, We also have celiac disease in our family and it soothes the gut and helped heal the gut. We havent gotten sick on this except for mild detoxifying My twenty year old daughter had mrsa and had great results on a natural supplement with no scarring or reaccuring bouts it was scabbed over in a week to the doctors amazement. She did not take kefir but I wanted that info for the mrsa patients.
All I can say is that kefir is part of our daily healthy living along with supplements and all natural antibiotics. Lynn
(Surrey, Bc, Canada)
08/06/2011
Hi Lynn, My 14 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes mid April. We have had some sucess in controling his sugars with green smoothies and raw foods and exercise, having his insulin requirements decreased a few times. I have started making kefir and drink it myself but have been unable to get him to take any. How do you get you daughter to drink it, do you add anything to the kefir? I am reluctant to add sugar or honey to sweeten it. I do add fruit to mine but he hasn't liked any he has tried. How long has your daughter had Diabetes and what else have you tried. Also how do you count the carbs for the kefir?
(Quincy, Ma)
12/15/2011
(Corpus Christi, Texas)
07/01/2012
Hello Guys. I have found a wonderful use for kefir. I followed the "Dr. Budwig Protocol" diet for 5 months and this mixture of kefir and "highest lignan" cold pressed organic flax seed oil seems to have had a positive effect on my husband's cancer treatments. I sincerely request that you review this diet protocol.
(India)
03/28/2016
Reader Feedback
I just wanted to share about another ebay store that is tremendous for finding kefir, kombucha, you name it. They are very knowledgable.
Reader Feedback
Hi, if anyone needs any information about Kefir or needs to get the kefir grains ,just go to kefir _making group one of the'Yahoo groups ,there you can get it ,all of them they use it and will give it to you for free (if you are in the same erea)the natural kefir grains are not for sale ,by the way it's good for immunity and for the digestive system it's a Probiotic ,it contains good bacteria , vitamins , minerals, amino acids,and digestive enzymes ,for any more information about kefir you can contact me anytime.
(London, UK)
03/19/2008
(New York, NY)
06/19/2008
(New York, Ny, Usa)
01/16/2011
(Emmaus, Pa Usa)
01/25/2011
(East Elmhurst, Queens, New York)
11/14/2011
Grashka, will you still share your kefir? I've always bought Amish kefir from Pathmark, but would like to try to grow the grains myself. I can pick it up from you as you say you're in NYC. thanks.
Reader Feedback
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I managed to give myself a yeast infection with an overzealous attempt at home-brewed root beer. I don't know how serious this sort of infection is, but I finished it off by drinking lots of water and lots of a cultured yogurt product called kefir. The idea was to flush the yeast, dead or alive, out of the gastrointestinal system and replace/combat it with the bacteria in the cultured kefir drink.
Reader Feedback
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My very restricted vegetarian diet with sea salt and turmeric, has helped my MRSA boils condition tremendously, but I wanted to tell you I just began making and drinking kefir. After only one day, the wannabe boil which was trying to form on my bottom for over a month, receded and is extremely small now. I bought my kefir "grains" from Mike who is in Daytona Beach, Florida and who does NOT overcharge for the grains or postage as do many people on the net. His website is www.bacteriapimp.com and he also sells on eBay which is where I found him. He has Kombucha grains too, which I have not tried as yet because I am getting used to making kefir correctly. Kefir contains approx. 30 kinds of good bacteria and helps to jumpstart the good bacteria in the gut. Mike gives a lot of good information and he is a truly kind and wonderful caring human being. Anyone can please write to me anytime. My skin is clear now and my energy is back. Is my diet icky??? YES. Does it work to inhibit boils? YES.
(Norcal, Ca)
06/02/2011
To Carolyn from Hollywood. I have loved ones with MRSA and I see them going through so much, it's truly awful. I use water kefir daily, and I love it! I have a couple of questions for the group... And a specific question just for you. First for the group: I'm reading all of these health benefits of milk kefir, and I'm wondering "is my water kefir giving me all of the same benefits? If Carolyn is using milk kefir and it's helping her MRSA, will the water kefir help my loved ones? For Carolyn: How long were you using it before you started seeing a decrease in the MRSA, have the boils completely stopped? The boils are painful and I they'd be willing to try anything. I guess I just don't want to get their hopes up if the water kefir benefits are very different than the milk kefir results. I don't use the milk kefir because I'm really allergic to dairy.
Thanks in advance, Tina from NorCal
Reader Feedback
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I'm residing in Brazil for the last year and using Kefir in water and brown sugar, it is great and healthy. this may I'm moving back to Toronto Canada and don't know where to find it there. could you please let me know of anybody who make use of it there so i can get some? Thanks, Leo
(Windhoek, Namibia)
05/21/2007
(Windhoek, Namibia)
11/04/2015
Looking for Water Kefir in Windhoek!
(Windhoek)
01/07/2017
Hi did you ever find Water Kefir in Windhoek? Or Nam for that matter? Also looking for some. Please let me know. Thanks Toni
(Windhoek, Namibia)
01/23/2017
(East London, South Africa)
03/20/2018
You can get the Kefir kit from Dischem.
Reader Feedback
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I have had a worsening case of suborrheic dermatitis for several years. It started around my upper lip and chin and ended up in my ears. Prescriptions mildly controlled it, but not well, are expensive, and frankly I don't trust them very much. I tried several reccomended natural and "home" remedies, none of which worked very well. And then I started drinking kefir, a cultured milk beverage. I started drinking it because it's really tasty and I can digest it (I'm lactose intolerant), but found that when I drink it regularly my suborrheic dermatitis goes away. When I don't drink kefir for several days it starts to come back. Typically I've found myself drinking a 32 oz. bottle every two to three days. I've tried a couple of brands, but the Helios brand seems far superior to the other brand I tried (which I had trouble digesting). So I really reccomend it. At the very least, you'll be drinking something that tastes great and is good for you (live foods rock). And if it works for your skin ailements too, all the better. Good luck!
Reader Feedback
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Kefir is great for lots of things. I've been using it to help my daughter's LGS. It helps you lose weight, detoxes your liver, restore intestinal flora, allergies, and so much more. It coats your intestines and helps your body break down foods. I drink 2 C a day. If you are just trying it out you might want to start with 2 oz a day and slowly increase it. I wouldn't recommend the store bought kind in the US. It only has 4 different bacteria in it. If you make your own Kefir it was over 30 things that are great for you. Plus if you are lactose intolerant, you can handle Kefir.
Reader Feedback
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I am using kefir (fermented drink) for a long time. I am making it by myself. From the country where I am coming (Macedonia) it is very a popular drink and considered very healthy. But also you can find it in the healthy stores. It helps with constipation, regenerates intestinal flora. It is very good for the skin. When you apply on the face before going to bed, after few days you will notice the results. Clean and more firm skin. Looking very youthful.
(White Rock, B.c.)
06/14/2010
(Birmingham, Al)
07/10/2010
Kefir is a life changing gift. Please search the Internet carefully and look for someone who will give it to you for only the cost of shipping. Search the Yahoo groups and google it before you "buy" it from someone. I paid a small fee for my first batch, and do not resent it. But it grows so fast and there are sure to be people close enough to most of you that will share. Now that I have been making my own for several years I have shared often. And I wouldn't buy it again. There are many sources for information on the Web. . . Just search it out. My experience is that Kefir assists with numerous ailments from digestion to anxiety. But I believe it needs to be homemade to see the best results.
(Brookfield, Missouri)
11/06/2011
I have an abundance of kefir grains. I'd be happy to share. I live in Missouri. I think I can ship to anywhere in the U.S. in 2 to 3 days for $5. I can ship to Canada in 6 to 10 days for $12, or in 3 to 5 days for $27.
If anybody wants some grains, I'll share them for the cost of shipping. Email me at myemaildt(at)gmail.com.
(Machester, Uk)
03/26/2012
Just a small correction here. Macedonia is in Greece and does not produce any kefir. Do you mean FYROM or Vardaska? For sure you cannot be from Macedonia though, since Macedonia is not a country, it is an area on the north of of Greece
(So California, Usa)
03/27/2012
Demi, .. Sorry, but there is a 'Republic of Macedonia' a separate country. Small matter though, finding kefir is the important thing.. Luv
(Surrey, Bc)
04/26/2013
I live in Surrey BC, very close to the Emilli who posted that she has a lot of kefir grains and that she would be happy to share. Emilli please respond to this post as I would really love to get my kefir going again. I am also looking for a kambucha scoby/mushroom as I lost mine. Any one that lives in the lower mainland of BC, Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Delta that has extra kefir grains to share please respond. Much Thanks
(Surrey, Bc, Canada)
05/19/2013
(Vancouver, Bc)
06/08/2013
Sharing Kefir Grains
http://www.torontoadvisors.com/Kefir/kefir-list.php
Real Live Kefir Grains shared by worldwide members
Sharing Kefir Grains
I live in Rochester, NY and I am looking for someone local who can provide fresh kefir grains. In reading everyone's comments and in my research I am convinced that my family and I will benefit greatly by using it. I welcome any feedback.
(Houston, Us)
01/28/2012
There is a big community at http://heal-thyself.ning.com/ that is helpful at sharing kefir grains. Most ask for postage price.
You can also try your local Craigslist, but you may not know the quality of the grains until you pay for it and try make kefir and find out that it does not work.
Try http://culturedfoodlife.com/
(Donna is always very helpful and willing to share)
Culturesforhealth.com is reliable in their kefir grains (I would stay away from kefir starter) and only work with grains.
Hope this is helpful :)
(Rochester, Ny)
08/04/2016
Sharing Kefir Grains
I'm keen to start a yoghurt culture for medicinal reasons, and would really appreciate anyone with grains available getting in touch with me. Happy to trade or reimburse costs.
Sharing Kefir Grains
Hi I am in BC Canada, I have milk kefir and would like to trade some with others to be sure I can get the most pro biodics from several strains of kefir. If anyone else would like to mix with me, give me a shout.
(Surrey, Bc Canada)
05/02/2011
(Amman, Jordan)
05/18/2011
(Vancouver, Bc Canada)
06/30/2011
Dear Lardiver, I don't yet have grains to swap with you, unfortunately. But I do live in Vancouver and would be interested to get your mixed Kefir -- that makes sense. I hear there's a real difference with grains that have come from Eastern Europe and am hoping to start with a good batch. Would it be possible to get some from you?
Thank you, Rebekka
