P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 08/15/2016
During tenth century, some shepherds in Bulgaria accidentally discovered Kefir when they kept goat milk in their leather bags lined with goat's intestine. The probiotics in the goat's intestine multiplied in the stored goat milk. When they drank this fermented food, they felt healthier and energetic. They kept this information as secret. They supplied Kefir starter only to their friends and relatives on condition that they should not supply kefir starter to anyone else and also should not reveal its benefits to other people; otherwise, kefir will loose all its powers.
In the year 1905, Russian Government ordered its scientists to rediscover kefir. Russian scientists went to Bulgaria and rediscovered kefir. Then kefir production started in Russia. Russian doctors gave kefir to tuberculosis patients and people with intestine problems initially. According to the document available in the net " Home remedies that some people have said worked for them ", some people are still taking kefir to cure tuberculosis. Kefir contains about 30 probiotic strains whereas ordinary yogurt contains only 2 probiotic strains.
Russian microbiologist who won Noble Prize in the field of medicine (year 1908) " Ilya Mechnikov " did a study on kefir. He divided the population of Bulgaria into two groups:
1) Kefir consuming population
2) Non-kefir consuming population
He counted the number of people who were above the age 100 in each group. The number of people who were above the age of 100 per 10000 population in Kefir consuming population was very much higher than that of Non-kefir consuming population. His conclusion was kefir consumption increased life expectancy.
My own feeling is if a person takes one half of kefir in the morning on empty stomach for about 2 days in a week regularly, can expect his / her life expectancy to go up and will face less number of medical problems since a considerable number of diseases originate in the digestive system.
Best wishes P. Raghavan.
Replied By Bibi (Bronx) on 08/15/2016
A half of kefir? Do you mean a half cup? I take 4 ounces of dairy kefir daily for my ibs. I have done some research, but I don't think I ever heard of on an empty stomach. I'll have to try it that way and see if it makes a difference. I usually take it before bed (over 2 hours after my last food) so that I get the tryptophan. I also add turmeric paste to it before drinking. Not so very tasty, but I am blessed to be able to drink it down without actually tasting it.
For those who don't like the sourness, do a second ferment to mellow the taste. (Strain out the kefir grains, then cap the strained kefir milk tightly and let sit on the counter, unrefrigerated, for several hours. If it gets effervescent and you don't like the sparkle then just don't leave it so long. Mine is thick, creamy and not sour at all after 2 hours out like this. Then put in refrigerator.)
Replied By Victoria (Toronto, Canada) on 07/08/2021
I make goat milk Kefir everyday for the last 6 years. I have been using the same grains I got from a friend who has kept them going for many years. I like to second ferment it after pouring off the Kefir into a jar and using a piece of date or thin strip of lemon peel, leave it on the counter for a couple more hours. Chill. It is thicker (not like yogurt) creamy and slightly fizzy. It's called the champagne of yogurt! Totally delicious and mild. Enjoy!
Replied By P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 08/17/2016
There is a typo error. It should read as " If a person takes one half cup of kefir in the morning ..." instead of " If a person takes one half of kefir in the morning ...". Sorry for this error.
Some probiotic strains in kefir may not survive in stomach acid. Stomach acid will not be there in the morning on empty stomach. If one takes kefir in the morning on empty stomach, the effectiveness of kefir will be high.
Best wishes. P. Raghavan.
Replied By Ecwannabe71 (Ohio ) on 08/23/2016
Replied By Herbal (Ontario, Canada) on 06/29/2017
I was reading on kefir, also started making it, and having it for week. While reading I came across this site and it was wonderful to read. I have a problem that somewhere within a day or two, I got a very bad pain in my back and it is still persisting. I took pain kill too, as it was difficult to breath..I think I started with a cup..I want to continue...Please if you can give some suggestions.
Replied By P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, Tn, India) on 06/30/2017
You may be either allergic to kefir or have infection in the pain area. Find out the problem.
Best wishes,
P. Raghavan.
Replied By Elena (New Zealand) on 07/10/2017
If kefir is left on the bench to ferment more after it is ready (thickened) it will have a buildup of lactic and acetic acid which will eventually suppress the yeast and bacteria. Not really good to have too much acid.
Elena