Kefir for Health: A Fermented Alternative to Yogurt

I have kefir grains that I would like to share with anyone in Australia, for the cost of postage.

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.

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.

Looking for Water Kefir in Windhoek!

Hi did you ever find Water Kefir in Windhoek? Or Nam for that matter? Also looking for some. Please let me know. Thanks Toni

You can get the Kefir kit from Dischem.

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.

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

Demi, .. Sorry, but there is a 'Republic of Macedonia' a separate country. Small matter though, finding kefir is the important thing.. Luv

Those people that are making their own kefir - I hope you can answer me on this. I make my own kefir in glass but I will soon be travelling and I want to take my kefir with me, but glass is too risky to travel with, so I would like to use plastic. Can I do this, will the kefir be okay , thank you for any advice.

Dear Suseeq,

I think it will be fine. I "lost" my kefir grains in my fridge for a couple of months. I finally found them in a tiny plastic container. Usually I use glass. Anyway, they were fine and the kefir I made when I found them was fine.

You have probably thought of this, but I would leave some grains home just in case. Losing kefir grains to lost luggage, or some other travel related issue would be a shame if you had none left at home! :)

Happy travels!

~Mama to Many~

Chronic Yeast inections: I'd like know if anyone can tell me where to find "live" kefir grains? I've read eating fermented foods such as yogurt made of kefir can help clear up the bad bacteria.

I want to buy some readymade kefir milk. Where do I buy it? Who supplies it?

I have an idea that I want to try and wonder if anyone else has tried this. My plan is to make my milk kefir and while it is still room temperature make yogurt and add the kefir to the mix before putting it into the yogurt maker. This if it works will give the yogurt all the bacteria of kefir, 20 some strains of bacteria instead of just the 3 strains of bacteria of yogurt. For those who don't know about bacteria, the probiotic pills you buy have 15 - 50 billion cultures of bacteria, yogurt has 100 times more and kefir has 400 times more. A lot of people don't like kefir so if growing it in yogurt makes it taste better then this will make it easyer for them to get the benefits.

I like the thought of using kefir milk to make yogurt. My homemade kefir, even after a second ferment, is just not a taste I like. Also, my dh doesn't like the 'mess' it makes with it fermenting, straining, etc. I like homemade yogurt and, if this is really a good idea, then I'll make a batch of kefir milk, use it to make yogurt and then just keep using my yogurt to keep it going. I don't know if there is any science showing that the kefir bacteria/yeast/etc can grow in the yogurt process thereby making the yogurt more healthy. I like kefir because it can repopulate the gut and yogurt cannot. Can anyone give me a reason not to do this? If you have done it, can you tell any difference between regular yogurt and kefir yogurt? I use yogurt like sour cream on my oatmeal in the morning, wierd but a taste I like.

I bought water Kefir grain on ebay and instructions were not clear. Put it in sugared water and waited 36 hours and still looks like colored water. What should I do?

Getting Kefir in Bangkok... Nicole at Radiance Wholefoods on Sukhumvit Soi 22 shares Kefir grains with people. That's BTS Asoke or Prom Phong. The shop is open Monday to Friday 9-5. She also runs a Meet up in Bangkok for veganism / raw foods.

[email protected]
www.radiancewholefoods.com

Hi, I have been drinking milk kefir every morning for more than a week and I noticed that it makes me acidic. I have lots of saliva and betwen 3-5 am, I have to wake up because of acid reflux. I am vegan and do not do dairy, except kefir since I want to try it out. Has anyone experienced this? This morning I change the milk to soy instead of regular dairy.

Do any fellow NZers know of someone who can supply milk kefir grains? I'm happy to pay for them but hey, even better if someone's got enough to give away! I'd be happy to pass some on when I have too many also - pay it forward I say :) I'm in the Tauranga area and can be contacted at lovetolive65(at)hotmail(dot)com = just put kefir grains in the subject. Thanks in advance, Cat.

Search on Ebay, plenty of people sell milk kefir grain on Ebay. You may be lucky enough to find a person in your country.

Hello Cat from Tauranga, New Zealand, Try these sites for milk kefir grains in NZ...

http://wudhi.com/recipes/kefir.htm
http://www.torontoadvisors.com/Kefir/kefir-list.php
http://thehealthyeatingsite.com/kefir-grains-now-available/
http://waterkefir.co.nz/#ecwid:category=3235633&mode=product&product=13813042
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/group/sharingstartercultures/forum/topics/new-zealand-milk-kefir-grains?xg_source=activity

Good luck, Tina

Hi Cat, I got them in Wellington. They also post. I didnt notice the grains on the website but they definitely have them.

http://www.frot.co.nz/nature/foods.htm

http://www.torontoadvisors.com/Kefir/kefir-list.php

Real Live Kefir Grains shared by worldwide members

I would love to get some Kifir Grains and I wonder if anyone up in the Northern California/ Southern Oregon area is making Kifir. Or, I will pay for shipping/handeling. BTW, I have heard it is best to use raw unpasturized milk to make kifir. Any comments about this? I know it is possible to obtain good healthy raw milk. Thanks.

Hi Paula, try your local classifieds website or get from ebay. thanks

Hi Paula, I live in southern Oregon and have kefir grains if you are still needing some. I don't know how to send you my email address privately.

I'm inquiring about kefir grain starter. How much u charge? I live in Vancouver, wa. Please email back. Thank u.

I have a question. I have stored my kefir grains in milk and it has been sitting in the refrigerator over 2 weeks and I opened it up today. It seems the milk has gone spoiled. I read from your posting that you put the kefir in a jar of milk and kept if over a year and a half. Did you ever change the milk at all? When you reopened the jug, I suppose the milk might have gone bad. How was it and how did you re-start the kefir? Thanks in advance. LK

Just rinse your kefir grains in fresh milk, discarding the old milk. You may want to use less milk for the next batch and toss that one, but those things last a long time. They can get contaminated if you don't follow sanitary procedure (if one falls into the sink, don't use it anymore--feed it to the pet). You can tell if it's really gone bad by the smell--it just won't have that good smell to it. And, if it gets slimy toss it. For long-term storage, I rinse mine with water and then set them on a paper towel to dry. When thoroughly dry, can take several days, put them in a baggy with some dry milk powder and store them in the freezer. When you are ready to use, pull out as many grains as you want to use and put them in milk. Mine usually rejuvenate within 24 hours. There are 2 sites that have a lot of info about kefir--do a search for Dom's kefir page and the kefirlady. Great info on both.

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.

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 :)

Hi there. Did you ever find grains and begin producing? I am local and in search of grains. Please let me know.

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.

Try ebay. That's where I got mine from.

I have kefir both water and milk grains as well as kombucha. They are free however a postage cost of $10 will incur for each.

Hi. I would love to get my hands on some 'Water Kefir Starter grain'. Does anyone out there still have some to share or know of how I can get some here in Australia? Thanks so much!

You can find great kefir grains from Dom in Australia - just google Dom's kefir. Mine came from him, through a friend who carried them from AU to London to here! He has great info on his site, too.

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.

Lardiver from Abbotsford, Bc Canada please contact him regarding kefir grain, because I live close to person.

I wonder if anyone knows a source for water kefir grains in Jordan? I live in Amman.

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

Well, I am a newbie with kefir, a lady gave me some grains, clump like a piece of cauliflower and I used powdered reconstituted milk. Well I got a bunch of white clobber floating on top of some yellow water. OK, so I went back to my trusted computer and went to you tube and looked at there stuff. OK, so I mushed threw the white stuff and found my firm grains, put them into fresh made milk and put into the fridge, put the yellow stuff into a jar into the fridge, put the white stuff into a covered container into the fridge. OK, Now after drinking yellow stuff and eating white stuff on bread, I made this 4 or 5 times and found more firm pea size balls- new grains?

Then I order some from eBay from a person in California said a couple of dollars for 1 Tablespoon of grains. OK, Then they get here and I see a spoon of milk in a baggie and a few yellow dots. I read the paper and it is 1/4 teaspoon of grains. OK, I fix the milk and it WORKS, but where is my GRAINS??? OK, I do the milk again and it works(I used all the white stuff)

OK, question: What is What?? How do I grow grains? How do I use this for my health? How do I make a usable spread with the white stuff? What is the proper names to the parts of this?

Merryanne, you lost your grains? Geez, this is a hard luck kefir story. Tell you what, since we live in the same state, I can send you grains free. I will even pick up the postage. I have just split up my grains and I imagine that it may take a couple of weeks to get them growing again. My e mail address is on this post so e mail me with your information. I will then be able to keep you up to date as to how well my grains are growing. Then you will know when to start looking for them in the mail. I was surprised as to how little grains it took to make the kefir. I think I started with about a table spoon. The directions were to divide into 3 separate 2c. Containers. I put them all into one. I think they may shrink in the mail, since they are not being fed with large amounts of milk. When I got mine it was still very hot out.

Where can I get starter grains? I am very interested in trying this.

From CZ:

Hi Everyone... I have Free Kefir Grains Available...

curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1684429#i

I have kefir grains, I would be willing to share them. Even though we are in the same state you are a couple hundred miles north of me. I would have to mail them. Let me know how I can contact you.

I would recomend finding out how to care for the grains, they are living things. You will have to do a couple of batches to get the adjusted to the kind of milk you use.

Jamie... I am in Georgia and have been searching for kefir grains from someone close. If you still have some available, would you be willing to ship them to me? I will gladly cover your costs. My email is: sktx94 (at) hotmail (dot)com

To Jamie in Lake Worth, FL: I would love to start making my own kefir, and I see that you are practically my neighbor --- I actually live next to Lake Worth Christian School. If/when you have kefir grains available, I would love to buy some from you and would be more than happy to pick them up at your convenience. Thanks! Hope to hear from you. :-)

Please do your research, it is not difficult or time consuming, however it does involve some time.

Hi, Lisa,
Good to see you back! I'm glad you're having such good results with kefir. Do you use raw or pasteurized milk for your kefir?

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?

Hi Lisa, it's good to see your posts again. You have gotten me interested in Kefir. I'd like to try to make it and wondered where you got your grains? I have been on youtube watching videos but have a gazillion questions. Do you know of any good web-sites to get more information? Thanks.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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! ..

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Hello Lisa,

Thanks for the prompt reply and quick info. Yes, I have checked the sites regarding kefir. My kefir is coming out fine, and I do like it's taste too. I like to refrigerate it before drinking since here it is quite warm. Hoping to get the benefits of kefir soon.

I want to know where live kefir grains are available in India. Can anyone please help me?

Hello Sunny,

You may find the kefir grains in India in limited cities only.

Just google, Water kefir grains to make Probiotic drink at home-Jaipur. Here, you will get the info regarding kefir grains.

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.

Hi Butterfly from Singapore, I am Sue from Singapore and am interested to purchase some kefir grains from you. How can I contact you?

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.

Hi I am interested in making kefir and would love to take you up on your offer of kefir grains

Hi,
I have fantastic Water Kefir grains, which I'm willing to share for postage costs. Email me- gamgo ~(AT)~ optusnet (DOT)com (DOT)au

Hi Annette, I have not checked this thread for a while so I only just got your message. I have kefir that has only been used in organic raw cows milk if you still want some. I get into Canberra weekly but am happy to post them.

My email is egrace(at)aussiemail(dot)com.au

Hi Everyone, after reading Lisa's post on kefir I have been researching it and would like to give it a try. I live in Chicago and noticed most post say to ask someone for some for a small symbolic monetary fee. I figured this is a big city so why not ask somebody here. So if anybody would like to give me some please contact EC for my email. Does Whole Foods sell grains suitable for making kefir??? Either way can someone please help me.Thanks in advance!

Hi PossibleCandidaSufferer, No, WF does not carry kefir grains. They carry a starter but it is not the same at all. It will work for a few rounds and then it's done. With kefir grains, they are living beings and they actually self-propagate. When they multiply, you can give them as gifts to family and friends. Hence why you see so many kefir enthusiasts offering them.

You can google kefir groups. There are a couple of groups on yahoo of which I belong to one. People offer kefir grains there. health.groups. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Real_Kefir_Making/

Hope this info helps.

For anyone looking to buy kefir grains you can order them from culturesforhealth.com. I ordered mine a few years ago and from those few grains I continue to give many away as they continue to reproduce. FYI, since making my own kefir I never buy buttermilk anymore, I replace it with kefir and it works great. I also drink at least one glass a day, I love it and love how it makes me feel. No more tummy aches for me!!

Hi Lisa, Well, you answered a question that I was wondering about. I went to my local health food store and they only sold Kefir starter by Yogourmet. I bought it not knowing it is not as good as cultured grains. I followed the directions and added a quart of milk, covered it tightly and let it set overnight. I wanted to make homemade cheese. What do you think I'm going to end up with? Smells like buttermilk or yogurt. Thanks for all of your posts.

Hi Bev, Yes, you now have kefir if you bought kefir starter. It just won't be as full of probiotics as the kefir that the grains make but it's still good and better than commercial. I make kefir cheese from my kefir. Just use either cheese cloth or a nut milk bag which really works great. It makes yummy cheese. Also, don't just throw out the whey. It's loaded w/ nutrients. I save it and will soak my beans in it. Animals love it too! Hope this helps.

After reading all of the wonderful health benefits of home-cultured kefir I'm really anxious to try it myself. I suffer from a chronic illness and am on social security disabilty and money is very tight. I'm wondering if there is anyone who has extra kefir grains that they would be willing to share. I live in Colorado and would be willing to pay for shipping. Thanks, Kathy

Kathy: I will be glad to send you grains. Shipping about $4.50 or so. email me at: frst2601 at hotmail do com if you still need the grains.

I just started making and drinking kefir for my sudden onset of skin outbreaks on my face. I'm really hoping this will help along with a clean diet. Can anyone offer me some reassurance or personal experiences? It would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Alley Cat, I'd love to receive some milk kefir grains. I'm at Wagstaffe NSW. Would you be willing to help me out? thank you, SR

Can you add kefir yogurt (not the grains) to milk and produce kefir yogurt? Thanks! Daniel

Is it okay to give Kefir to my dog?

SHARING KEFIR GRAINS: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew how to find kefir grains in Cape Town, South Africa? More than willing to pay for them. Many thanks, Georgie

I have good healthy Milk Kefir grains, which I can post anywhere in Oz, for $10. A lifetime investment in your health!

Sr from Wagstaffe NSW - email me your address and I will post some to you, egrace(at)aussiemail(dot)com(dot)au. My email is also on a previous thread. Cheers Ally

Hi, does anyone have some water Kefir grains to share?

Would love to hear from others who are new to kefir growing and drinking to share experiences as we go along. Have been making my own yoghurt for a while and will now try the water kefir then maybe the milk. Please get in touch at rychhmo at a o l d o t c o m. Thanks.