Kefir for weight loss. When is it healthier to drink kefir - before meals or after to improve the body's condition? How to choose the healthiest drink

From early childhood we are taught to drink kefir. Kefir is given as an afternoon snack in kindergarten, hospital or sanatorium. Everyone around us assures us that this is very useful. Is it really?

What are the benefits of kefir and what time of day is best to drink it? Find answers to all these questions in our material.

Useful properties and contraindications

They say that drinking a fermented milk product like kefir is much healthier than just milk. Indeed, scientists from many countries have repeatedly proven that drinking kefir is beneficial. Absolutely everyone includes this product in their diet, even those who care about their slim figure.

Kefir can rightfully be considered a light and dietary product. Based on it, you can make a variety of drinks and light cold soups, which will bring great benefits to the body. On average, the calorie content of this product is only forty kilocalories per hundred grams.

First of all, the benefit of this product is that it has a beneficial effect on intestinal function. Because kefir contains beneficial milk fungi, lactobacilli and other vitamins and substances. Regular consumption of this fermented milk product helps fight constipation, normalizes intestinal function and improves its microflora. The drink is also able to cleanse the body of toxins and waste, which is very important during overeating or food poisoning.
Like any dairy product, kefir contains a large amount of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones, hair and teeth. This fermented milk product contains easily digestible calcium, which has a positive effect on the growing body and more. In addition, regular consumption of kefir helps the body better absorb fats, proteins and minerals.

This product is recommended for use for various diseases of the liver, pancreas, hypertension and edema. This fermented milk drink regulates blood glucose levels and helps increase and strengthen the immune system. It is recommended to use it for obesity, as kefir improves metabolism, helps cope with fat deposits and perfectly satisfies hunger.
The use of this product has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. If consumed in the evening, it can normalize sleep, have a calming effect and overcome fatigue. In addition, thanks to some vitamins contained in kefir, this fermented milk product has a positive effect on eye health and skin beauty. It is often recommended to include it in their diet for those who have survived a long period of illness, as the product helps restore strength and improve health.
In addition, this product is often used as a cosmetic product. It often becomes the main component of all kinds of face and hair masks.

Despite the numerous positive qualities of this product, kefir still has some contraindications.

People suffering from diseases such as ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis or high acidity should not consume this fermented milk product.
You should not use this product if you have an intestinal problem such as diarrhea. If you consume kefir, which has a laxative effect, the situation may worsen.
In addition, it is not recommended to use kefir for those who plan to drive. The fact is that this drink contains a small percentage of alcohol, and if checked on the roads it will be very difficult to prove the fact that you drank a milk drink and not an alcoholic one.
It is not recommended to consume kefir on the eve of important events such as negotiations or exams. The fact is that in most cases, fermented milk product has a relaxing effect on the body, which makes it difficult for a person to concentrate and concentrate.
It is not recommended to give this fermented milk product to children under seven months of age. In any case, before introducing this drink into your baby’s diet, be sure to consult your pediatrician to avoid disastrous consequences.

Daily norm

Having learned about the enormous benefits of this fermented milk product, many people begin to consume it every day in large quantities, thinking that the more the better. But in reality this is not the case and there are certain recommendations and daily norms that should be followed by both adults and children.

For an adult

The daily intake of this fermented milk product for an adult is on average two hundred to three hundred milligrams. Sometimes doctors allow you to drink up to half a liter a day. Remember that excessive consumption of this product may also cause some health problems. Therefore, it is better to drink no more than one glass of fresh kefir every day. In this case, the body will receive only benefits and there will be no harm.

If there are no contraindications, pregnant women can also include kefir in their diet. The daily norm in this case is no more than one hundred and fifty milligrams. If you exceed the recommended dose, there is a high chance that the body will become dehydrated due to frequent urination. Nursing mothers are also recommended to consume kefir, since this fermented milk product has a positive effect on lactation.

In this case, you can consume one hundred fifty to two hundred milligrams of the product daily.

An adult suffering from obesity and extra pounds can consume up to a liter of kefir per day. You should definitely consult a nutritionist first so as not to harm your health.

Kefir is also not contraindicated for older people. The drink will bring great benefits to the body, of course, if there are no contraindications listed above. Elderly people are recommended to consume a fermented milk product daily in an amount of no more than two hundred milligrams.

If you have serious heart or vascular disease, it is best to first consult with your doctor.

For a child

As mentioned above, children under seven months of age are not recommended to use this product. In any case, kefir should be introduced into the baby’s diet gradually and very carefully.

From seven to eight months A child can be given kefir no more than twice a week. The initial dose should not exceed thirty milligrams. Then gradually, observing the body’s reaction, you can increase the dose.
By the first year life, you can increase the dose of kefir consumption to one hundred milligrams. But even after a year, it is not advisable to give kefir to your baby every day; two or three times a week will be enough. It is important to remember that if you are giving your child kefir for the first time, it is better to combine it with an evening meal. No later than six in the evening.
Children from two years old It is quite possible to consume one hundred to one hundred and fifty milligrams of kefir per day. It is important to remember that it is better to give preference to baby kefir with a low fat content.
Children from five years old You can give one hundred and fifty to two hundred milligrams of kefir daily, if the baby’s body responds well to this fermented milk product.

When is the best time to use?

Some people like to use this product in the morning, while others prefer to drink a glass of kefir at night. It is not recommended to consume fermented milk product in the morning or afternoon just because it can make you a little “intoxicated.” This can have a detrimental effect on the general condition of the body, on concentration while working, studying or driving a car. Therefore, for most people, the ideal time to consume kefir is in the evening. If you drink a glass of fermented milk product a few hours before bedtime, it will help normalize sleep and relieve stress and fatigue.

If you have a day off and don’t drive to work, this product can be used in the morning. The main thing is to do this before eating. For example, if you wake up at six in the morning, then fifteen minutes after waking up, you can drink a glass of such a healthy drink. This will improve the general condition of the body, increase appetite and allow food to be better absorbed.

After drinking kefir, you can have breakfast an hour later. If consuming the product has a laxative effect on you, it is not recommended to drink it in the morning.

No matter what time of day you consume this product, remember that you should not do it immediately before or after a meal. It is recommended to consume kefir between meals. For example, an hour before a meal or an hour after a meal. Thus, the fermented milk product can have a full positive effect on the body.

Most doctors still recommend consuming fermented milk at night. Perhaps this is the ideal time to drink a glass of kefir. The fact is that at night we do not load the stomach with food, the body completely relaxes and rests. Therefore, kefir can best help digest dinner, improve intestinal function and normalize the functioning of other organs. As a rule, people who consume the product in the evening do not have intestinal problems.

Now you know everything about the beneficial properties of kefir and when and how best to use it. Finally, we offer a few more useful tips that will help you choose the right product and more.

Try to consume only fresh kefir every day. A product three or four days old will no longer be so useful. Moreover, consuming such kefir can lead to constipation.
The optimal fat content for this fermented milk product is 2.5%.
Choose a product whose shelf life does not exceed seven days.
For greater benefits, try to consume kefir in its pure form. That is, without adding sugar, berries and other sweeteners to it. It is also not recommended to buy a product with various aromatic additives.
Once you open a bottle of fresh kefir, try to consume the product within two days.
Try to buy fermented milk products in opaque packaging, so they will retain their freshness and benefits longer.
If you want to diversify your daily diet and add even more benefits to kefir, remember that it goes well with fiber and bran. The product also goes well with spices, such as cinnamon, ginger and turmeric. Very often this combination is used by those who want to get rid of extra pounds.
Also, the fermented milk product goes well with various greens, stem celery and cucumbers. In addition, you can add fresh berries or honey. But it’s better to avoid nuts and legumes.

To learn about the benefits of kefir, watch the following video.

Kefir is a fermented milk product made from milk through fermentation. Is it worth drinking kefir daily? The answer is a clear yes. Here you should follow the norm; if you drink a liter of kefir four times a day instead of meals, then there will definitely be no benefit from this. Moderation is good in everything, and so is kefir, which by the way doctors recommend drinking every day to improve digestion and support the normal state of the gastrointestinal microflora.

Kefir for health and beauty

Fermented milk product is very useful for digestion, and it is also valuable for other organs and systems, because it contains useful substances that play a significant role for the body. Thanks to kefir, other foods are also better absorbed. It contains lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria, which work as an antiseptic, prevent putrefaction in the intestines, and minimize fermentation. Thanks to kefir, intestinal motility improves, it promotes the elimination of toxic substances and toxins formed as a result of the breakdown of products. And this is only a small part of the work that kefir does in the human body.

Calorie content of kefir:

Calorie content per 100 g: from 30 to 55 Kcal.
Proteins: 3g.
Fat: from 0 to 3.2 g.
Carbohydrates: 4 g.
Water: 90 g.

The product is rich in organic acids, up to 1 g of them, 0.7 g of saturated fatty acids. The carbohydrate part is represented by mono and disaccharides, and among the microelements there is a lot of calcium, there is magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chromium, iron, zinc, iodine. The drink contains the entire vitamin group B (1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12), as well as vitamin C, PP, choline and valuable biotin (vitamin H).

Kefir produced at factories is produced with different percentages of fat, and the calorie content of the finished product depends on this. 0% - 29 Kcal, 1% - 39 Kcal, 2.5% - 49 Kcal, 3.2% - 57 Kcal.

Useful properties of kefir:

Thanks to kefir, the gastrointestinal tract is regulated and the microflora in the intestines is normalized.
Recommended for use for dysbacteriosis.
Thanks to lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria, the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms is eliminated.
Saturates the body with vitamins, minerals, acids, and helps strengthen the immune system.
An excellent preventative against constipation.
Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
The presence of calcium and protein helps strengthen bone tissue and is useful for children and adolescents.
The same calcium becomes an obstacle to the development of osteoporosis in older women. Kefir calcium is perfectly absorbed by the human body.
Allows you to reduce allergies to other products.
Reduces the risk of rectal cancer.
It has a low glycemic index and is an excellent weight loss product.
Helps restore metabolic processes and improves the digestibility of foods.
Able to relieve fatigue after a busy day, improves the quality of sleep when drunk at night.
Eliminates discomfort and heaviness in the stomach when overeating, minimizes the transformation of carbohydrates into fats, and promotes energy production.
Improves liver function, relieves the negative effects of poisons on the liver.
Improves conditions during intoxication and poisoning, reduces hunger, and is used in various diets.
Recommended for use by pregnant and nursing mothers, it improves lactation, saturates the body with calcium and protein, which are necessary for the full formation of the fetus.
It prevents atherosclerosis and helps reduce cholesterol in the blood.
Allows you to improve the functionality of medications, prevents the accumulation of toxins and breakdown products of tablets in the body.
By holding kefir in your mouth while drinking or rinsing your mouth with it, you can get rid of bleeding gums.

Kefir is a reliable protection against cancer

No one would have thought that kefir could reduce the risk of cancer. This was stated by American scientists who conducted research and analyzed people’s eating habits for 10 years. As it turned out, in the long term, drinking 200 g of kefir daily significantly reduces the risk of cancer.

Kefir is included in the group of products that prevent the development of cancer. It contains probiotics, which increase the body's protection and also reduce the level of carcinogens produced. Thanks to this property, kefir acquired unique anti-cancer characteristics. In particular, kefir probiotics can prevent breast cancer in women.

Strengthening the cardiovascular system with kefir

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are preceded by many factors, and one of them is a violation of the intestinal microflora, deterioration of digestion, slow metabolism, and poor digestion of food. That is, if the functioning of the digestive tract deteriorates, problems with the heart muscle and blood vessels should be expected.

At the same time, consuming kefir improves the functioning of the entire digestive system, which prevents the development of heart disease through gastrointestinal problems. Kefir also contains vitamin K2, which prevents the accumulation of platelets in the blood. At the same time, polysaccharides help lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of serum cholesterol.

The benefits of kefir for men and women

Kefir prevents cardiovascular diseases, and the stronger sex is more susceptible to this disease. This makes the drink valuable for men. Kefir is able to calm the nervous system, restore sleep, and normalize the psycho-emotional environment, so it is useful for both men and women. The low calorie content makes kefir useful for different genders; both men and women can introduce it into their diets to lose extra pounds.

Thanks to kefir, men can quickly quit smoking and drinking, and the drink will help effectively cleanse the body of toxic substances. Representatives of the fairer sex make rejuvenating masks for the face, body and hair based on kefir. Thanks to its beneficial substances, the fermented milk product eliminates brittleness and dryness of hair, flaking of the skin, softens and improves the color range of the epidermis.

When consuming kefir, the necessary balance of microorganisms is restored, which makes it possible to regulate the condition of thrush.

Attention: the information in the article is for informational purposes only. It is recommended that you consult a specialist (doctor) before applying the tips described in the article.

Kefir is a drink that is obtained as a result of fermentation of microorganisms. Its use helps solve many problems related to human health. It is only important to know at what time kefir will be most beneficial for your body.

Kefir brings great benefits. It normalizes intestinal function, improves metabolism, prevents the formation of cancer, normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and so on. With all this, kefir also has some contraindications. It should not be used for pancreatitis, exacerbation of gastric ulcer, diarrhea, gastritis. Excessive consumption (more than 2 glasses of drink per day) may also cause gastrointestinal disorders. In general, it is better to adhere to the basic recommendations for eating kefir.

And here the main question is: when is the healthiest time to drink kefir? There is no clear answer to this question. It all depends on what effect a person wants to achieve with this.

Consuming kefir in the morning

Helps improve appetite throughout the day.
Improves the functioning of the nervous system.
Eliminates bad breath after sleep.
Charges the body with positive energy for the whole day.

Drinking kefir at night before bed

Improves digestion.
Quenches the feeling of hunger. This is especially true for those people who follow various diets and do not eat in the evening.
Strengthens sleep.
Promotes the absorption of some essential microelements at night.

At the same time, regardless of the time of day, it is advisable to drink kefir on an empty stomach and slightly chilled. Before going to bed, it is consumed no later than one hour before.

Each person must decide for himself when it is healthier for him to drink kefir: in the morning or in the evening. But regardless of the time of consumption, this fermented milk product will bring many benefits to your body.

Cases of diarrhea after eating dairy products are common. An ailment such as diarrhea after kefir can indicate many diseases that require treatment (sometimes urgently). Let's figure out why kefir may be to blame for the disorder.

Features of kefir

Kefir is not just a dairy product. It differs from other fermented milk products in the composition of the fungi and bacteria it contains. In addition, it contains vitamins A, B2, vitamins of group D. Why are they necessary?

Vitamin A. It is necessary for the organs of vision. If there is a deficiency of it in the body, the following may develop: photophobia, night blindness, dry skin, and hair problems.
Vitamin D. Thanks to vitamins in this group, the human body can absorb elements such as calcium and phosphorus. The strength of bones depends on this. With its deficiency, rickets can develop. Also, its deficiency is dangerous for pregnant women, since the fetus must be provided with calcium for the formation of the skeleton.
Vitamin B2. It is thanks to this vitamin that our wounds tend to heal and heal. Its deficiency can lead to peptic ulcers, cracked lips, and dryness.

This is not the entire list of useful components of kefir. It also contains various kinds of minerals, vitamins C, E, and iron. This is one of the healthiest dairy products. In addition to the above, it also has a mild diuretic and sedative effect. It inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic flora in the intestines. Despite all this, can diarrhea occur after drinking kefir? Yes. Let's look at what this is connected with.

Causes of diarrhea

Without looking at all its benefits, you can often hear the question: “Why do I have diarrhea after kefir?”
Often the main cause of diarrhea from kefir is individual intolerance.

Also, the cause of this condition can be poorly digested food, as a result of diseases such as pancreatitis. In this case, even the slightest consumption may cause diarrhea after kefir. It manifests itself in the form of bloating, pain in the stomach, immediately after consuming the product, and also directly in the form of loose stools.

Also, diarrhea after kefir can be caused by intolerance to lactose (the protein contained in dairy products) or gluten (cereal protein).

The reason that loose stools after drinking kefir can also be due to the expiration date of the product, which has come to an end. Don’t forget to look at it more carefully when purchasing products, and especially dairy products.

Also the reason may be:

Stress
Alcohol intoxication
Antibiotics
Poisoning

Other, more serious diseases may also be the cause. They cannot and should not be treated at home. Therefore, if the stool contains unusual characteristics (for example, black, green or white, bloody discharge), you should immediately seek medical help. This may be a sign of a serious illness.

Treatment

The main thing in treating diarrhea is to identify its cause. Only after this can we talk about the possibility of eliminating it.

Alcohol and other poisoning

In this case, kefir will only help cleanse the body and intestinal tract of toxic substances. Lactic acid will also have a positive effect on the liver. However, you should not get carried away and consume more than 500 ml of the product per day. In the case of any other than alcohol poisoning, drinking kefir right away is strictly contraindicated, this will only worsen the situation. You should drink it only after completion of all acute processes (2-3 days), in small quantities.

It is better to use homemade kefir (without additives or preservatives that can cause intestinal irritation).

For mild diarrhea, it is enough to drink 200 ml of fermented milk product at night until the symptoms disappear (usually no more than 14 days).

Lactose intolerance

In this case, the immediate cause is kefir, milk, and other dairy products. They must be completely excluded from the diet. Only a doctor can help identify this disease, so don’t put off visiting him.

From all of the above, we can conclude that not only kefir can cause diarrhea. Sometimes in case of poisoning they begin to advise consuming it too early, which can only cause a worsening of the condition. In such matters, you should listen to your doctor, whom you need to visit if this problem does not stop bothering you within a few days.

Kefir is found in almost every home. This fermented milk product is perfect for use with many dishes, and some drink it separately. Is it as useful as they say? Can kefir harm the body? Is it worth trying to make this drink yourself or is it better to trust a store-bought product?

Kefir is useful for the human body in that it mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract, therefore it directly affects all digestive organs. If a person suffers from constipation, then an experienced gastroenterologist will first advise drinking kefir for 1-2 weeks, and only then will prescribe nutritional supplements. In this case, they drink 100 ml after each meal - literally like medicine.

Kefir is not an allergen, therefore, if a food allergy is detected, it is included in the range of products allowed on this diet. It can be drunk by young mothers during breastfeeding, and also introduced into complementary foods for babies as early as 8 months, but at first it is better to limit portions. Children should be given kefir with high fat content and only on the first day after opening the package. Adults should drink the contents within the next 48 hours.

This fermented milk drink is best absorbed when it is not drunk immediately from the refrigerator, but allowed to sit for half an hour or an hour until it reaches room temperature. Cold kefir greatly irritates the digestive organs, and its absorption will be worse.

But it should be stored in the refrigerator, otherwise it will quickly spoil.

Another benefit of kefir for the human body is that the acidic environment that kefir forms in the gastrointestinal tract makes it easier to absorb vitamin D and substances such as calcium and iron. For this reason, you should not ignore kefir, which is additionally enriched with microelements.

Kefir helps to recover after operations, as iron and B vitamins affect hematopoiesis. When consumed regularly, the drink helps strengthen bones and teeth, and women will be pleased to know that it has a beneficial effect on hair and nails. It is also useful to wash down other dishes with it, because it will help quickly absorb what has entered the stomach and intestines along with it. Many people like to add sugar to kefir, but then the beneficial effect of this drink is noticeably reduced, and it also spoils the teeth.

Kefir is often used for...

When there is no increased acidity of the stomach, kefir can be drunk in case of poisoning. If you choose a product with high fat content, it will have good nutritional value. This will allow the body not to weaken and quickly return to its normal diet. Kefir is also absorbed by the body much faster than regular milk. So, after all, it is better to prefer kefir as an evening “snack” than warm milk with cookies.

Kefir can benefit not only from the inside, but also from the outside. How is kefir useful for female beauty? Many folk remedies for skin and hair are based on the use of this product. Kefir dries out oily skin and helps improve complexion if you make ten-minute compresses or masks 1-2 times a week.

But kefir can ruin your hair, but it can wash henna, against which almost all commercial “washes” are powerless. The hair will become stiffer, but will return to its original color. You can then restore them using cosmetic oils.

Which kefir is healthier: store-bought or homemade? For real kefir you will have to get a special starter. In addition, you need to find the right milk, and for the best results you will have to try many manufacturers. In general, if you can save a lot on homemade yogurt by making it yourself, then it is better to entrust kefir to professionals. Factory quality control and proven recipes will allow you to get a healthier and tastier product than in an apartment.

Harm and contraindications of kefir

Nutritionists often talk about the beneficial properties of a product, forgetting to mention contraindications and possible negative consequences. Firstly, it’s not for nothing that kefir is a fermented milk drink, because it can irritate the stomach. If a person has a problem with high acidity or suffers from an ulcer, then in its pure form it should be avoided, giving preference to natural yogurt or adding kefir to dietary baked goods.

Secondly, the harm of kefir can also be felt by those people who have problems in the intestines. If a person often suffers from loose stools, then this drink can aggravate the situation. Thirdly, it can reduce concentration, so it is better to leave a glass of kefir or milk for the evening, when you can relax and unwind.

Another problem is that it is still a dairy product, although bacteria have “worked” on it. And still With age, lactose is less absorbed, and in adults and older people the drink can cause digestive problems. In addition, those who are prone to kidney stones should not drink kefir every day - along with milk, calcium from kefir can also aggravate this problem.

In general, you should not blindly drink kefir every day if a person has one of the above problems. And if there are no contraindications, then you still shouldn’t forget that everything is good in moderation. For an adult, the average daily portion is 200-400 ml, i.e. this is one standard mug. Low-fat kefir can be allowed in slightly larger quantities.

How to choose the healthiest drink?

The main criteria by which you can choose kefir are as follows:

shelf life;
place of production;
package;
fat content;
price.

Shelf life

There are 2 types of kefir on the shelves: one that can be stored for a maximum of 5 days, and one that can last up to 2 weeks. The difference between them lies in the production and raw materials. The longer the milk is subjected to heat treatment, the longer the kefir will be stored. In villages, people left milk at room temperature and gave nature the opportunity to make kefir itself, but in factories they add special bacteria to it, which ferment the raw material much faster. There is only one fact - the shorter the shelf life of kefir, the healthier it is.

Place of production

In stores in any region you can find locally produced dairy products, as well as those from well-known producers throughout the country. Since local production has a small market, their products are usually fresher than those of large competitors. But at the same time, large companies have a stricter selection of the raw materials that they receive, and quality control is more rigorous due to the wide market. So here everyone decides for themselves who is better to trust.

Package

Since kefir is not stored for long, the container does not matter. The buyer can take what is more convenient for him - a bag, a cardboard box, a plastic bottle or a glass one. But from the point of view of caring for nature, cardboard is still preferable, although in this case you should focus on the content, and not on the packaging.

Fat content

Low-fat kefir is much inferior in taste to those products that are labeled “1.5%” or higher. The fattier the kefir, the more difficult it is to digest, and the greater the feeling of fullness it gives. Before going to bed, it is better to choose a lighter option, and at other times of the day you can take something more fatty.

Price

Typically, the price of kefir from different companies is almost the same, unless it is a product made from raw materials from environmentally friendly dairy farms. In addition, many large supermarkets produce products under their own brands, but they are produced by well-known companies. If you are not lazy and spend 5 minutes in the sales area, you can quickly find the name of the brand that works for this particular store. This can be done at the production address. This way you can save not only on kefir, but also on many other products.

In general, the benefits and harms of kefir indicate that this product is not suitable for everyone. Despite many beneficial properties for some, it can even harm others. But if there are no contraindications for kefir, then you should get into the habit of drinking 1 glass of this drink per day. It’s worth trying products from different manufacturers and choosing the one package that you like the most. Fortunately, the modern assortment allows this.