kefir

Sleep is so important, and this remedy will help you get the sleep you need. The best natural remedy for sleep is kefir. Consume 1/2 cup of kefir before bed for better sleep.

What is kefir?

Kefir is similar to yogurt, but it’s better. It has more healthy, diverse microbes than yogurt. Many of these friendly microbes also survive your stomach acids, whereas the microbes in yogurt don’t.

Kefir not only has friendly bacteria but friendly yeast, too. This combination is essential. People with lactose intolerance also have an easier time digesting kefir than yogurt.

Kefir drink benefits

Health benefits of kefir:

  • Decreased liver fat
  • Fewer allergy symptoms
  • Improved immune system
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Less constipation
  • Better blood sugar
  • Better blood pressure
  • Decreased pathogens

Certain microbes make serotonin. The more of the right microbes you have, the more serotonin you’ll have. Serotonin is a hormone that can positively affect your mood and reduce stress.

Kefir provides microbes that make melatonin, which is a sleep hormone. Not only that, but kefir contains microbes that make the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan turns into serotonin and then melatonin.

Kefir is a good source of bioavailable calcium, which can help you get to sleep and stay asleep. The microbes in kefir also make certain B vitamins, which can greatly help with stress and calm a busy mind. The lactobacillus in kefir helps reduce cortisol, which will also help you sleep better.

Make your own kefir

Is it worth making your own kefir? Kefir is easy to make safely at home, with minimal kit requirements, so it’s definitely worth adding to your family’s diet.

Making kefir at home is so much better than buying it at the grocery store, because:

  1. You’re in control of all ingredients. Most commercial brands add sugar and flavourings;
  2. You can make everytime fresh kefir;
  3. It’s cheaper.

You can make your own kefir. You need something called kefir live grains (there is no grain in it) to get started. You can use goat milk, sheep milk or cow milk. Basically, you add 1 Tbsp of the kefir grains to 1 to 2 cups of milk. Then, you set it on the counter and cover it using a cloth or paper towel and a rubber band. After 24 hours, you’ll have kefir.

What is The Difference Between Grains and Starter?

The main difference between kefir grains and the starter is that the bacteria in the powdered starter is freeze-dried and the bacteria in the grains are alive.

The grains are a bit more expensive (think of them as a small investment) and are live cultures, so you need to keep feeding them by making kefir over and over again, otherwise, they will go to waste.

Further reading

  1. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-kefir
  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir
  3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/kefir-good-for-you