Does Eating The Grains Help Constipation As Well
Currently there are no studies on whether eating the grains helps with constipation. However, there are some anecdotal evidence. A recent comment on our grain eating article said that his brother, who had constipation issues from birth, accidentally ate some grains when he was 4 or 5 and then seemingly miraculously, the next day he did not have any constipation. He continued to eat the grains and essentially had no constipation issues from there. Very fascinating story. There are other similar anecdotal stories out there too.
Surprising Health Benefits Of Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy drink with several health benefits. It is high in nutritional value and has a large number of probiotics. However, to make a kefir drink, you require starter kefir grains. Kefir is similar to Greek yoghurt, except it contains more probiotics. It is usually compared to Kombucha. However, kefir contains more protein and vitamins than kombucha. Nutritionists and healthcare professionals suggest that regularly drinking kefir may improve health in 2-4 weeks. The several health benefits of kefir include improving heart, gut, kidney, liver, and skin health. Kefir also has anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects.
Does Kefir Help Ibs
In one sense, yes. Kefir will promote better gut health, especially if it manages to propagate within the intestines. Probiotics in general can help alleviate many of the symptoms of IBS.
For some people with IBS, its the lactose that causes issues. Kefir is much lower in lactose than regular milk and for some people, that really helps.
On the flip side, kefir is considered fairly high on the FODMAPs. FODMAP are foods that contain sugar that may not be properly absorbing, possibly leading to symptoms for people with IBS.
So, when it comes to IBS, its quite different for every sufferer and people seem to react to kefir in very different ways. What we recommend is just to trust your senses and your body. Start slow and if your body continually reacts to the kefir, try coconut milk kefir or water kefir. Water kefir has similar effects on bowel movements.
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Is Kefir Good For Ibs
People who drink kefir regularly reported feeling better after a few days of use. Many studies that took place in the past few years proved that kefir provides important health benefits that also help reduce IBS symptoms.
Kefir has a high FODMAP rating, and as such, it can enhance your digestive and overall health. Its rich in good gut bacteria, and it promotes good bacterial balance in the intestines. Kefir also improves lactose digestion and stool consistency.
People suffering from IBS have a hard time digesting milk products. Drinking milk, eating cheese, and other dietary products are often followed by diarrhoea, stomach pain, and other IBS symptoms. Thats why many people drink coconut or soy milk kefir, or even water, as their stomachs can take it.
In other words, kefir can help you improve your gut health, but it wont cure you of IBS as long as you keep eating unhealthy foods and not enough veggies. However, it can help you balance the bacteria in your gut and help you speed up the recovery process.
Potential Health Benefits Of Kefir
Kefir contains many beneficial nutrients and supports digestive health because of its high concentration of probiotics. Research has found a number of potential health benefits for people who consume kefir:
Constipation Relief
The probiotics and yeast in kefir have been shown to improve the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, helping the body alleviate constipation, among other health benefits.
Digestive Support
Kefir contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that scientists believe has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, which helps the body with the processes that move food through the digestive tract.
Lower Cholesterol
Fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain high concentrations of bacterial probiotics, which may lower your cholesterol level.
Weight Loss Benefits
A Stanford Medical School study revealed that gastricbypass patients who consumed the kind of probiotics found in kefir lost weight more quickly than patients who didnât take in probiotics. Scientists continue to study the link between weight loss and probiotics.
Also Check: Does Peanut Butter Cause Gas And Bloating
Is Too Much Kefir Bad For You
There is no definitive answer to this question, as research on the potential health effects of consuming large amounts of kefir is limited. However, there are some concerns that excessive consumption could cause digestive issues or other side effects.
Some people who drink too much kefir may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Additionally, consuming large amounts of kefir may even cause constipation due to a higher intake of probiotics which are found in kefir.
To minimize the potential side effects of drinking too much kefir, it is recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase your consumption over time.
Additionally, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about whether kefir is the right choice for you and how much you should drink.
Overall, moderation is always key when it comes to consuming any type of food or beverage, so be sure to listen to your body and follow any recommendations from your doctor or nutritionist.
Are Yogurt And Kefir Beneficial For Your Liver
There are two basic natural sources of beneficial probiotics to select from kefir and yogurt. Both are often made by fermenting dairy products, which results in the development of beneficial bacteria, microorganisms, and yeast.
The fermentation of milk with a live bacterium culture produces yogurt. Lactose is fermented by the culture to form lactic acid, giving yogurt its characteristic flavor.
Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage that has several health advantages. It has a high nutritional value and a high concentration of probiotics. Nutritionists and healthcare specialists believe consuming kefir daily can enhance health in 24 weeks.
Kefir has several health advantages, including improving heart, gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, and skin health. Kefir also has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
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Read Also: Can Ibs Cause Mucus In Stool
What Are The Side Effects Of Kefir
Kefir can also cause some side effects if not used correctly, which is why you should always talk to your doctor before you start using it. The biggest issue with kefir is that it has a high insulinemic score, leading to increased insulin levels in the blood. Thats also one of the main reasons you shouldnt drink more than 1 cup of kefir every day.
Some people cant digest kefir, which is usually followed by side effects such as bloating, cramping, and in rare cases, diarrhoea. Kefir can also lead to feelings of nausea and abdominal pain. Even though kefir is rich in good bacteria, it could lead to further complications if your immune system is compromised.
Fermented Foods Can Help With Constipation And Diarrhea
Nobody really wants to talk about constipation and diarrhea, but it’s something everybody deals with at some time in their life. I’ve had so many people find help with these ailments that despite most people not wanting to talk about elimination, it’s something that can be your best teacher if you know what to look for and how to help your body.
One of the first people that I told about kefir was an older man who was in his seventies and had been on constipation medication for over ten years. When he tried kefir he came to me almost in tears. One week on kefir, and after years of medication and not having regular bowel movements, he was finally free and having regular movements every day – sometimes twice. His words were moving and life-changing for him and for me. I had no idea kefir could help with this! Fast forward two decades later and so many people have found relief from this ailment that was a sign from their body that they were struggling.
My husband drinks kefir every day for this very reason. He said without it he gets constipated and so every morning before he heads to work he has a glass. Life is your best teacher and I believe the microbes and our bodies can teach us so much if we only listen.
Read Also: What To Eat To Avoid Constipation
What Is The Liver
The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. This organ is essential to your body’s metabolic, immune system, and detoxification functions. This means that without a well-functioning liver, you cannot live.
Unfortunately, the liver is affected by many problems that impair its functions. These problems include:
Kefir and yogurt share several similarities, including the following:
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They both have a creamy taste.
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They’re made from fermented dairy products and other alternatives.
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They’re a good source of protein.
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They contain healthy probiotics, potassium, calcium, and B vitamins.
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They’re made using active yeast, which cultures the beneficial bacteria.
On the other hand, kefir and yogurt differ in various ways, including the following:
Does Kefir Help You Poop
While kefir doesnt contain fibre in itself, it does contain probiotics, which are the healthy bacteria that live naturally within your gastrointestinal tract.
Having enough good bacteria in the GI tract helps break down stool into more manageable sizes.
So does kefir help you poop? Kinda, it doesnt directly cure the constipation, it does help the gut better do its job.
Did you know, that we have over 100 trillion bacterium living in us at any given time. These bacteria release essential enzymes that aid digestion and breakdown of our food.
If our bodys bacteria population suffers, our health will suffer as well.
It may lead to constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, weakened immune system, the list goes on.
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How Much Kefir Should I Drink In A Day
You can take between 816 ounces of kefir per day. However, if you experience any side effects, it’s best that you cut back or drink it on alternating days until your body becomes used to the increase in good bacteria. Also, since kefir contains live and active bacteria, you should speak to your doctor before using it as a remedy for liver damage.
How Much Kefir Should You Drink To Relieve Constipation
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the ideal amount of kefir to drink in order to relieve constipation may vary depending on an individuals specific needs and symptoms.
However, some general recommendations suggest starting with 12 glasses per day and increasing your consumption gradually over time if needed. Additionally, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any specific recommendations for your individual situation.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how much kefir you should drink to relieve constipation is through trial and error. Many factors can influence how your body responds to kefir, such as your current diet and lifestyle and whether you have any underlying health conditions.
Therefore, it is important to listen to your body and work with a healthcare professional to figure out how much kefir you should drink to achieve optimal digestive health.
Overall, kefir may be effective at relieving constipation symptoms due to its probiotic content and other nutrients like protein and calcium. However, more research is needed to confirm this, as well as to explore the potential health effects of consuming large amounts of kefir.
If you are struggling with chronic constipation or any other digestive health issues, it may be worth speaking with your healthcare provider about whether kefir is right for you.
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Why Being Regular Is Good
Poop varies greatly per person. Anywhere from a couple times a day to a couple times a week is considered normal. On average, most people usually poop between once or twice per day. Pooping times can be affected by diet, stress, exercise, and hydration. Womens pooping is also affected by their menstrual cycles.
If you think your poop scheduleis out of whack, your diet may be the culprit. To help regulate your poops, try to eat at the same times every day, hydrate adequately, keep your fiber intake the same, and consume probiotics. The probiotics found in kefir can help replenish the gut bacteria that help break down the food. Probiotics may even help ease constipation.One reviewfound that the probiotics with Bifidobacterium strains improved the pooping experience by increasing the whole gut transit time, increasing stool frequency, and improving stool consistency.
Surprising Things That Can Cause Constipation
Anyone who has ever been constipated before knows the struggle can be all too real. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it can also be painful and seemingly never ending for some. A lack of fiber, certain medications, and health conditions are some common causes behind why you may be constipated. But according to experts, there are also some surprising causes to be aware of.
According to the U.S. Department of Health an Human Services, constipation is pretty common across all ages and tends to affect women more than men. It’s basically a condition in which someone has difficulty emptying their bowels, usually due to hardened stool. As Jeffrey Kim, MD, FAAFP, family medicine physician at Loma Linda University Health, tells Bustle, it can affect each person differently and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort and feelings of unease or distress.
According to Dr. Kim, constipation can be caused by a number of different things. For instance, not drinking enough fluids or eating enough fiber are pretty common causes. “Sometimes underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, colon cancer, or other medical disorders can cause constipation,” he says. “Certain medications such as opioids are also a common cause. In older patients, the cause can be multi-factorial. Some patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may have higher rates of constipation.”
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The 17 Best Foods To Relieve Constipation
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Symptoms include passing stools less than three times per week, straining, lumpy or hard stools, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, feeling blocked, or being unable to pass a stool.
The type and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience constipation only rarely, while its a chronic condition for others.
Constipation has a variety of causes, but its often the result of the slow movement of food through the digestive system.
This may be due to dehydration, a poor diet, medications, illness, diseases affecting the nervous system, or mental disorders.
Fortunately, certain foods can help relieve constipation by adding bulk, softening stool, decreasing gut transit time, and increasing stool frequency.
Here are 17 foods that can help relieve constipation and keep you regular.
What Is Kefir And Where Does It Come From
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains, where it is still popular today. It is made by adding kefir grains to cow, goat, or sheeps milk. The mixture ferments for up to 24 hours before being strained to remove the grains. Kefir can be found in many grocery stores and can also be made at home.
Also Check: How Much Probiotics Does Kombucha Have
Does Kefir Give You Diarrhea
According to Livestrong, kefir milk contains live and active cultures, similar to yogurt, except in liquid form. If you are a healthy adult, it is unlikely that you will experience diarrhea or any adverse stomach reactions. However, if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, you may have diarrhea.
That said, kefir can be used to treat diarrhea for most people, due to the cultures in the milk. If you do experience diarrhea after drinking kefir, then you may have an intolerance towards it.
Diarrhea from Milk Allergy
Kefir is made from milk, meaning that if you are allergic to milk, you should avoid drinking kefir altogether. If you have a milk allergy and decide to drink kefir,m you can expect a severe allergic reaction. Diarrhea from a milk allergy is not actually caused by the digestive system, but rather by an immune system reaction.
The proteins found in the milk trigger the immune system to defend the body, as the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful substances. This reaction causes the body to produce chemicals to shield itself. These chemicals result in inflammation and irritation to your digestive system, respiratory system, and your skin.
Diarrhea from Lactose Intolerance
Want to learn more about the effects of milk and dairy on your digestion and bowel movements? Read our article Does Milk Make You Poop? Heres What You Didnt Know!
Why Is It Useful In Ibs
When I send my clients for stool tests, the results I get back almost always show an imbalance in the gut bacteria, as well other irregularities too. Obviously, simply addressing just the gut bacteria isnt going to cure IBS, but it is one of the many important factors to consider when addressing IBS! Next time, Ill be blogging about how to make kefir!
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Drinking Liquids At Meals
When we eat food, the body’s goal is to absorb as many nutrients as it can and then eliminate whatever can’t be used. According to Altman, our bodies produce digestive enzymes that help break down food at each stage of the digestion process. “But when we drink fluids with meals, especially if we drink more than a few ounces, these enzymes are diluted and just not as powerful,” she says. When those enzymes can’t do their job well, the body will have a hard time breaking down food. While she doesn’t recommend drinking less, she suggests drinking between meals rather than during them.
Keep in mind, this is an issue that gets debated all the time. Some experts say drinking water during meals can cause issues like constipation, while others say it’s beneficial. Whether it’s a good idea or not really comes down to how your body reacts to it.