My next health adventure!! Making Water Kefir!!

Hello Family,

I know it seems that I have been in hiding but I have had a lot going on in my life during the time that I was missing in action. I am in the final stages of finishing up with my Bachelor’s degree and with raising little ones and taking care of a hubby it can be very hectic. I also volunteer some time at a local community garden (Dunbar Gardens), well what time I can give. I am also working on a graphic design logo for my brother-in-law. Whew, enough said. Now that I seem to have a jump on things I can spend some time sharing again. One thing that I did yesterday was order what is called “Water Kefir grains” from an awesome woman known as the Kefirlady. Now what exactly is that, you may ask? I am glad you did. Let me give you some valuable information :

The word “Kefir” is thought to have originated from the Turkish word “Keif” which means “good feeling”. Kefir is a polysaccharide structure where several non-pathogenic, but friendly or healthy bacteria and yeast live in symbiosis.Water kefir grains are sometimes called tibicos, tibi, or Japanese water crystals. Kefir grain cultures may vary in numbers and types of microbes. Typically Water Kefir grains have a mixture of healthy (friendly) strains such as : Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus , Lactobacillus alactosus, Lactobacillus casei casei, Lactobacillus pseudoplantarum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus cremeris, Leuconostoc mesenteroide, Saccharomyces florentinus, Saccharomyces pretoriensis, Kloeckera apiculata, Candida lambica, Candida valida and possibly others. Lactobacillus brevis has been identified as the species responsible for the production of the polysaccharide matrix that forms the grains.

I know this sounds like a lot of medical jargon so let me break it down further.  Basically it is good bacteria (the water kefir) versus bad bacteria (in your body). The water kefir helps eliminate the bad bacteria and yeast from your body that come from such things  that have built up over time such as antibiotics, processed foods, sugar,etc…  Not only does it help to fight the bad guys, this drink offers a host of many other potential health benefits.

Water Kefir, due to its diuretic, depurative and regenerative properties, can be of benefit in a broad variety of health conditions. As a natural product, Kefir works by slowly regulating the organism and helping it become healthier. If you expect a rapid overnight result, then forget about it. Water Kefir can help  nervous disorders, internal ulcers, bronchial catarrh, sclerosis, myocardial infarction, liver and gall bladder disorders, kidney problems, stomach and intestinal diseases, diarrhea or constipation, anemia, allergies, dermatitis and other skin problems such as eczema. It’s use on an ongoing basis proves to have excellent effects in convalescence after serious diseases. It can also help regulate blood pressure and weight control, and has good results during pregnancy and abdominal feminine discomfort.

Kefir can prevents intestinal putrefaction, which is the cause of multiple disorders, and contributes to the body’s depuration. It doesn’t alter the digestive process. It should be drunk on a daily basis, and depending on the condition, once or more times a day. In chronic conditions, great quantities of Kefir should be drunk, 3 times daily, about 1⁄2 a liter (approx. 2 cups) each time.

Now that I have gotten that out of the way. I have been studying a little on these little beauties and I am looking forward to making and enjoying this fizzy beverage and gaining the benefits from it. I can’t wait to see what my troop thinks of it as well. One little note about kefir grains…they do grow, and when I mean grow I have read that there will be MORE than enough within a month or so to be able to share with others and they keep growing (as long as you take care of them).  Thats great for me because this summer I will have a lot of thirsty kiddo’s to satisfy. I will post pictures and how everything turns out when I receive them. I can’t wait! I am so excited! YAY!!

NOTE: I am not a doctor nor do I play one on television and this blog post is merely informational and in no way is the information above meant to substitute medical diagnosis and/or treatment, nor should the product be used to substitute medical care. Always consult with your physician about your health condition. Kefir is no “cure-all” or universal remedy. It can only complement and help appropriate medical treatment due to its detoxifying and immunity-building effects.

Informational source: http://www.weim.net/homeovet/Docs/water%20kefir.pdf