Research continues to link gut health to the immune system, mood, mental health and even cancer. It is therefore vital to keep your gut healthy and we need “good gut bugs” in order to achieve this, said influential expert Liz Earl on This Morning on Tuesday. According to Earle, “kefir is one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies”.
“These effects are a result of a wide variety of bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation process and the highly diverse microbiota, which act either independently or synergistically to influence these health benefits,” explains a review published in the journal Cambridge Core.
According to the review, kefir is also a suitable alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose – a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products.
Lactose intolerance can cause a host of digestive complaints, such as a bloated stomach and diarrhoea.
DON’T MISS
High cholesterol symptoms: Three signs in feet [INSIGHT]
Statins side effects: Risk of four health conditions [TIPS]
James Martin ‘wasn’t very well’ after operations [INSIGHT]
How does kefir help lactose digestion?
According to the review published in Cambridge Core, limitations in the digestion of lactose is largely due to insufficient activity of intestinal β-galactosidase.
“This enzyme, naturally present in kefir grains, reduces lactose content of the kefir during fermentation, which in turn makes the final product suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance,” the researchers reported.
“Moreover, fermented products such as kefir are characterised by a delayed gastric emptying, which helps in lactose digestion.”
How to make Kefir at home
According to Earle, you make kefir at home usng fresh grains bought from a health supplier.