Yogurt and kefir are fermented dairy products and many have probiotics. Probiotics are a form of beneficial bacteria that have many health benefits. Yogurt and kefir are both made by fermenting pasteurized milk, but yogurt is made from bacterial fermentation that produces lactic acid while kefir is combined with a complicated mix of yeasts and bacteria to produce a gel called kefiran. Including yogurt or kefir as part of a healthy diet can help balance or restore the amount of friendly bacteria in the digestive system.
Digestive Aid
Probiotics in yogurt and kefir help aid in digestion. Look for products that contain “live and active cultures” to ensure getting probiotics in the various choices of yogurt or kefir. Probiotic bacteria in yogurt and kefir help improve lactose digestion and get rid of lactose intolerance symptoms, according to a study headed by Michael de Vrese published in the February 2001 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”
Alleviate Diarrhea
Yogurt and kefir containing live cultures help restore the gastrointestinal tract to balance. This helps alleviate some causes of diarrhea such as attacks after taking certain antibiotics that tend to kill off the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Other microorganisms that cause diarrhea or other disturbances in the intestinal tract are also prevented with probiotics. Gastrointestinal infections that can be treated with yogurt and kefir include, helicobacter pylori, traveler’s diarrhea, rotavirus diarrhea and clostridium difficile-induced diarrhea.
IBS Treatment
Probiotics, such as those found in yogurt and kefir, may help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A pilot study headed by D. Guyonnet published in the February 2009 issue of the “Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases” found daily consumption of probiotic foods improved digestive discomfort.
Overall Good Health
Eating yogurt or drinking a glass of kefir daily can help improve overall health by stimulating the immune system and digestive tract. Having a healthy immune system helps the body fight off the daily attack from microbes that cause disease. Cultured dairy products such as yogurt and kefir taste good and come in a variety of flavors. They can be blended into shakes, sauces and dips for a healthy snack that ensures a good balance of healthy microbes
Sources:
- " The Boston Globe," What is Kefir? (accessed May 23, 2011)
- PubMed, "Probiotics and Gastrointestinal Diseases" (accessed May 23, 2011)
- University of Michigan Health System, "Probiotic Microbes Could be a Key to Good Health" (accessed May 23, 2011)
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Probiotics-Compensation for Lactase Insufficiency (accessed May 23, 2011)
- PubMed, "Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium Lactis DN-173 010 Improved Self-Reported Digestive Comfort Amonst a General Population of Adults (accessed May 23, 2011)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Caroline Thompson - Caroline Thompson has been a professional photojournalist since 1999. She combines writing and photography in her stories. ...
