The beneficial bacteria in our stomach aid in food digestion (especially with carbohydrates), boost immunity, thwart infections, and even have an impact on our mental capacity.
When we don't take proper care of our bodies, this priceless ecosystem is threatened. Our good bacteria are destroyed when we overindulge in alcohol and drugs, consume poor-quality food, get sick, get a parasite, and take antibiotics.
A good diet is the cornerstone of a healthy gut, but ingesting probiotic-rich foods and beverages as well as probiotic supplements is an easy, all-natural way to boost your gut's health.
What Is Kefir and Why Should We Drink It?
Unlike yoghurt, kefir can actually colonize the intestinal tract.
Coconut milk kefir is one of the easiest of fermented foods to make at home. You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment or expensive health foods, just a few household items which are probably sitting in your kitchen as you read this.
So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a glass jar, a coconut, some kefir grains and be on your way to gracious gut health in just 2 easy steps!
Kefir Grains…What Are They And Where Do I Find Them?
Kefir grains are combinations of living yeast and bacteria called “grains” however they are not a grain or related in any way to the grain family. They are a living organism and look like little cauliflower florets. Kefir grains are not always easy to come by, so if you can’t get a hold of them, we find a powdered starter culture such as Donna Gates’ Body Ecology’s Kefir Starter Kit works a treat!
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon kefir grains or kefir starter
- 1-2 cups coconut milk (make your own, or use a carton / can of organic coconut milk without additives and sweeteners as they can be hard on the kefir grains)
- Glass Jar
- Mesh cloth
- Rubber band
Directions
- Combine the kefir grains or kefir starter (as directed on the packet) with the coconut milk in a glass jar. Cover with a cloth secured with a rubber band and let it sit on your bench (a warm environment is best for fermenting) for 12-24 hours. Give your kefir a few shakes or stirs after about 12 hours.
- Once the coconut milk has thickened and has a slightly sour flavor, it has turned into kefir. Strain the mixture through a fine plastic strainer to remove the grains (you can re-use the grains later by storing them in a glass jar in the fridge). Store the kefir in the fridge and enjoy.
Hints:
- Kefir doesn’t like metal, so never use a metal container to make kefir or a metal spoon to stir. This disrupts the process and the kefir won’t thicken. Use glass containers and wood or plastic spoons.
- If your kefir doesn’t thicken within 24 hours, it might be that the temperature in your house isn’t warm enough.
Have You Ever Made Kefir Before?
This article was republished with permission from hungryforchange.tv.