Try something new: Kefir

Feeling run down and want to get your energy levels up and give your immune system a boost? Try Kefir, my new love!

For those of you that know me know I can not stop talking about this wonder food. Literally words cannot express how into product I am!! Kefir is a fermented milk product that's high in nutrients and probiotics.

Although there are a few different types of Kefir, I like the hard core stuff, Raw Goats Milk Kefir. Some of you may shudder at just the thought of Raw Goats milk but I've noticed a huge improvement in my health and overall energy levels.

The story starts last March after my third miscarriage. I noticed I didn't feel like myself and I caught every cold that went around. Throw a couple of kidney infections into the mix, and I was feeling pretty rough most of the time. December came and as is our annual tradition, my husband and I went to Winter Wonderland without the kids to enjoy the festivities and drink copious amounts of mulled wine. I hadn't been feeling well and had been suffering from a hacking cough for a month or so but each glass of wine helped me feel much better (no surprise there!). On the way home I began to feel awful but I put it down to an early hangover and went to bed, hoping to sleep it off.

I awoke the next morning to what can only be described as stabbing pains going down the left side of my body. I couldn't stand and whenever I tried a haze would come over me. I went to A&E and multiple blood tests and an X-Ray revealed I was suffering from pneumonia. After a three-day stint in hospital, IV drips and three rounds of antibiotics, I was home and on the mend.

The after effects of pneumonia are often worse than the initial illness and I was regularly suffering from chest infections and bronchitis. I had been on seven rounds of antibiotics in 10 months and I felt like all the good bacteria in my system had been wiped out. My diet was good and I was exercising regularly but the colds kept coming! I needed something to build me back to my fighting fit former self and decided to try Kefir.

Why Kefir?

• It contains about 30 strains of bacteria and yeasts making it a much more potent source of probiotics. It is these good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy many with different benefits including protecting against harmful bacteria and also antibacterial properties. All those probiotics are not just good for the immune system but can help with various digestive problems.

• Low in fat and high in Calcium - just one serving contains 20% of your daily allowance.

• Recent studies have shown that Kefir can increase calcium absorption by bone cells leading to increased bone density.

Since last May I've had three, 21-day courses of Raw Goats Milk Kefir from Chuckling Goat, and I've not had one cold! My energy has increased and that constant feeling of being run down is gone.

Now, I'll be first to say, it doesn't taste great but there are loads of recipes online that help mask the flavour. When I had my first glass of what could only be described as curdled goats cheese I almost vomited. But over time I got used to this fizzy slightly acidic milky drink. Plus, the benefits TOTALLY outweigh the negatives so what have you got to lose?

Biba Walker-Shaw teaches ante, post and kids yoga classes. For more health and wellness follow Biba Yoga on Facebook.

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