Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits?

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Hiya Lovelies:

When I started my wellness journey I had no idea that one day I would become totally obsessed with fermented foods. Seriously, bacteria is kind of a big deal and I see it as an important part of my diet. Is that weird? That’s weird right?

But it shouldn’t be! In fact… your microbiome (which is the name for the bacterial communities that live in and on our bodies) is kind of a big deal. Your health literally depends on it!

So when a lovely reader (hi Jamie!) asked me to talk about supplements I knew exactly which one I wanted to focus on first! The fermented powerhouse that is Coconut milk kefir. Because those kefir health benefits are too good to miss out on.

So let’s talk about the awesome kefir health benefits you need to know about. And why coconut milk kefir is a pretty fantastic and simple addition to your self-care routine.

Ready to have some fun?

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

Why We’re Talking About Kefir Health Benefits

Recently Jamie of mommyinflats.com (an awesome blog about fashion and family that you should absolutely check out) asked me to write a post about supplements. And I was very excited to oblige. But I had one little problem…

I don’t take a lot of supplements.

While I do take a couple of prescribed supplements for Graves Disease (which you can read more about right here if you’re interested), I typically try to get everything I can from my food. And when I do turn to supplements, I usually stick with something food based – like vitamin B12 fortified nutritional yeast, hemp seed oil or coconut milk kefir (which we will definitely talk a lot more about in a minute!)

So writing a long post about which supplements you should take isn’t exactly something I can do. I have a rule – if I wouldn’t do it I definitely won’t write a post recommending it!

Related: Are Superfoods Really That Super? Maybe Not…

But I knew I wanted to explore those food based supplements with you. Pretty excited to actually! Y’all know I love to nerd out and I adore food. So smooshing those two things together is a whole lot of fun!

And I can’t think of a better place to start that with The Cultured Coconut coconut milk kefir.

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

There are some serious Coconut Milk Kefir Health Benefits! Like too good to deny serious. And since you only need 1 tablespoon a day to cash in on that, one bottle goes a long way. For me, it’s a daily must.

So let’s talk about it! But before we dive into those kefir health benefits, we’re going to have to talk about why our digestive system is so important.

On a little side note – this post is by no means sponsored by The Cultured Coconut. I’m just obsessed, in love with the quality and have been taking it for years.

Ready to learn a ton of cool things about your digestive tract?

Your Digestive System Is A Big Deal

Your digestive system is pretty bonkers amazing. Think about it for a second – this baby is responsible for the digestion of all of the foods and liquids you consume. Forever! Pretty hardcore if you ask me.

And all of that hard work helps to give you energy, repair your cells and keep you alive. It’s a big deal! Your digestive system plays an important role in many functions. And while we don’t often think about it, that huge list of responsibilities also includes immune support.

Your intestines host the HUGE Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue [GALT]. Which basically helps to protect you from potential invaders that might make it to your gut. See, I told you it was a big deal! 😉

Your gut also affects your emotions (and vice versa). There’s a reason why we say we have a ‘gut feeling’ or ‘butterflies in our stomach’. Or even refer to our gut as our ‘second brain’. It’s because it’s kind of true! And the Enteric Nervous System is the reason.

This system of neurons calls the shots and rules over the functions of your digestive tract. But it also communicates with our nervous system’s main powerhouse, the Central Nervous System (CNS). Which allows it to play a role in how you feel. In fact, it is the second largest grouping of neurons in your body after the CNS.

This is why there’s a clear brain-gut connection. Poor digestion may even play a part in the causes of anxiety and depression. I don’t know about you, but that blows my mind! (source)

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

Related: 8 Simple Mindful Eating Tips to Help You Eat Better

Your digestive tract is also the home of a TON of bacteria.

Not all bacteria are created equal and our lives literally depend on some very helpful strands. You have 10 times more bacteria than human cells in that fantastic body of yours, trillions of which live in your gut. Together they make up your incredibly important (and pretty flipping cool) microbiome!

Even more fascinating – You have approximately 20 000 human genes, but you also have 2-20 million microbial genes! That’s a heck of a lot of bacteria hanging out in there, isn’t it? (source)

And when we zoom into our digestive tracts, we see approximately 100 trillion bacteria and microorganisms hanging out in there working their booties off. (Do bacteria have booties?) (source)

All of this bacteria works hard for the right to call our bodies’ home. They break down food, produce vitamins that we can’t make ourselves and show our immune system how to kick butt. They even create anti-inflammatory compounds to help us stay healthy, how freaking cool is that?! (source)

Remember how I praised the digestive system for its role in digesting everything we eat? Turns out it’s our microbiome that breaks down many of the proteins, carbs and fats that find their way to our digestive tract. We need that bacteria to get the most out of our food! (source)

There’s a link between digestion, health, how you feel and even how you think.

An unhealthy digestive system can even play a role in the development and severity of Autoimmune Diseases. In turn, many autoimmune diseases have a negative effect on the digestive tract. This includes Graves Disease, which is why I definitely take my digestive health very seriously (and encourage you to do the same!) (source, source 2)

Caring for and protecting your digestive system is incredibly important!

Which brings me back to…

These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

In short, it’s all about that bacteria baby! (Who’s surprised?) Just 1 Tablespoon of The Cultured Coconut Coconut Milk Kefir can provide you with approximately 4 trillion Colony Forming Units (CFU) of probiotic bacteria. You read that right, trillion! And there are over 40 different active strains (we’re talking biodiversity!)

It’s the most powerful probiotic you’ll find.

This means you’re introducing more healthy bacteria into your precious digestive system which in turn will:

  • Keep that microbiome happy, healthy and diverse
  • Help to break down proteins, carbs and fats in your digestive tract
  • Support immune function
  • Play a role in your mental well-being
  • Foster overall better health.

Boom! Look at all those coconut milk kefir health benefits hiding in one little tablespoon.

Studies have even shown that people who take probiotics (like coconut milk kefir) have lower levels of anxiety, better mental outlook and a lower perception of stress. So cool! (source)

Related: 5 Powerful Ways To Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Why I Choose The Cultured Coconut Coconut Milk Kefir

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

While yogurt and probiotics are also viable options, you aren’t going to find anything quite as powerful as The Cultured Coconut. It has so much more to provide and packs a powerful punch with just 1 tablespoon a day!

Super bonus, The Cultured Coconut is traditionally made using non-chlorinated and fluoride free water. It’s also organic, casein and lactose-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free. Basically safe for most of us who have food intolerance and allergies! I’m sure it’s no mystery why they’re my kefir of choice!

Ultimately, healthy sources of probiotics help to protect your incredibly important microbiome, keeping healthy bacterial populations high. Consuming fermented foods like Coconut Milk Kefir daily supports your digestive health and, in turn, the health of your entire body.

When you eat better, you feel better! Both physically and emotionally. And I love that those kefir health benefits include that kind of health support. It’s pretty wonderful, isn’t it?

Personally, I typically take a tablespoon in the morning as part of my self-care routine. But you can also add it to things like nice cream, cereal, smoothies, juices, salad dressings and yogurt parfaits. It’s a healthy foodie must have!

Related: 7 Powerful Fermented Foods for Better Gut Health

As an Autoimmune Warrior, the health of my gut is pretty important to me.

Have You Heard Of These Awesome Kefir Health Benefits? | Many of us know that we need fermented foods for gut health. But there's so much more. Fermentid foods like Kefir benefit your microbiome, digestive and immune health, mental well-being and overall wellness. Let's talk about it. Click through for the goodness! #fermentedfoods #digestivehealth #healthydiet

Daily tablespoons of coconut milk kefire are just one of the many ways that I work to protect my digestive system so that it is better able to protect me. It’s all part of my self-love language.

Great news, you don’t need an Autoimmune Disease to start caring for your body. Daily acts of self-love, including healthy eating, are, of course, good for all of us! And everyone can benefit from healthy, fermented foods like Coconut Milk Kefir.

Cherish your wellness now; small actions every day can help to protect your precious health and prevent or lessen the severity of potential health issues now and in the future.

Now excuse me while I down some kefir!

Your turn – have you tried coconut milk kefir before? Excited to give it a go? What did you think about all of the cool things bacteria do for us? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Health and love and bacteria hugs,

sara-signature

Thought of the day: I am my priority. My health takes precedence and I show myself love by caring for it daily.

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Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

Sara Flanagan is a wellness writer and the creator of www.mshealthesteem.com, where she shares her story of being diagnosed with Graves Disease, a chronic autoimmune disease, and empowering herself to do everything she can to thrive in spite of her diagnosis. She writes articles on self-love, acceptance, wellness and nutrition. Join the Health-Esteem Family today and share in the journey.

32 Comments

  1. Reply

    Sonia

    November 21, 2016

    I take mine (2tbsps) every morning….when do you take yours or does it even matter when i take it…

    • Reply

      Sara

      November 21, 2016

      Hi Sonia! Thanks for the comment ♡. I take mine first thing in the morning too. I’ve read that it’s best to take it in the morning on an empty stomach, but you’ll benefit from it no matter when you can fit it into your schedule.

  2. Reply

    Michelle

    December 7, 2016

    Hi Sara,

    I also take my 2 tbsp. in the morning, and I truly love it! But I just notice that it had expired :(… Can I continue to take it? I have 1/2 bottle left.

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 7, 2016

      Hi Michelle! That’s marvelous. Coconut Milk Kefir is such a good addition to your diet ?. However, if the bottle’s expired I wouldn’t recommend that you continue to drink it. Because it’s a fermented food it’s best to be very careful with expiration dates.
      I’m really sorry. I hate to waste food too. But I wouldn’t want you to end up with an upset stomach. I hope you can get your hands on a new bottle soon ?.
      Have a beautiful day!

  3. Reply

    Jamie

    December 12, 2018

    Kefir is so important to your gut but I had no idea there were so many great benefits! Thanks for sharing lovely- great post as always ❤️ Jamie

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      You’re more than welcome Jamie! It really is pretty mind blowing. I’m personally fascinated by fermented foods and the microbiome! The more I learn the more my mind is blown (and the more curious I become! #nerdlife haha). I’m happy you had fun learning about it too <3. Happy Holidays gorgeous!

  4. Reply

    notquitesupermommn

    December 12, 2018

    Wow, I knew kefir was good for you but I had no idea it was so amazing! I always look forward to your posts, I learn so much!

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      That makes my day Nicole! When I started a health blog I knew I wanted to make sure that everything is well researched and sources – I don’t want to be a part of all of the misinformation out there. Plus, I’m a super duper nerd haha! So it mixes well ^^. But I wondered if I could still make it fun, conversational and interesting! Your lovely comment makes me feel like I’ve succeeded in bringing everything together nicely <3. Thank you tons! I'm happy you have fun learning with me!

      Sending tons of love your way hun! And wishing you the most incredible Christmas <3

  5. Reply

    Jamie

    December 13, 2018

    Ah I missed my shout out earlier- side note- we’re dealing with lice here and I’m a little brain dead but I’m calling it a win because I survived 35 years before my first experience with it ha. One question- I’ve stayed away from fermented foods because I’m really really sensitive to yeast (I took one of those sensitivity tests but also I can tell after I eat fermented foods). Do you think I can still do kefir? I stay away from kumbacha for that reason but maybe kefir is different? Definitely need to give it a try as I’m always trying to fix my gut health (I have some issues from excessive acid reflux…well I won’t even go into it haha). Sorry that was long- I get chatty after the little lice bearers go to bed lol <3 Jamie

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      Oh NO! Lice is awful! I’m so sorry. I’ve actually never experienced it, but the idea alone gives me the heebie jeebies! I hope things are getting better.

      One thing I’ve learned throughout my own personal health journey is that just because something is good in general doesn’t mean that it’s good for me. And that applies to all of us. Kefir is wonderful, but I believe it has yeast in it (sadly I finished my bottle a couple of days ago – I’ll double check when I get a new one, but a lot of fermented foods do have yeast). So it obviously wouldn’t be wonderful for you <3.

      I have actually dealt with silent reflux! And have a very sensitive tummy. So don't worry about going there! I found that the book Dropping Acid by Dr. Jamie Koufman was incredibly helpful! It put everything into perspective for me and allowed me to do a short term acid elimination diet to overcome the symptoms. Totally life changing! Because reflux sucks hard.

      I love chatting with you - so no need to worry about long comments. Chat away any time <3. I'll look into yeast free fermented foods for you and see what I can find. If not, maybe a supplement would be a good option? Tummy troubles aren't fun, I've been there! I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

      Sending tons of love your way hun and wishing you well 🙂

  6. Reply

    Christine

    December 13, 2018

    Great article that is really helpful. I am currently on a low fodmap diet so this will fit nicely with that. Lots of information here, thanks.

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      I’m really glad this will work well for your Christine! I hope that the low fodmap diet is working well and you’re feeling better. Let me know what you think if you try out the kefir 🙂

      Wishing you a beautiful Christmas! <3

  7. Reply

    Kendra Byers

    December 13, 2018

    I had never heard of kefir before! Thanks for the info & teaching me something new! 🙂

    Kendra | http://www.helga-marie.com

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      It’s pretty interesting, eh Kendra? I find fermented foods and the microbiome fascinating! Always excited to talk about them! I’m really glad you had fun learning with me. Let me know what you think if you try the kefir!

      Have a lovely Holiday season <3

  8. Reply

    Lauren

    December 13, 2018

    Wow! You learn something new everyday, and today it was about kefir! Thanks so much for sharing so much important info!

    Lauren | https://livebythesunshine.com/

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      I’m really glad you learned a ton Lauren! I think fermented foods are so cool! And the microbiome blows my mind. Always excited to learn more about them. Glad you had fun too :).

      Happy Christmas hun! Hope you have a wonderful Holiday season <3

  9. Reply

    Suman Doogar

    December 14, 2018

    I have been meaning to start with a diet but could not decide on which one to do? Kefir sounds like an interesting choice.

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      Personally, I think it’s all about creating a healthy, sustainable diet you adore. And I mean diet from more of a lifestyle perspective. Adding foods like kefir is wonderful! But don’t create something that feels unfulfilling or restrictive. Life is too short <3.

      Sending tons of love your way Suman! And wishing you a beautiful Christmas!

  10. Reply

    megforitcomMeg

    December 14, 2018

    OMG my MIL is obsessed with fermented foods and she even ferments her own stuff. I know its healthy for me, and I will try harder to eat it after your reasoning.

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      That is so cool Meg! Your mother in law is AWESOME!

      The idea of fermentation does sound gross. But if it helps, lots of common foods go through a fermentation process. Cacao beans need to be fermented before they can be made into chocolate. Yogurt is a fermented food. So are pickles. When you think about it that way you realize that you’ve probably been enjoying a few fermented goodies all along.

      The stronger stuff is, of course, better for your microbiome. But there are tons of options so you can find the ones that are the best for you. And go in knowing that it isn’t as icky as it may seem!

      I’d love to hear which fermented foods you ultimately end up enjoying! Keep me posted :). Happy Holidays Meg <3

  11. Reply

    Kate werth

    December 15, 2018

    I love that you explain it like a friend, not a boring infomercial! I like kefir, I get the yogurt drinks mostly when they’re on sale but ive never even seen coconut milk in my store!

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      That makes my day Kate! I am a total nerd and really want to make sure that my posts are well researched and sources. Because I don’t want to be a part of all of the mis-information out there. But at the same time I sometimes worry that that takes away from the fun! When I read a comment like this it makes my day! Because I know I’m succeeding in mixing info and fun together. Yay!

      I hope that some coconut milk kefir finds you! But it’s good to know that there are fermented foods in your life. They’re pretty wonderful!

      Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! Maybe it be full of magic 🙂

  12. Reply

    Jessica

    December 16, 2018

    I’ve never tried kefir. I’ll have to give it a test and see how I like it, since it has so many benefits!

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      I hope you adore it Jessica! If the flavour doesn’t work for you (it tastes kind of like a watered down yogurt in my opinion) you can mix it into smoothies, yogurt bowls, nice cream… whatever you’d like. I’d love to hear what you think! Keep me posted :).

      Happy Christmas hun!

    • Reply

      kate werth

      December 19, 2018

      To you, too, Sara! I liked the post, and I’ll look for coconut flavors today while i grocery shop! I knowit’s getting more popular here in stores.

  13. Reply

    Miranda

    December 17, 2018

    yes Gut health is very important, especially this time of year, flu season, the strong your gut health the more capable you are to fight off infections. http://www.healthylifestyleregiment.com/probiotics-gut-health/

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      Your gut health truly is a truly important aspect of your wellness in general! I couldn’t agree more. I’m happy you think so too :). Thanks for sharing your goodness with us! Happy Christmas <3

  14. Reply

    Deborah Hunter Kells

    December 18, 2018

    It certainly makes interesting reading about the gut and how it works within the human body. We have a marvelous living piece of machinery – and looking after it pays dividends!

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      Isn’t it absolutely amazing! Our bodies are so cool. And they work so hard to give us this awesome life. We’re pretty lucky!

      I’m happy you enjoyed reading about kefir and gut health! Have a wonderful Christmas <3

  15. Reply

    Ntensibe Edgar Michael

    December 18, 2018

    The tummy just keeps on surprising me….

    • Reply

      Sara

      December 18, 2018

      The digestive system is pretty fascinating, isn’t it? It keeps surprising me too! Glad you had fun learning with me :).

      Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season Ntensibe!

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Hiya! I’m Sara

I’m a wellness writer, Graves Disease thriver and self-love advocate.

And I’m passionate about empowering you to prioritize self-care and love yourself fiercely.

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