How Much Kefir Should I Drink a Day?

Kefir is a fermented drink that has been around for centuries and in our last guide we discussed all major health benefits of kefir. But, do you know how much Kefir should you drink?

Well, it all depends on your individual needs and the health benefits that you are looking for from drinking this fermented probiotic beverage.

In this blog, we will be discussing about how much kefir you should drink a day, is drinking too much kefir bad for health, and when you should drink your kefir milk so that you can then decide adding kefir to your diet.

How Much Kefir Should I Drink?

When it comes to drinking kefir, the most important thing is how much to drink per day. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this but, generally speaking, if you are looking better results then 2 to 4 cups (250-700 ml) per day should be good enough for you.

If you are drinking for overall wellness and health balance, then having 1-2 cups every day is recommended.

Can I Drink Too Much Kefir?

Unlike other fermented foods, milk kefir which is made up of kefir grains can be a great addition to your diet as it has many good bacteria in it, you should keep in mind that it also contain many type of probiotics which may cause health issues like digestive problem, blood pressure problem, heart issues, if consumed in excess.

It is important to check with your doctor or dietician before including too much of kefir in your diet, especially if you are pregnant or have any existing health conditions.

When consuming kefir drink, it is best to start with 1 cup per day or even half. Also, make sure to choose only quality kefir brands which have no added sugars in it.

Drinking too much kefir everyday might result in digestive problems and dehydration. So make sure to follow the instructions on the label and consult a medical expert of dietician to prevent any issues in future.

Read About: 10 Heart Healthy Foods To Prevent Heart Diseases

How Can I Know if I am Drinking Too Much Kefir?

If you are drinking this tangy drink regularly then knowing if you are drinking too much of it can be difficult, as the definition of “too much” can vary for every individual. Generally speaking, consuming more than 5 cups (1 liter) of kefir in a day can be considered too much.

Although there are some indications that may help you in knowing if you are drinking too much of kefir and those indications are stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and digestive issues. So, if you are seeing any of these symptoms after you consume kefir, then it is advisable for you to reduce your kefir consumption or stop drinking it altogether.

Which Type of Kefir Drink Should I Consume?

If you crave kefir then there is a good news for you. This natural nutritious food is available in many varieties like water kefir, coconut kefir, etc. The best type of kefir which you should take depends on your taste preference and dietary needs.

Drinking milk kefir is the most common and popular form of kefir. It is made from cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, or goat’s milk and contains beneficial bacteria like lactobacillus bacteria that help in boosting your immune and digestive system.

Water Kefir is another type of fermented beverage which you can try if you are lactose intolerant or looking for non-dairy option. Coconut kefir has a thicker texture with coconut flavour and it is often used to make smoothies.

If you want to make it more healthier then going for a homemade kefir is the best option. It can be made from organic milk, coconut water, or almond milk and contains strong probiotic content which can help you in achieving better health.

Also Read About: How Long Does Kefir Last

What is the Best Time To Drink Kefir?

The best time to drink kefir is typically in the morning or before going back to bed in night. Kefir as we all know is made of probiotic rich foods which can help you in maintaining a healthy gut bacteria and digestive health. This makes kefir an ideal addition to your breakfast.

Generally, it is suggested to drink kefir in the morning and that too on an empty stomach as it maximize the absorption of nutrients in our body.

Drinking kefir at night can also be beneficial as it ferments while you sleep, helping in improving your digestive system. But, if you are having a flavored drink right before going to bed, then it may interfere with your sleep due to its sweetness.

Should I Drink Milk Kefir Before or After Having Food?

Whether you drink milk kefir before or after having food is really up to you. While some suggest that having it 15 minutes before the meal can help you in digesting your food more easily, others suggest that drinking it a few hours after having your meal is the best way to get as much health benefits of this probiotic rich beverage as possible and improve your overall gut health.

Therefore, it is important for you to experiment with it and then find out which works better for you, before or after having your food.

Is Drinking Too Much Kefir Dangerous for My Health?

While kefir is a very healthy drink, it is important to remember its side effects too. Having fermented foods or beverages in excess can create a negative impact on your health.

Drinking too much of fermented milk can lead to digestive problems and leave you with an upset stomach. It can also interfere with the absorption of other nutrients and vitamins in your body. If you are having kefir for probiotic benefits, then the good bacteria in it can turn into harmful bacteria and can start to compete with the microbiome of your own body.

Additionally, those who are lactose intolerant should avoid taking kefir on a regular basis as it contains high levels of lactose content. Furthermore, consuming kefir beyond the recommended amounts can also health issues like headaches, fatigue and tooth decay due to its acidity levels.

To avoid these risks, it is best to limit your kefir consumption to 2-4 cups (250-700 ml) per day and not exceed this recommendation for their own safety.

What Happens if I Drink Too Much Kefir?

Drinking too much of kefir can be an unhealthy choice. Kefir can be highly beneficial for your health, but going above the recommended level can result in nausea, bloating, and gas.

If you are drinking excessive amount of kefir over a long period of time, then the bacteria in it can start to compete with your own microbiome, which can lead to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut.

All this can weaken your immune system and cause further gastrointestinal issues such as stomach discomfort and acid reflux.

Unless you are aware of any allergies or intolerances it is always best to start with small amounts and then increase your intake slowly. Also, it is important to keep track of how much kefir you are drinking every day.

How Much Kefir Should I Drink To Start With?

Before you start drinking kefir, it is important know how much you should start with. In our views, you should always start with small or moderate amount of this natural food/beverage and see how your body reacts to it.

For most people, it is safe and beneficial to start with one cup of kefir per day. It may be best to start by consuming only small amounts of kefir and then increase your intake slowly over the period of time, as long as you do not experience any side effects of it.

Conclusion

Kefir is a healthy and nutrient-rich probiotic beverage which can be consumed before or after having your food. However, it is important to keep in mind that the recommended daily intake of kefir is 2-4 cups (250-700 ml) per day as drinking excessive of it can lead to digestive issues and weak immune system.

It is best to start slowly by consuming small amounts of kefir before gradually increasing your intake over time. With the right amount of consumption and mindful monitoring, you should be able to enjoy many health benefits of kefir for a optimal gut health!

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