Are you a fan of fermented foods such as kefir? Its health benefits most certainly make it a tempting food option. The question here is; does kefir help with acid reflux? This article discusses what kefir is, why it helps with acid reflux disease, and how you can add it to your diet.
Keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
Does Kefir Help With Acid Reflux?
Yes, kefir can most certainly help with acid reflux. This fermented milk drink is rich in Probiotics which means that the beneficial bacteria can aid your digestive system and improve its strength. A single serving of kefir can improve gut health and reduce heartburn symptoms.
You must wonder how an acidic drink such as kefir can help with digestive problems. If you don’t know what kefir is or wish to learn more about its beneficial properties, then look below.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a milk beverage that falls under the category of fermented foods. Consisting of a sour, tangy taste, this fermented drink is rich in proteins and calcium that are good for your entire body. Kefir doesn’t just help with digestive health but also aids the immune system and strengthens bones.
Kefir is traditionally made from cow or goat’s milk with yeast and kefir grains. Even though the former contains high dairy content, Non-dairy options are also available for lactose intolerance. It can be drunk as a milk alternative.
Kefir is commonly fermented at a temperature of 20 degrees for 24 hours. You can find it in grocery stores or make your own.
Is Kefir an Acidic Food?
It is an acidic beverage with little to no acidic taste. Kefir’s ph range of 4.2 – 4.6 makes it an acidic food, but when this tangy-tasting substance is added to other foods, it mostly brings out a creamy consistency.
You might not know that several acidic foods, such as milk kefir and lemon juice, create an alkalizing effect in your body once they enter the bloodstream. Minerals such as potassium and calcium in acidic foods blend with blood and reduce the growth of bacteria in your digestive tract.
So even though kefir is naturally acidic, its effects and properties will help with acid reflux.
Why Does Kefir Help With Acid Reflux?
Now that you know that kefir does help with acid reflux, please look at the below-listed reasons and find out why it happens.
Kefir Balances Gut Bacteria
Acid reflux/ gastroesophageal reflux disease is when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t perform properly and allows stomach acids in your esophagus. This malfunction results in poor gut health and initiates a burning sensation.
As mentioned above, kefir is a blend of various good bacteria. It contains a million probiotics that are deemed healthy for your system. Probiotics don’t only aid digestion and increase nutritional value, but they are highly beneficial to your gut as well. It will balance the bacteria count in your body by introducing healthy bacteria. By doing so, the digestive system will strengthen, and other symptoms of acid reflux will subside significantly.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation of body parts is a common GERD symptom, and it can come across as redness, swelling, and sharp pain. Kefir is fermented milk, and several studies have been conducted in the past that prove fermented food’s ability to resolve inflammation.
Milk and water kefir contain certain compounds, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, that can alter your immune cell levels, reduce inflammation and even prevent further infections.
Eliminates H.pylori Bacteria
H.pylori is a bacteria that directly attacks your small intestine and causes gastrointestinal diseases. Recent studies have shown that acid reflux symptoms can also occur due to a lack of stomach acids.
It may seem surprising, but low stomach acid levels promote bacterial overgrowth in your system.
Eating fermented foods and other probiotic supplements can balance your gut flora. This will reduce your chances of developing acid reflux and its chronic state, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Kefir is a Good Source Of Vitamins
You must think that kefir possibly can’t have any more benefits, but that is wrong. Along with its high count of probiotics, this substance is also abundant in vitamins.
An 8-ounce serving of kefir consists of vitamins D, A, and B, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and more. All these vitamins make kefir a gerd-friendly food. It is not only safe for acid reflux patients, but it helps them too.
Research has shown that a low count of B vitamins (especially B2 and B6) dramatically increases the chances of acid reflux. Your symptoms will decrease if you regularly take vitamins and make other dietary and lifestyle changes.
5 Best Ways You Can Take Kefir
Can’t stand the tangy taste of kefir? The good news is that its health properties remain unaffected even when you pair it with other foods.
We have listed some of the most exciting ideas below.
| Salad dressing | Kefir can be used in place of yogurt or buttermilk. It can also be mixed with other spices to make a healthy ranch for your salad. |
| Smoothie/ milkshakes | Kefir can take the place of milk/ yogurt in your smoothie, and you can mix it with your favorite fruits and vegetables. |
| Ice cream | Kefir can be added to a custard of eggs and cream. After freezing the batter, you can enjoy homemade ice cream. |
| In baked goods | Kefir can be substituted for milk in your muffin/ cake batter. It will add a rich, creamy texture to the final result. |
| Parfaits | You can use kefir instead of yogurt in your parfait. When paired with fresh fruit and other toppings, kefir’s benefits will double up. |
When is Kefir Not Helpful?
When it is Not Drunk in Moderation
You must have heard the famous saying, “excess of everything is bad.”
This concept applies to kefir as well. No matter the number of benefits, adverse effects can occur if it is not drunk in moderation.
Side effects like bloating, nausea, and cramps can surface because of overconsumption.
Tip: drinking straight-up kefir in small quantities at a time is also recommended.
Before Going To Bed
Even though some people believe that drinking kefir at nighttime is helpful, it is not always the case. Kefir contains millions of probiotics which are usually good for your health, but at night these probiotics can be hard on your digestive system and keep you up all night.
Does Kefir Help With Acid Reflux Summary
We hope you got the answer to your question: does kefir help with acid reflux?
As discussed above, several of kefir’s qualities and features make it helpful for acid reflux. Kefir can be taken for other digestive and health issues, but remember that it is not a long-term solution. Kefir will not cure your acid reflux, but a significant reduction is guaranteed.
Consult your healthcare provider and get professional medical advice if your GERD symptoms worsen.
Did you find this article helpful? Share kefir’s magnificent benefits with your friends and family as well.
