Before Drinking Kefir Milk, First Check the Risk of Side Effects

Kefir milk is fermented milk. Drinks similar to yogurt have become popular because they are claimed to bring more health benefits than plain milk. What makes it more friendly is that kefir milk can be consumed by people with lactose intolerance. A cup of kefir milk is claimed to contain approximately 12 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fat, and 130 calories. Not only that, kefir milk is also enriched with vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, and various minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

Benefits and Benefits of Kefir Milk

With a variety of nutritional content, kefir milk is believed to have many health benefits, including:

1. Prevent infection

Kefir milk contains one type of probiotic called Lactobacillus kefiri. According to several studies, this probiotic is able to stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections, such as Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, and E. coli.

2. Improve bone health

One of the many nutrients contained in kefir milk is calcium. Calcium is a nutrient that plays an important role in bone health. Adequate daily calcium intake will ward off the risk of osteoporosis. Another good thing is that kefir milk is also fortified with vitamin K which is believed to be effective in increasing calcium metabolism while strengthening bones.

3. Able to overcome digestive problems

Drinking kefir milk when experiencing digestive problems may be able to relieve the complaints you feel. Probiotics contained in kefir milk are believed to restore the balance of good bacteria that maintain intestinal health. Kefir milk also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory which can help restore the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Safe for people with lactose intolerance

Probiotics or good bacteria present in kefir milk digest lactose as a source of energy. Therefore, the lactose sugar content in kefir milk is less than ordinary milk. This makes people suffering from lactose intolerance suitable for consuming kefir milk.

5. Contains more prebiotics than yogurt

Probiotics are nutrients that are useful for maintaining digestive health. Not only that, probiotics are also believed to play a role in mental health and maintaining weight. In fact, kefir milk is believed to contain more probiotics and quality than yogurt.

6. Reducing the risk of cancer

A study suggests that kefir milk contains substances that can prevent the growth of cancer cells. The way it works is to stimulate and strengthen the immune system. However, all the benefits of kefir milk still need further investigation. To get the maximum benefits of kefir milk, you can consult with your doctor further, especially if you have certain disease conditions.

Risks of Side Effects of Drinking Kefir Milk

Generally kefir milk is safe for consumption by children. However, kefir milk should not be consumed by pregnant and lactating women, because information about its effects and safety in both conditions is inadequate. Although kefir milk is a natural food, it does not mean this milk can not cause side effects. Some side effects that may occur after consuming kefir milk are constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps. Although kefir milk contains good bacteria, this drink should be avoided by people with autoimmune disorders or people with weak immune systems. In cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, kefir milk is feared to worsen the side effects of treatment, such as thrush, intestinal disorders, and hair loss.

Don't Drink Kefir Milk Together with These Medicines

Consuming kefir milk together with drugs whose side effects weaken the immune system risks worsening the disease. The drugs in question are tacrolimus, azathioprine, basiliximab, and cyclosporine. Kefir milk should also not be taken with disulfiram, because it can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. In essence, although referred to as a natural ingredient, you still need to be careful in consuming kefir milk. Besides because there is not enough research to prove its various benefits, consumption of kefir milk is also at risk of causing some side effects. Therefore, it would be better if you consult first with a nutritionist before drinking kefir milk.