Latest news with #Lactobacilluskefiri
Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Gut issues? 6 drinks recommended by Stanford doctor could be your cure
Harvard's Dr. Saurabh Sethi suggests simple drinks for better gut health, moving away from supplements. Kefir and buttermilk restore the gut microbiome, while ginger tea aids digestion. Prune juice relieves constipation, and peppermint tea reduces bloating. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes during diarrhoea. For those with fatty liver, black coffee is recommended. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1. For gut healing: Kefir or buttermilk Kefir. (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 2. For digestion: Ginger tea 3. For constipation: Prune juice Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 4. For bloating: Peppermint tea Peppermint tea. (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 5. For diarrhoea: Coconut water Coconut water (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 6. For fatty liver: Black coffee In a world flooded with energy drinks, carbonated sodas, and sugar-laden smoothies, your gut might just be begging for something gentler—and smarter. According to Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, the secret to better digestion and a healthier gut doesn't lie in fancy supplements or detox fads. It's in your kitchen—or at least your nearest grocery store. From kefir to coconut water, Dr. Sethi highlights simple, accessible beverages that can support everything from constipation and bloating to diarrhoea and liver tops the list when it comes to restoring your gut microbiome. This fermented milk drink is loaded with probiotics, including Lactobacillus kefiri, a powerful bacteria known to fight harmful microbes like Salmonella and E. coli. Buttermilk also gets a nod from the Harvard graduate for its lactic acid content, which boosts acidity, extends shelf life, and wards off unwanted bacterial growth—all while lending it that signature tangy a reason ginger tea is a go-to home remedy across generations. Warming and soothing, it's especially effective after a heavy meal or during colder months. Whether brewed from dried ginger tea bags or steeped from fresh ginger root, this spicy-sweet drink stimulates digestion and calms the stomach. A slice of lemon and a drizzle of honey turn it into a treat that heals and you're battling sluggish bowels, reach for prune juice instead. Studies have found that prunes are rich in fibre and sorbitol and naturally encourage bowel movements and help relieve chronic constipation, a common issue in older adults and young children tea is more than just refreshing—it can actually calm your gut. Animal studies show that peppermint relaxes the digestive tract, preventing painful spasms and reducing gas. You can make it from store-bought tea bags or steep a handful of fresh leaves at home. Bonus: it's caffeine-free, so you can sip it any time of water is a naturally hydrating drink and a popular alternative to commercial sports beverages. Rich in essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, it helps maintain the body's fluid balance. Thanks to this nutrient profile, coconut water is especially beneficial during bouts of diarrhoea, when the body loses fluids and electrolytes. In fact, studies have shown that coconut water is effective in treating mild dehydration caused by diarrhoea and performs on par with sports drinks when it comes to replenishing lost Saurabh Sethi claims that the best beverage for those with fatty liver is black coffee.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gut issues? 6 drinks recommended by Stanford doctor could be your cure
1. For gut healing: Kefir or buttermilk Kefir. (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 2. For digestion: Ginger tea 3. For constipation: Prune juice 4. For bloating: Peppermint tea Peppermint tea. (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 5. For diarrhoea: Coconut water Coconut water (istock. Image used for representative purpose only) 6. For fatty liver: Black coffee In a world flooded with energy drinks, carbonated sodas, and sugar-laden smoothies, your gut might just be begging for something gentler—and smarter. According to Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, the secret to better digestion and a healthier gut doesn't lie in fancy supplements or detox fads. It's in your kitchen—or at least your nearest grocery store. From kefir to coconut water, Dr. Sethi highlights simple, accessible beverages that can support everything from constipation and bloating to diarrhoea and liver tops the list when it comes to restoring your gut microbiome. This fermented milk drink is loaded with probiotics, including Lactobacillus kefiri, a powerful bacteria known to fight harmful microbes like Salmonella and E. coli. Buttermilk also gets a nod from the Harvard graduate for its lactic acid content, which boosts acidity, extends shelf life, and wards off unwanted bacterial growth—all while lending it that signature tangy a reason ginger tea is a go-to home remedy across generations. Warming and soothing, it's especially effective after a heavy meal or during colder months. Whether brewed from dried ginger tea bags or steeped from fresh ginger root, this spicy-sweet drink stimulates digestion and calms the stomach. A slice of lemon and a drizzle of honey turn it into a treat that heals and you're battling sluggish bowels, reach for prune juice instead. Studies have found that prunes are rich in fibre and sorbitol and naturally encourage bowel movements and help relieve chronic constipation, a common issue in older adults and young children tea is more than just refreshing—it can actually calm your gut. Animal studies show that peppermint relaxes the digestive tract, preventing painful spasms and reducing gas. You can make it from store-bought tea bags or steep a handful of fresh leaves at home. Bonus: it's caffeine-free, so you can sip it any time of water is a naturally hydrating drink and a popular alternative to commercial sports beverages. Rich in essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, it helps maintain the body's fluid balance. Thanks to this nutrient profile, coconut water is especially beneficial during bouts of diarrhoea, when the body loses fluids and electrolytes. In fact, studies have shown that coconut water is effective in treating mild dehydration caused by diarrhoea and performs on par with sports drinks when it comes to replenishing lost Saurabh Sethi claims that the best beverage for those with fatty liver is black coffee.
News18
30-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Kefir: The Probiotic Powerhouse That's Taking Over Indian Kitchens
Last Updated: Kefir's the cool cousin of Dahi—fermented, fizzy, gut-happy, and lactose-light. Desi-approved, Insta-worthy, and your stomach's new BFF. Imagine a tangy, fizzy milk drink that's like yogurt's well-traveled cousin. Meet kefir (pronounced keh-fear)—a fermented drink that originated in the Caucasus and Tibet centuries ago. It's made using kefir 'grains"—small, cauliflower-like clusters of bacteria and yeast. These grains are mixed with milk (cow, goat, or even plant-based). Leave it at room temperature for 12–24 hours, strain it, and you have kefir—ready to nourish your gut and your body. These grains break down lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, a small amount of carbon dioxide (which gives it a slight fizz), and a trace amount of alcohol (about 0.002%, barely noticeable). The result? A probiotic-rich drink that supports digestion without the sugar rush. What's Inside This Drink? ~4% protein, 1% fat, 7% carbs, 87% water (~52 calories per 100 ml). Rich in B-vitamins, vitamin A, calcium, and a powerful probiotic mix that supports gut health. Why Should You Care? For Better Digestion Kefir contains billions of probiotics per ml, including Lactobacillus kefiri, which help fight harmful gut bacteria and improve digestion. Certain peptides in kefir may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Early studies in animals show promise, though large-scale human trials are still limited. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Some small studies suggest kefir can help improve fasting glucose and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also reduce inflammation, though results are mixed compared to plain milk. Boosts Immunity Kefir produces compounds such as bacteriocins that fight harmful bacteria such as E. coli. Its probiotics also enhance the immune system by increasing protective antibodies and immune cells. Good for Brain Health & Mood A healthy gut supports a healthy brain. Some studies, including one on Alzheimer's patients, showed memory improvement after consuming kefir. Its antioxidant properties may also help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Cancer-Fighting Potential Lab tests show kefir may have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It appears to inhibit colon cancer cells in Petri dishes, but conclusive human trials are still underway. Stronger Bones, Better Skin Loaded with calcium and vitamin D, kefir supports bone health. Its antioxidant-rich profile may also improve skin health, digestion, and overall wellness. All these said, there is sufficient scientific research backing up the benefits of Kefir with respect to heart health and cancer aiding factors. Emerging research suggests that kefir isn't just good for your gut—it might also be a powerful ally for your heart. A 2024 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 67 elderly participants. It was found that probiotic-fortified kefir significantly improved certain atherogenic indices, which are markers linked to cardiovascular risk. This indicates that regular consumption of kefir could have a positive impact on heart health by improving lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular risks. (Source: Backing this, a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition tested kefir peptides on mice that are genetically prone to developing cardiovascular disease. The mice, when fed a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with kefir peptides, showed a marked reduction in vascular calcification and atherosclerosis. The peptides worked by reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, both critical factors in heart disease development. (Source: Adding to this evidence, another 2023 study demonstrated that kefir made using traditional microorganisms significantly lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improved plasma markers of inflammation in male participants. This underscores kefir's role in managing cholesterol and enhancing overall cardiovascular health. (Source: Can Kefir Help in Cancer Prevention? Science is increasingly exploring kefir's role beyond digestion, particularly its potential in fighting cancer. Studies show that kefir might contribute to the anti-tumor process across various cancers, including breast, leukemia, skin, gastric, colon cancers, and sarcomas. The proposed mechanism? Kefir's ability to positively modulate the gut microbiome and strengthen immune responses, which plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. (Source: One noteworthy case study involving 1,699 women suggested that high consumption of dairy products—including kefir—was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women. Why Kefir Makes Sense for Indian Lifestyles Urban stress is real. Studies suggest fermented foods like kefir can improve digestion, sleep, and mood. It fits our food culture. Indians love dahi, lassi, and achar. Kefir is a natural extension of that tradition with even more probiotic power. Low in lactose. With 70–80% of Indians lactose-sensitive, kefir is a gentler dairy option. Affordable. Homemade kefir costs less than daily chai. Just buy the grains once and reuse them indefinitely. Things to Know Before You Start Research is still emerging. Much of the science is based on lab studies and small human trials. Start slow. Some people may experience bloating or mild discomfort initially, especially if sensitive to histamine. Check labels. Store-bought kefir can contain added sugars. Homemade kefir is healthier and more affordable. Consult your doctor. If you're pregnant, have immune issues, or severe allergies, check before consuming raw or unpasteurized kefir. How to Add Kefir to Your Routine Start small: 50–100 ml daily for a week to let your gut adapt. Ways to enjoy it: Blend it into mango lassi, pour over granola, use as a salad dressing, or even marinate paneer. Make it at home: Buy kefir grains online, add to milk, ferment for 24 hours, strain, and store in the fridge. The grains last indefinitely. Avoid sugar traps: Stick to plain kefir with no more than 5–6g sugar per 100 ml. Quick 7-Day Kefir Starter Plan Day What to Try 1–2 50 ml plain kefir with honey 3–4 100 ml kefir smoothie (banana + mango + cardamom) 5–7 150 ml kefir lassi with mint and a tadka of jeera Track how you feel—digestion, energy, mood, skin. The Final Word top videos View all Kefir isn't just another health fad. It's a centuries-old drink that bridges ancient food wisdom with modern nutrition science. Affordable, probiotic-rich, and easy to make, kefir fits seamlessly into Indian food habits. It won't replace a healthy diet, but as a daily addition, it's a simple, effective way to support digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. tags : Gut Bacteria Gut health Gut microbiome Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 13:49 IST News zip Kefir: The Probiotic Powerhouse That's Taking Over Indian Kitchens
