11 Supplements for Menopause Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You? About Sleep Herbs and Supplements St. John's Wort for Depression Quiz: What Do You Know About Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Vitamins and Supplements: The FactsThe requested URL /happiness/?p=4662 was not found on this server. Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.Kefir is a fermented drink made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep. It is made by placing the liquid of choice in a non-reactive and acid-proof container, and then directly added with kefir grains, called as such because of their characteristic granulated appearance. The kefir grains, which comprise of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, will be agitated in the container twice a day to ensure even exposure to the symbiotic colony so as to produce a creamier drink. After the fermentation process, which usually lasts for 24 hours, the kefir grains are taken out by straining.
These can be frozen and used as a starter for subsequent kefir production. The fermented drink can then be consumed as a beverage or as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. No doubt a healthy drink, moderate consumption of kefir is recommended for a number of reasons. Read further and discover more about the pros and cons of kefir and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends moderate consumption of this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman. Kefir has been for centuries taken for its overall positive effects on the immune system. Long known to contain potent amounts of protein and calcium, it is a good source of vitamin K2 as well. A product of bacterial fermentation, vitamin K2 can also be found in other fermented foods and beverages like natto, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt. Vitamin K and its class of vitamins like vitamin K2 have long been thought of as only crucial for blood clotting. However, evidence is mounting that vitamin K2 has an array of other functions and has been found essential for optimal brain function.
Adequate intake of this particular vitamin has also been found to help lower the odds of developing coronary heart disease. Vitamin K2 intake from food has been linked with reduced risk of developing cancer, and specifically shows preventive and even therapeutic effects on breast cancer and potentially on prostate cancer as well. Fermented beverages such as kefir have abundant natural sugar enzymes as well. These enzymes aid in breaking down complex sugars in the bowels, resulting in reduced incidence of bloating and gas. The probiotic bacteria in kefir have demonstrated antiallergenic properties as well. And last but not the least, individuals with lactose intolerance may fare better with kefir as it appears consumption improves both tolerance and digestion of lactose. Kefir naturally contains tyramine and histamine, which are both produced during the process of bacterial fermentation. Individuals with Mastocytosis and therefore have to strictly adhere to a histamine- and tyramine-restricted diet have to steer clear of kefir.
Individuals who have histamine intolerance must avoid kefir consumption as well since doing so may result in adverse health effects. Also, those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors to treat depression must avoid drinking kefir as this fermented drink’s high tyramine content may cause dangerous blood pressure spikes. Both tyramine and histamine are associated with migraines as well and so those who suffer from acute or chronic migraine should stay away from drinking kefir as well. In the next post, I’ll tell you the pros and cons of sports drinks and why you should drink them moderately to help in your quest to Become Superhuman. In the meantime, if you care to jump ahead, here is a complete listing of drinks to avoid as well as consume regularly and moderately on the Superhuman Food Pyramid: If you have questions, comments or feedback about the pros and cons of kefir, the Superhuman Food Pyramid, this website, or other aspects of Becoming Superhuman, then leave your thoughts below, as well as any tips you have on the pros and cons of kefir.
Vitamins & minerals health centre Vitamin K Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding and helping wounds to heal.Vitamin K usesLow levels of vitamin K can increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding. While vitamin K deficiencies are rare in adults, they are very common in newborn infants. A single dose of vitamin K given to newborns is standard. Vitamin K is also used to counteract an overdose of the blood thinner warfarin.While vitamin K deficiencies are uncommon, you may be at higher risk if you:Have a disease that affects absorption in the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitisTake medications that interfere with vitamin K absorptionAre severely malnourishedDrink large amounts of alcoholIn these cases, your GP may suggest vitamin K supplements. Some studies suggest vitamin K may help stop bone loss from osteoporosis. However, it's not clear that supplements will help people with osteoporosis who don't also have a vitamin K deficiency and more research is needed.
Other traditional uses of vitamin K, such as for cancer sufferers, for the symptoms of morning sickness, for the removal of spider veins and for other conditions, are unproven.Vitamin K dose and instructions for use The NHS says adults need approximately 0.001mg a day of vitamin K for each kilo of body weight.Vitamin K food sourcesGood natural food sources of vitamin K include:Vegetables like spinach and broccoliVegetable oilsCerealsVitamin K supplement informationVitamin K is available in oral and topical forms. Injectable vitamin K is only available by prescription. Like any supplement, keep vitamin K supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Vitamin K warningsSide effects of vitamin K include upset stomach. At higher doses, vitamin K may trigger allergic reactions. Many medications can interfere with the effects of vitamin K. They include antacids, blood thinners, antibiotics, aspirin and drugs for cancer, seizures, high cholesterol and other conditions.