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    Kefir and gut health with Julie Smolyansky

    enJanuary 01, 2020

    Podcast Summary

    • Personalized approaches to weight loss and sleepIndividualized plans can be effective for weight loss despite personal preferences, while customizable comfort is crucial for better sleep quality.

      Personalized weight loss plans, like those offered by Noom, can be effective for individuals with unique preferences, even if traditional methods like salads don't work for them. For instance, Evan, who dislikes salads, managed to lose weight using Noom's tailored plan. Meanwhile, in the realm of sleep, individualized comfort is essential for better sleep quality. Sleep Number smart beds allow couples to customize their comfort on either side, ensuring a restful night. Lifeway Kefir, now available in the UK, is made from high-quality milk sourced from grass-fed Irish cattle, enhancing its taste and beneficial impact on gut health. This fermented milk drink, with its roots in Eastern European traditions, was brought to the US by refugees and has now expanded to the UK market.

    • Discovering the Authenticity and Benefits of KefirKefir, an ancient beverage with a rich heritage, offers unique gut benefits due to its bacteria's preference for a dairy environment. Its bacteria survive the entire digestive process, making it a standout choice for gut health improvement.

      Lifeway Foods offers an authentic and historically significant product in the form of kefir, which has been passed down through generations from the Caucasus mountains and has a rich heritage dating back over 2,000 years. The company has made it their mission to bring this secretive and little-known beverage to the US market and make it relevant. The speaker, who grew up on kefir, emphasizes its unique benefits for the gut due to the bacteria's preference for a dairy environment. A study from UC Davis supports this claim, stating that the dairy environment is the best for these bacteria to thrive and maintain their high level of activity throughout the digestive process. Unlike other probiotics or supplements, kefir's bacteria survive the entire process from consumption to elimination, thanks to the milk proteins that protect them. This makes kefir a standout choice for those seeking to improve their gut health.

    • Misnaming Foods Can Create Confusion and Exploit Rich MeaningsFood industry should accurately label products to avoid confusion and exploitation of historical food terms. Kefir, a fermented dairy product, should not be mislabeled as plant-based alternatives to prevent misleading consumers and preserving the authenticity of the term.

      It's important for the food industry to adhere to standards of identity when labeling and marketing food products. Misnaming products, such as falsely labeling plant-based beverages as kefir, can create confusion in the marketplace and exploit historical words with rich meanings. Kefir, specifically, is a fermented dairy product with a 2,000-year history and Nobel Prize-winning research behind it. Labeling plant-based alternatives as kefir is not authentic and can mislead consumers. Instead, the industry should be creative and original in describing these alternatives without exploiting or destroying the original meaning of the word. For those who are lactose intolerant, studies show that the good bacteria in kefir can digest the lactose for them, making it an option for those who cannot consume traditional dairy products. However, it's essential to label these products accurately to avoid confusion and ensure consumers are getting the product they expect.

    • Lactose intolerance and calcium intake during bone building yearsLactose intolerant individuals can maintain calcium source with probiotic-rich foods like Lifeway Kaffir, ancient practice of consuming kefir backed by modern science, LinkedIn a valuable resource for small businesses hiring, kefir a valuable addition to any diet

      As we age, approximately 65% of the population becomes lactose intolerant, and this can be problematic for women during their bone building years due to the importance of calcium for preventing osteoporosis. However, with the introduction of probiotic-rich foods like Lifeway Kaffir, those who are lactose intolerant can still maintain a calcium source without experiencing discomfort. This is an important discovery, as research continues to reveal the benefits of functional foods for supporting wellness and fueling our bodies. Additionally, the ancient practice of consuming kefir has survived for 2000 years, and modern science is now backing up the health benefits that our ancestors intuitively understood. Furthermore, when it comes to hiring for small businesses, LinkedIn can be an invaluable resource, as it allows you to access a pool of professionals who may not be actively searching for new opportunities but could still be a great fit for your team. And for those who are lactose intolerant, the good news is that almost everyone can cope with kefir, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

    • Exploring the Benefits of Lifeway Kefir Beyond NutritionLifeway Kefir, a fermented milk product, offers gut and mental health benefits, with commercially produced versions potentially more potent than homemade due to consistent fermentation process and unique strains.

      Lifeway Kefir, an easy-to-digest fermented milk product, offers numerous benefits beyond just nourishment. Its connection to the gut microbiome and mental health is gaining increasing attention in the scientific community. While homemade kefir can be effective, it may not be as potent as commercially produced versions due to the reduction in bacteria efficiency over time. Lifeway's goal is to make this beneficial product accessible to everyone, with a focus on continuous innovation and improvement. The fermentation process for Lifeway Kefir takes approximately 12 to 18 hours. The unique strains used in the product contribute to its distinct taste and health benefits, making it a valuable addition to one's daily routine.

    • Kefir's taste and quality depend on season and cow dietKefir's taste and shelf life can change, but it's long-lasting and versatile, used in cooking and strained to make labneh.

      The quality and taste of kefir can change depending on the time of the year and the diet of the cows. The milk undergoes pasteurization and fermentation, with bacteria acting as the natural preservative. Kefir has a longer shelf life than what's indicated on the use-by date, but the probiotic activity may decrease after the expiration date. Kefir is thicker than milk and has a sour taste, often resembling yogurt or a smoothie consistency. Heating it can harm the bacteria, but it can be used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as marinades, salad dressings, puddings, hummus, cheesecake, and tzatziki. Kefir can be strained to create labneh, a thick, Greek-yogurt-like substance.

    • Exploring ancient foods like kefir creativelyIncorporate kefir into hummus, ice cream, or smoothies with CBD oil for stress relief and health benefits

      Ancient foods like kefir can be innovatively used in various ways, such as adding it to hummus, making ice cream, or even incorporating it into smoothies with CBD oil. Kefir's rich history can be explored creatively, and freezing it won't harm the bacteria as they go into a dormant state and get reactivated in the body. CBD oil, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to have numerous medical benefits and can be added to kefir smoothies for relaxation and stress relief. The use of CBD is becoming more common and legalized, and it has a calming effect without making one sleepy. With mental health issues on the rise, incorporating ancient foods like kefir and CBD into our diets could provide health benefits and help manage stress.

    • Incorporating self-care practices like making smoothies with kefirMaking smoothies with kefir is a simple yet effective way to prioritize self-care, boosting the immune system and promoting feelings of fullness for overall health and happiness.

      Incorporating tools for self-care, such as making smoothies with superfoods like kefir, can help individuals feel in control of their health and mental wellbeing. Kefir, in particular, is a versatile and beneficial addition to one's diet. Rich in protein, calcium, B12, and good gut bugs, it's suitable for all ages and lifestyles, including athletes. By boosting the immune system and promoting feelings of fullness, kefir can help individuals stay healthy and focused, enabling them to better care for themselves and those around them. As Julie, a marathon runner and founder of ProBugs, shared, her access to kefir and other self-care practices is non-negotiable for maintaining her own wellbeing and inspiring her business. Ultimately, self-care is an essential component of overall health and happiness, and incorporating practices like making smoothies with kefir is a simple yet effective way to prioritize it.

    • Going the Extra Mile: Managing Health Care Costs and Celebrating Special OccasionsUnitedHealthcare's Health ProtectorGuard plans help manage health care costs with fewer requirements and restrictions. Special occasion shopping at 1800flowers.com and Whole Foods Market ensures high-quality gifts and deals. Check out lizarwell-being.com for gut-friendly recipes and kefir tutorials.

      Going the extra mile can bring significant benefits, especially when it comes to health care and celebrating special occasions. For health care, UnitedHealthcare's Health ProtectorGuard fixed indemnity insurance plans can help manage out-of-pocket costs without usual requirements and restrictions. And for special occasions like Mother's Day, shopping at places like 1800flowers.com and Whole Foods Market can ensure delivering a smile with their high-quality offerings and special deals. Don't forget to check out Liz's website, lizarwell-being.com, for gut-friendly recipes and kefir tutorials. Subscribe, hit the review button, and celebrate life's moments with a little extra care.

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