Individuals with lactose intolerance, adults with kidney stones, and those on certain antibiotics should avoid consuming kefir, according to a nutritionist.
Kefir, a nutrient-rich dairy product boasting high levels of phosphorus, calcium, and amino acids, can potentially offer health benefits to many. Yet, certain individuals may need to exercise caution or abstain from consuming it altogether.
Firstly, pregnant women and children should avoid homemade water kefir due to its potential alcohol content, which can be harmful to their health [1]. People with dairy intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or allergies, might fare better with water kefir instead of milk kefir.
There's also a consideration for the elderly when it comes to high-fat kefir. While there's no direct evidence that high-fat kefir is particularly harmful, age-related changes in digestion may make it more difficult to process products with high fat content, particularly those with high saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels or contribute to weight management problems [3].
Individuals undergoing treatment with tamoxifen should also exercise caution with kefir, as certain foods may interact with this medication [3]. Those with compromised immune systems or severe illnesses should approach all fermented foods like kefir with care [4].
In conclusion, while kefir presents numerous nutritional benefits, it's crucial to be aware of who should take extra precautions or abstain from consuming it. For those who can enjoy kefir, moderation and dietary balance are key to reaping its potential benefits.
[1] 'Homemade Water Kefir: How Much Alcohol Does It Really Contain?' Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/homemade-water-kefir-alcohol-content
[2] 'Dairy Products and Oral Fluoroquinolones: A Word of Caution.' Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671124/
[3] 'Food and Drug Interactions with Tamoxifen.' Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3744974/
[4] 'Fermented Foods and People with Compromised Immune Systems.' Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fermented-foods-and-immune-system#section1
- Pregnant women and children, due to the potential alcohol content in homemade water kefir, should avoid consuming it as part of a health-and-wellness lifestyle and eat alternative nutrient-rich food-and-drink options.
- For individuals with dairy intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or allergies, water kefir might be a better choice than milk kefir for maintaining a balanced nutrition and lifestyle.
- People with compromised immune systems or severe illnesses, following advice for managing fermented foods like kefir, should approach it with care to protect their health and wellness.