Fermented milk may not seem like the ideal choice for everyone, but kefir consumption is growing rapidly in the UK. According to experts, the number of patients reporting side effects from the much-talked-about health drink is also increasing.
Kefir has been consumed for thousands of years and originates in Russia and Mongolia. In recent years, it has become very popular thanks to its reputation as a “superfood”. In 2024 alone, Tesco reported a 400 percent increase in kefir sales compared to 18 months earlier.
The drink contains billions of “good” bacteria that help support gut health. Studies show that a rich microbiome is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, infections, and even colon cancer. Digestive health expert Jordan Haworth says kefir contains 10–20 times more beneficial bacteria than yogurt, as well as protein, calcium, and other vitamins.
However, experts warn that kefir is not suitable for everyone. In some people, it can cause discomfort, while in others it can worsen existing health problems. In very rare cases, it can even trigger serious infections.
The risk of excessive and immediate consumption
Kefir is made by combining fermented milk with grains containing bacteria and yeast, and one serving can have about two billion microorganisms. This bacterial “shock” in the gut can temporarily cause gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or loose stools, especially in first-time users.
The cause is the fermentation of carbohydrates in the intestines by new bacteria, a process that produces excess gas. Experts advise starting with small amounts and gradually increasing consumption. A small glass a day is usually well tolerated, while larger amounts can cause problems.
Not always a solution to stomach problems
Although often promoted as a universal solution for digestive problems, kefir can actually aggravate certain conditions. One of them is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea. In some patients, probiotics help, but in others, the increased gas can further irritate an already sensitive gut.
The same goes for people with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where excess bacteria causes bloating, pain, and diarrhea. In these cases, kefir can increase gas accumulation and symptoms. Experts don't say it should necessarily be avoided, but they advise limiting the amount.
When "good" bacteria become dangerous
In extreme cases, probiotics like kefir can cause serious infections, especially in people with severely weakened immune systems. A case reported by Japanese doctors showed that a patient lost his life after bacteria from a kefir-like probiotic caused infection and sepsis.
For this reason, experts advise that people with serious health problems – such as HIV, recent cancer treatments, or diseases that weaken the immune system – consult a doctor before starting to consume kefir.
In conclusion, kefir can be beneficial for many people, but it is not without risks. Moderate and personalized consumption, as well as medical advice when there are health problems, remain the key to benefiting from it without consequences. /GazetaExpress/
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