Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I have IBS and I take a high-strength powdered probiotic supplement which I find very helpful. But I've been wanting to increase my probiotic foods as well. So I ordered some kefir grains, bought some organic goat milk and made my first batch of goat kefir.

Twice I've tried it, first thing in the morning - first day about a cup, today about 1/2 cup cup. Have noticed some bloat both times.

I have an unsure relationship with dairy - I avoid all sugars ie. lactose because of my tendency to bloat, so I generally avoid dairy, although I've gone through periods where I just do yoghurt and/or lactose-free products like hard cheeses.

Should I stick with the goat kefir, or just pitch this batch and use the rest of my kefir grains to make kefir water instead? Just not sure how much of the bloat is from the lactose, the casein or whey or whatever else is in dairy, and how much is from the beneficial bacteria.

Also the package of kefir grains says to consume the milk within 48 hours. If I do stick with it, can I drink it over the next week or so?

flag	asked May 15 2012 at 15:51 Renee 11.1k●1●4●42

I would ignore 48 hours. I strain my kefir after about 24 / 30 hours and the kefir then goes into a jar in the fridge. I'll drink it over several days while the next lot is fermenting... – andrew May 16 2012 at 7:24

paleoatwork · Answer 1 · 2012-10-18 18:05:23Z UTC

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Goat kefir was not for me. made me break out with cystic acne just like regular milk. I am really curious as to why.

answered Oct 18 at 18:05

paleoatwork
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Does other dairy have the same effect on you? Acne seems to be a common reaction to dairy - my cousin notices a big difference in her skin now that she's dairy free. – Renee Oct 18 at 18:18

Eugenia · Answer 2 · 2012-05-29 19:01:27Z UTC

As others said, with kefir you will have to start slowly, 1/2 cup in the beginning, and as the grains grow, you make and drink more. Leave it to ferment for 36 hours, so this way most lactose goes away (it will be sour, add berries and walnuts in it to make it more eatable). Kefir will make your body to produce more lactase over time, so your relationship with dairy will get better. Just give it time.

I have IBS too btw, and while most of it went away since I went Paleo, some incidents still occurred. From the moment I went goat kefir too, things got way better.

Zach · Answer 3 · 2012-05-15 18:14:35Z UTC

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Your gut is probably just changing some.. give it a few days or a week, expose your gut to smaller doses. If it keeps up, might want to stop. ;)

answered May 15 2012 at 18:14

Zach
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MathGirl72 · Answer 4 · 2012-05-15 18:00:10Z UTC

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You can try coconut-milk kefir instead: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/03/how-to-make-coconut-milk-kefir.html

You get all of the benefits of the kefir without the problems associated with dairy.

answered May 15 2012 at 18:00

MathGirl72
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	thanks. I find coconut milk has too much of a laxative effect for me. – Renee May 15 2012 at 18:14
	You may react differently once it's fermented. – MathGirl72 May 15 2012 at 21:03

KL · Answer 5 · 2012-05-15 16:54:38Z UTC

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I have been there multiple times--Could be your body getting adjusted to the different probiotic strains. Try drinking a less (1/4 cup max) Your body will adjust to in a few days, then add a bit more again for a few days. etc..

answered May 15 2012 at 16:54

KL
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bloat from homemade goat kefir - should I abandon or pursue?

5 Answers