So, there are some folks out there that are trying to work "probiotics" into their daily routine.
The basics of probiotics is this: since bacteria were discovered, the emphasis on their effects has been to identify those bacteria that do terrible things to us. Infections, sickness, and other ailments were quickly ascribed to the little, invisible bugs living EVERYWHERE and lurking especially on door handles! AHHH! But, recently, we are just scratching the surface of how beneficial certain bacteria can be.
The basics of probiotics is this: since bacteria were discovered, the emphasis on their effects has been to identify those bacteria that do terrible things to us. Infections, sickness, and other ailments were quickly ascribed to the little, invisible bugs living EVERYWHERE and lurking especially on door handles! AHHH! But, recently, we are just scratching the surface of how beneficial certain bacteria can be.
We are beginning to discover that our bodies are mostly made of bacteria. Some are benign and many, many others are helpful. The bacteria that we carry with us everywhere and live inside of us make up our personal "microbiome".
This field of research is relatively new, but some leads suggest that our stringent aversion of bacteria is actually harming us and making it easier for all sorts of bodily defects to take place. These leads are being compiled into one idea, called the "hygiene hypothesis". For more, read the excerpt below.
"The findings are the latest to support the "hygiene hypothesis," a still-evolving proposition that's been gaining momentum in recent years. The hypothesis basically suggests that people in developed countries are growing up way too clean because of a variety of trends, including the use of hand sanitizers and detergents, and spending too little time around animals.
As a result, children don't tend to be exposed to as many bacteria and other microorganisms, and maybe that deprives their immune system of the chance to be trained to recognize microbial friend from foe.
That may make the immune system more likely to misfire and overreact in a way that leads to allergies, eczema and asthma, Hesselmar says."
BASICALLY, bacteria nowadays are being understood as an integral part of what makes our human bodies, and all other living things, function correctly. So you might be asking yourself, how can we get back on the right track?
This field of research is relatively new, but some leads suggest that our stringent aversion of bacteria is actually harming us and making it easier for all sorts of bodily defects to take place. These leads are being compiled into one idea, called the "hygiene hypothesis". For more, read the excerpt below.
"The findings are the latest to support the "hygiene hypothesis," a still-evolving proposition that's been gaining momentum in recent years. The hypothesis basically suggests that people in developed countries are growing up way too clean because of a variety of trends, including the use of hand sanitizers and detergents, and spending too little time around animals.
As a result, children don't tend to be exposed to as many bacteria and other microorganisms, and maybe that deprives their immune system of the chance to be trained to recognize microbial friend from foe.
That may make the immune system more likely to misfire and overreact in a way that leads to allergies, eczema and asthma, Hesselmar says."
BASICALLY, bacteria nowadays are being understood as an integral part of what makes our human bodies, and all other living things, function correctly. So you might be asking yourself, how can we get back on the right track?
Enter Kefir. [Keh-Fear]
Kefir is basically this:
Also, the bacteria are supposed to be good for you.
For example, some of bacteria in the mature Kefir break down lactose.
This leaves you milk that won't upset your stomach.
Below is what it looks like when it's all done!
- whole, raw milk
- added beneficial bacteria stains
- 24 hours at room temperature.
Also, the bacteria are supposed to be good for you.
For example, some of bacteria in the mature Kefir break down lactose.
This leaves you milk that won't upset your stomach.
Below is what it looks like when it's all done!
All you do is strain out the "grains" of bacteria and save them for later in the fridge (in raw, whole milk) so you can start the process over again whenever you want.
These, tasty-looking things, are the bacteria colonies that out-compete bad bacteria in the Kefir and leave you a fizzy, tangy, safe and unique product.
Just ask a friend for some of their bacteria "grains" and dig in.
Just ask a friend for some of their bacteria "grains" and dig in.
Cheers! Prost!