Raw Milk Kefir

[Lisa]

When I first went raw, I started making raw milk kefir. Then as I tried to move away from dairy, I quit drinking it and made some almond milk kefir, that was ok, but I really missed the raw milk kefir. It doesn't seem to have any negative effects on my digestion. If anything I feel better when I drink it. Does anyone else drink this and what info does anyone have to share about it?

[chasmyn]

On Give it to me Raw forums, there is a member named RawZi. She does - she is a raw omnivore - she might be a good person to talk to about it.

[Lisa]

Ok, thanks. I'll look her up. Isn't she on here too?

chasmyn said:

On Give it to me Raw forums, there is a member named RawZi. She does - she is a raw omnivore - she might be a good person to talk to about it.

[chasmyn]

Oh yeah, I just realized she is. Even easier.

Lisa said:

Ok, thanks. I'll look her up. Isn't she on here too?

chasmyn said:

On Give it to me Raw forums, there is a member named RawZi. She does - she is a raw omnivore - she might be a good person to talk to about it.

[Angie]

I haven't tried making kefir yet, but I recently started making raw milk yogurt (in the dehydrator so it stays raw), which I sometimes culture further into a sort of cream cheese (both recipes are from the book Nourishing Traditions). I have also been eating cultured butter & drinking the raw milk on its own. I am feeling noticeable health improvements since I've added these things to my diet.

[robyn]

I've been making and drinking raw milk kefir for a few months now as part of my healing from candida. As far as I have researched it can do nothing but help your digestion. The enzymes and cultures in the kefir will help to balance your gut flora which will in turn help to balance your digestion and boost your immunity. One of my references claims that a woman should be drinking at least a quart of kefir a week and that it will help balance out everything from hormones to dryness of skin. I drink much more than that a week because my candida is so over blown in my system. Because there is so much in this stage of my healing that I can't eat I have trouble getting enough protein and kefir helps me with that. I LOVE it. I encourage my son to drink it too as it is full of B6, a vitamin that is helpful in controlling his ADHD. While you're at it try making your own cultured vegetables. Another helpful digestive and they are raw!!!

[Ce]

We love kefir! Raw kefir and raw goat cheese are very popular here in Greece. When I am being really strong in the raw I try and stay away from it, but I'm not even sure why, I feel great when I drink it and it really make a spinach smoothie creamy! My kids like to drink it with a little honey, they also love it on any type of cereal or over fruit. I have never heard of almond kefir, how did you make it?

[Christine]

Hi Lisa ..... I just went on a workshop this past weekend to learn how to make raw milk kefir and currently have my first batch underway. Sally Fallon who set up the Weston A. Price foundation and is a big supporter of raw milk and its many many benefits has a fantastic book called "Nourising Traditions" which is well worth reading.

Here is also a fabulous link giving all the instructions for making it for anyone following this thread that is interested in exploring more: http://www.cheeseslave.com/2008/09/05/how-to-make-kefir/

Christine (NZ)

[Lisa]

Wow! This is a blast from the past. Thanks for all of the interesting comments. I have heard of Nourishing Traditions, and have looked at, but not used it. I still have my kefir culture in the back of the frig, but have been really moving away from even raw dairy. I can't figure out if it is good for me or not. It seemed great at first, but then I didn't have it for awhile and when I did again, my digestion process changed for the worse, if you know what I mean..I do still get raw milk for my kids though. It is fun for them to see how many things you can make from raw milk (butter, yogurt, creme fraiche, buttermilk, etc) as well as it is better for them than pasteurized.