NT, SCD and kefir

[krankedyann]

I'm getting ready to start SCD combined with NT, a low-glutamate diet, and possibly will need to look at a candida diet as well. I'm currently gluten-free, and we're awaiting test results to see if I'm celiac or gluten intolerant, and also checking for allergies to soy, egg, caesin and yeast.

I've been reading BTVC, and I'm seeing mentions of the 24 hour yogurt. Does anyone substitute this with kefir? Anyone know anything about doing it that way? Since I know kefir is loaded with many more probiotics than yogurt, I'm sure it's a better choice, however how do you know all of the lactose has been consumed?

I realize neither will be a choice if I do have to go caesin-free, but it's another 3 weeks or so before we ge the test results from Enterolab.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by krankedyann

Since I know kefir is loaded with many more probiotics than yogurt, I'm sure it's a better choice, however how do you know all of the lactose has been consumed?

Not necessarily. Kefir contains more types of bacteria/yeast than the usual 3 strains in yogurt. Kefir has more bacterial count in number than store bought yogurt. But 24 hr. yogurt made at home is just as strong in bacterial count:

The Great Yogurt-Kefir Conspiracy:
http://www.healingcrow.com/ferfun/co...onspiracy.html

It might be your individual gut flora that responds better to one or the other. The beneficial yeasts in kefir really make some people react negatively. Perhaps it's strong die off too.

It's also harder to eliminate all lactose in kefir as I understand it. You have to culture with grains 24 hours, then strain out grains and ripen another 24-48 at room temp. This was from Dom's site or Yahoo group I think.

[Gale Force]

I used both yogurt and kefir. First just yogurt, then added kefir and I noticed a big difference. But I wouldn't say that it was the kefir that did it. I probably needed the strains in both.

It's not clear how long it takes to brew out the lactose in kefir because both of our kitchens are different environments. With yogurt, the environment is more controlled and you know that 24 hours will do the trick. You know you're on the money with kefir when it takes like vinegar, but not many people want to drink it like that and it's hard to catch it just this side of vinegar.