What are the potential side effects of kefir?
Kefir can cause gas, bloating, cramping or constipation, especially when you first start drinking it. It still contains some lactose and milk proteins, so milk kefir is not suitable for a milk allergy. People with weakened immune systems should ask a doctor before using it, because it contains live bacteria and yeast.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What are the side effects of kefir?
The most commonly reported effects are mild digestive ones such as intestinal cramping and constipation, and many people also notice gas or bloating. They tend to show up when you start. RxList rates kefir as possibly safe for most adults for up to six months and says cramping and constipation can occur at the start.
How can you reduce them?
- Start with a small glass and build up slowly over several days.
- Drink it with food if it upsets your stomach.
- Stop and ask a doctor if symptoms last or are severe.
These are common-sense steps, not medical instructions.
Is kefir safe if you are lactose intolerant?
Kefir is made from milk, so it contains some lactose. The NHS lists these lactose intolerance symptoms: tummy pain, bloating, wind, diarrhea or constipation and feeling sick, starting minutes to hours after eating lactose. For most people, smaller portions can prevent symptoms. We found no official statement on how much kefir is safe, so go by your own response and ask a GP or dietitian before cutting foods out.
Who should avoid kefir or ask first?
- Milk allergy: milk kefir contains milk proteins. Avoid it.
- Weakened immune system: kefir contains live, growing bacteria and yeast, which may raise the risk of infection. RxList lists a moderate interaction with immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus and corticosteroids.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: RxList says there is not enough reliable safety information and advises avoiding it. Ask your doctor.
- Serious illness: the NIH probiotics page says the risk of harm is greater for people with severe illness or weakened immune systems, and severe or fatal infections have been reported in premature infants.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): kefir may contain a little alcohol, which can cause headache, vomiting and flushing with this drug.
Does the NIH say kefir has health benefits?
The NIH page covers probiotics in general. It says research looks promising for some conditions but it is often unclear which strains help and who benefits. It does not endorse kefir for any condition.
This is general information, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take medication or have a health condition.
People also ask
What are the side effects of kefir?
Most commonly cramping, constipation, gas or bloating, mainly when you first start drinking it.
Can kefir cause problems for lactose intolerant people?
It contains some lactose, so symptoms such as bloating, wind or diarrhea are possible. Tolerance differs from person to person.
Who should not drink kefir?
People with a milk allergy should avoid milk kefir, and people with weakened immune systems or on immunosuppressant drugs should ask a doctor first.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
