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Kefir Offers Protective Dietary Supplementation Against Viral Infections

ByKefir Kenya

Kefir, a fermented milk drink packed with probiotics, has been gaining popularity for its potential health benefits. But could it also offer protection against viral infections?

Kefir and its components have a crucial regulatory role in the immune response. In this respect, activity has been reported against the Covid-19, Zika virus, HCV, hepatitis-B virus, influenza virus (H1N1), HSV, rhinoviruses and retroviruses. Here is what we know:

Kefir’s Powerhouse of Probiotics:

  • Kefir is teeming with diverse live bacteria, known as probiotics, which contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
  • A healthy gut microbiome is linked to a stronger immune system, as it plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses.

Potential Antiviral Effects:

  • Studies have shown that kefir’s probiotics might inhibit the attachment and replication of certain viruses, like influenza and rotavirus. ️
  • Kefir may also modulate the immune system, potentially reducing inflammation and the “cytokine storm” associated with severe viral infections.

During the peak of Covid, an important study proved that it was able to protect and even cure Covid-19: here is a link to the study. 

It had been postulated that some COVID-19 patients die after the massive inflammatory response resulting from a cytokine storm involving 1 L-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. A proposed initial solution to protect patients from the cytokine storm is blockade of IL-6 function or administration of a compound to suppress inflammation. Kefir can inhibit the activity of proinflammatory cytokines. Using kefir (and its byproducts) as an inhibitor of expression of proinflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients could be a viable policy.