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Israeli Researchers Identify Potential of Probiotic Kefir Yogurt Against COVID-19

Kefir and corona virus - New research

A team of Israeli researchers has identified new drug candidates from probiotic Kefir yoghurt that may combat pathogenic bacteria to treat various inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and COVID-19 infections.

The study, led by researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel, highlighted the mechanism by which milk fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system.

The drug candidates are based on molecules isolated from Kefir yoghurt, which is a fermented probiotic dairy drink made by infusing cow or goat milk with kefir grains containing yeast and lactic acid bacteria.

The findings, published in the journal Microbiome, demonstrated that the kefir-secreted molecules can significantly reduce the virulence of Vibrio cholerae that causes cholera. The anti-bacterial effect was based on disrupting communication among the bacterial cells.

Further, the experimental results revealed that the isolated molecules effectively healed mice inflicted with a lethal “cytokine storm,” which is an extreme immune response and one of the main causes of death in COVID-19 patients.

The molecules not only eliminated the cytokine storm but also restored balance to the immune system. This is an extraordinary feat pointing to significant therapeutic potential.

While the healthy properties of probiotics in yoghurt have been widely recognised, the study showed how these also have the potential to be highly effective drugs, the researchers said.

“These results are notable, since this is the first demonstration that virulence of human pathogenic bacteria can be mitigated by molecules secreted in probiotic milk products, such as yoghurt or kefir,” said Raz Jelinek, Professor at the BGU.

“Following promising results in animal models, we look forward to administering these drug candidates to patients who are experiencing a cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection, or people suffering from acute inflammatory bowel pathologies, such as Crohn’s disease,” Jelinek added.

https://weather.com/en-IN/india/coronavirus/news/2021-04-14-israeli-researchers-identify-potential-of-probiotic-kefir-yogurt

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microbiomes might influence covid-19 severity

The bacteria in your gut may play a role in the severity of COVID-19 infection and the strength of your immune system response, a new study suggests.

Not only that, imbalances in the microbiome may cause continued inflammatory symptoms, often called “long-haul” COVID, the researchers added.

“Imbalance in the microbiome contributes to the severity of COVID-19, and if it persists after viral clearance, could contribute to persistent symptoms and multi-system inflammation syndromes like long COVID syndrome,” said lead researcher Dr. Siew Ng, a professor from the Institute of Digestive Disease at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“Restoration of the missing beneficial bacteria might boost our immunity against SARS-CoV2 virus and hasten recovery from the disease,” she said. “Managing COVID-19 should not only aim at clearing the virus, but also restoring the gut microbiota.”

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Kefir VS Corona Virus (Covid-19)

CAN KEFIR (OR ANOTHER CULTURES) GET CONTAMINATED BY A PATHOGENIC VIRUS OR BACTERIA?

The short answer is a resounding no.

The reason there is fear is some people who are not that familiar with kefir may see it like a petri dish – where its growing stuff, albeit good stuff. If it was like a petri dish, it would have the potential to get contaminated and grow anything.

However, kefir is nothing like a petri dish.

Kefir is, perhaps, one the most hostile places in your entire house to foreign bacteria, mold, viruses, etc.  That’s why kefir doesn’t go bad. You can leave kefir out on the counter for months and it will resist all sorts of contaminates. It’s actually one of the safest places as far as contamination goes.

Between the low pH levels and active bacteria and yeast, it’s a hostile place to anything wanting to make it its new home.  

Kefir can sometimes incorporate a new bacteria or yeast strain, but only if its beneficial or melds well within the matrix of other very dominate strains. It will neutralize anything else. That’s why mold and spoilage bacteria don’t typically stand a chance.

The corona virus is new so there’s very little information out there. But one study on kefir and viruses shows that kefir was able to greatly inhibit a retrovirus called HTLV–1. Kefir was able to stop the proliferation of the up to 98% while simultaneously decreasing the transcriptional levels. That’s impressive.

The bottom line is that you should have nothing to worry about. Kefir is extremely hostile to foreign bacteria, mold and even viruses. The last place you will find the virus is in your kefir. So, bottoms up and enjoy without fear.

WILL KEFIR HELP PROTECT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS?

Kefir is a nutritional powerhouse, especially milk kefir. It has so many vitamins, minerals, peptides, beneficial acids and beneficial microorganisms to keep you healthy and strong.

It has incredible immune benefits, especially against colds and viruses. Coronavirus wouldn’t be any exception.

Between the nutritional support, bio-active peptides, probiotics and an increase of t-cells, kefir will help protect against any virus. Anecdotally, we hear all the time about people who stopped getting sick after incorporating kefir into their diet.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE’S A QUARANTINE, FOOD SHORTAGE OR ECONOMIC COLLAPSE?

If there happens to be any significant food shortages, milk kefir is one superfood you would want to have on hand. No only does it protect, but it nourishes as well. 

If there’s shortages in milk, finished kefir will store well. You can store the kefir the fridge for weeks and longer in the freezer. You also have the option of stocking up on some dried milk powder to make fresh kefir. Just keep in mind that dried milk powder oxidizes the cholesterol, which is not ideal. It’s only a small amount though and if there’s no alternative, that’s still a good option in my opinion.

BOTTOM LINE

Even though there may be a lot of fear going around these days about the coronavirus, kefir should not be one of them. It won’t harbor any viruses and it’s immune benefits are highly regarded.

Kefir will protect itself and protect you from those threats.

Fear is never good for the body. The body is incredibly strong, so be confident in your own ability to be healthy. Kefir is great, but also be sure to get plenty of sunshine, fresh air and meditation or relaxing thoughts. Wishing you all the best in these difficult times.