<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I'm getting inquiries about where to find kefir grains.  I once again refer 
you to Dom's kefir site.  Read the whole site.  He has sources & links 
listed there.  There are also other sources of real kefir grains in on the 
internet.  If you want real kefir grains, do a Google search & you'll find 
some.  Some places offer them free.  Other places sell them for a price.  
I've seen them offered on E-bay.

"Seek and you shall find." . . . just like I did!

REAL kefir grains are white cottage cheese looking things.  If someone tries 
to sell you powdered, or freeze dried kefir starter it's not REAL kefir 
grains.  Dom's site makes this very clear.  That said, however, these freeze 
dried commercially prepared kefir starters are excellent sources of 
beneficial micro flora.  Don't be afraid to try them.  I used freeze dried 
Yogourmet kefir starter I purchased at my local health food store before I 
found my REAL kefir grains.

Some people are asking me if they or their kids like it, if it will control 
IBS, etc.  My crystal ball is broken, so you'll have to find out for 
yourself.

As far as adverse reactions to kefir goes . . .

One person said they got a "reaction" from kefir and supposed it was due to 
lactose intolerance.  I suppose it could have been, but I doubt it.  
Properly fermented kefir is lactose free.  It was more likely a "Herx" 
reaction.

"Herx" reactions:  Because kefir contains many, many beneficial 
microorganisms, it may bring on a temporary "Herxheimer reaction" when it is 
first introduced into the diet.  The Herx reaction is a cluster of symptoms 
that result from the battle between the beneficial micro flora destroying 
the pathological micro flora in the gut.  Symptoms may include, fatigue, 
diarrhea, gas, brain fog, headache.  It may not be pleasant, but it's a good 
sign that your gut health is in the mend.

Not everyone gets a "Herx" reaction, but even if they do, it usually doesn't 
last longer than a day or two.  I had a "Herx" reaction of a few hours of 
fatigue & a sloppy stools for several days.  If you experience a severe Herx 
reaction, you can cut back or stop your kefir intake until it passes, then 
slowly reintroduce kefir back into your diet.

I've heard of many people who haven't experienced any Herx reaction at all.  
No other members of my family had a Herx reaction.

I've heard of others whose chronic diarrhea stopped after their very first 
serving of kefir and use kefir to control IBS symptoms.

I know one person who had a horrid toxic reaction to kefir akin to multiple 
chemical sensitivities.  Go figure!

I know someone else who can't tolerate kefir due to milk allergies.  I 
thrive on goat milk kefir, but get allergic symptoms from cow's milk kefir.

If my crystal ball were properly functioning, I'd be able to tell everyone 
if they'll like kefir or not, if they'll tolerate it, if they'll have a Herx 
reaction, or if kefir it will control their IBS, etc.,  but until it's 
repaired, you'll have to take your chances.

Valerie in Tacoma

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