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Biologics and Kefir

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/19/2017 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone have any issues doing kefir (milk or water) while on a biologic or been warned against it? My dad, who also has UC, swears by it but not on any meds. I'm interested in trying since none of my treatments have worked so far but concerned about doing kefir while taking Simponi.

Anyone done milk kefir with a known dairy trigger? How does Kombucha compare?

Really trying to avoid stepping up the biologics...
Posted 2/19/2017 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
Kefir, yogurt, etc, are generally ok while on biologics.

I would be wary of unpasteurized, raw milk, however - and I think that applies to anybody with IBD, whether or not they are on biologics.
Posted 2/19/2017 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
Some have luck with a probiotic like kefir, others see no benefit. You only know if you try. I cannot imagine kefir intefering with your remicade.
Posted 6/7/2023 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
UC since 2008, then isolated to Proctitis. Lialda 2 daily & 6mp 50mg every 3 days (my decision to reduce dosage because I didn’t like how 6mp made me feel) . Last colonoscopy 2022 showed chronic inflammation, no ulcers or dysplasia. I’ve had either a mild UC flare or IBS with diarrhea cramps bloating for over 2 years. My original GP wanted me to go on Entyvio in 2018 when I dc’d 6mp and went into a 5 month flare that required 60 mg of prednisone to regain remission. I struggled to get remission after restarting 6mp at 50mg daily . I have no bleeding or mucus but have had unrelenting cramps , fatigue and intermittent diarrhea for 4 months . My original GI doc recently left unexpectedly, new GI doc is following former GI recommendation. I am starting Entyvio (2nd infusion next week) after being on Lialda x2 daily and 6mp 50 mg every 3 days. I live on Lactose free kefir (2oz daily) which helps keeps worst GI symptoms at bay but last Calprotectin this month was 67. Never above 50 prior. I want to continue the Kefir but I’ve read that Lactobacillus etc are contraindicated . I do kefir because I get IBS? with sugar overload and stress. Is anyone else able to drink kefir per their MD. .

Post Edited (UC Medic) : 6/7/2023 11:53:05 AM (GMT-8)

Posted 6/8/2023 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
I've been drinking kefir for a long time - before I started biologics, while on biologics, and now on Xeljanz.
I'm not sure if it ever helped or hurt - I often start drinking it again around the time I start getting symptoms (I think the symptoms usually creep up first and that's why I start drinking the kefir again, almost subconsciously).

Out of convenience, I recently switched from Lifeway Plain Low Fat Kefir to Nature's Promise Organic Plain Low Fat Kefir, and I feel like the Nature's Promise kefir might actually be helping. I'm not sure, but I think I'm feeling a little less bloated/gassy/discomfort - just less aware of my colon in general since switching. I wonder if the Nature's Promise one is any different or better. It does seem more bubbly than I remember the Lifeway kefir being, but maybe I just never noticed before. Who knows.
Posted 6/11/2023 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
I make homemade kefir with raw goat milk from a local dairy. I'm on Humira. I've never had any issues.

Be warned that it can take a couple weeks to adjust to it and it can worsen diarrhea for those few weeks.

I now drink the kefir most mornings, blended into a smoothie with banana, organic blueberry skin powder, peanut butter, and oats for my breakfast. The kefirans are supposed to be very advantageous for the gut. Plus it tastes yummy.

Note that store bought kefir does not have NEARLY the same diversity and volume of probiotics that homemade does. Store bought is much more like yogurt.

It's very easy to make homemade.
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