Kefir is good for brain health and Alzheimer's disease

World Health Organization Takes Note of Kefir: It's Good for Brain Health and Alzheimer's Treatment

Researchers analyzed data from human and animal studies to study the effects of kefir on cognitive functions, neurodegenerative processes, and oxidative stress. Their findings showed that kefir has potential as an additional treatment for Alzheimer's disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Most cases of Alzheimer’s are sporadic and are associated with age, lifestyle and medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Studies indicate that controlling these risk factors can prevent more than 30% of cases. Intestinal health is also important because imbalance of intestinal microbiomes can lead to inflammation. Lifestyle changes, particularly in nutrition, have already been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of developing the disease.

Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are being studied for their potential for cognitive enhancement in people with Alzheimer disease. Such foods contain useful compounds that can reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both key factors in disease progression.

Among probiotic products, researchers at several universities and experts at the World Health Organization have written, kefir stands out. It has a rich composition of beneficial bacteria and nutrients, as well as minerals, vitamins and proteins in addition to probiotics.

Now research shows that kefir can keep the brain healthy by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. In the study, 13 patients with Alzheimer's were given kefir. And the analysis showed that their oxidative stress and inflammatory markers decreased, and their motor skills, cognitive functions, and memory improved.

Studies in animal models have shown even more encouraging effects of kefir on brain health.