There are small studies that show kefir: How Kefir Helps Prevent and Slow Alzheimer's Disease The featured study6 examined kefir's potential as a complementary treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The review included seven studies spanning invertebrates, rodents, and humans, and focused on kefir's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here's what the findings revealed:
•Kefir reduced amyloid plaques and tau tangles — The researchers observed that kefir lowered the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, a proposed hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (although recent scientific retractions over data manipulation have raised questions about the impact of this protein). Reductions in tau proteins were also noted. Both of these proteins are believed to be involved in the cognitive decline and neuronal death that occurs in Alzheimer's.
•Cognitive function improved across species — Improvements in memory and behavior were seen in rodents, while fruit fly models demonstrated increased survival and enhanced motor coordination. Kefir supplementation led to a 28% improvement in global cognition and a 66% increase in immediate memory performance, with delayed memory improving by 62%.
•Kefir lowered oxidative stress and preserved neurons — Markers of oxidative damage, like ROS, nitrotyrosine, and iNOS, were reduced after kefir treatment in rodents. Neurons in regions such as the hippocampus and cortex were also better preserved.
•Inflammation and neuronal damage decreased — Kefir reduced inflammatory markers such as NF-κB and caspase-3, which are linked to neuronal apoptosis. It also suppressed key inflammatory pathways (TLR4, MYD88, NLRP3) and reduced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, IL-12).
•Immune balance and gut health improved — Studies showed kefir modulated immune responses and restored intestinal mucosal integrity.
•Kefir enhanced insulin signaling in the brain — Some rodent models showed increased levels of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in the hippocampus and better regulation of insulin receptors. These changes support neuron function and reduce amyloid buildup.
•Kefir's unique bioactive compounds drive effects — Kefir contains peptides that block acetylcholinesterase (the same mechanism used by many AD drugs) and reduce oxidative protein damage. Kefiran, a complex carbohydrate found in kefir, also modulates inflammation and gut microbiota. These features make it a promising neuroprotective agent.
•Long-term use may sustain cognitive protection — Beyond short-term studies, kefir's ability to regulate neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA) and promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) suggests ongoing benefits with continuous use.
[from Mercola article]
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Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt or ayran that is made from kefir grains, a specific type of mesophilic symbiotic culture. It is prepared by inoculating the milk of cows, goats, or sheep with kefir grains. [from wiki]
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