My blood pressure started to rise about three years ago after a trip to China. Obviously MSG, I would think. I was put on medication and have been OK ever since. Then 5 months ago a naturopath suggested I take kefir for my irritable bowel. In the last few months, I have had alarming changes in my body. I almost fainted after a formal meal and when they took me to the emergency department, my pulse was only 45 and the blood pressure was extremely high 190/90 so they kept me in overnight for observation but nothing sinister showed up.
Over the last month, my blood pressure has been all over the place. Sometimes good and at other times, dangerously high. Last Saturday, it was 198/102 – pulse 50. I tried to think what it could be and worked out it must be kefir. The kefir I'm consuming now is very different from what I started with 5 months ago. Originally, I only had 3 small grains and the kefir was quite sweet and runny but in the last month, with the hot weather, the grains have grown large. I now have a cup of grains and the kefir is quite sour and very thick. Obviously, very high in amines.
I stopped the kefir after the 198/102 episode on Saturday and my blood pressure today (Monday) is perfect – 125/70 pulse 61. I thought I would see if it made a difference and it sure did. I don't want to go completely off the kefir because I know how much good it was doing for me – my tummy is so much better. After talking to you, I will go back on it but with a much modified regime – just 3 small grains which I had originally and make sure it is sweet and runny, not thick and sour. And I am going to take my blood pressure every day. Blood pressure affects so many people and there is very little info out there apart from drug info. I think you are amazing and I admire what you do tremendously. Thank you to both you and Howard. Thank you is not the right word – what you are doing is truly life saving!! - Lorraine, by email
