A Spoonful of Kefir for Gut and Soul

Bright Lithuanian beetroot kefir soup with egg and roast potatoes, perfect for summer wellness.

When we think about wellness, we often focus on movement and exercise. But what we put into our bodies is just as important. This week, we’re looking at a simple but powerful food you might not be familiar with yet – Kefir.

What is Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s packed with probiotics. These are the good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy and your digestion running smoothly. But kefir does more than just support digestion

It’s also a great source of calcium and vitamin K2 which are important for strong bones. It may help reduce inflammation in the body, support the immune system, and even play a role in mental wellbeing thanks to the connection between the gut and brain. And if you’re someone who finds milk hard to digest, kefir could be a good alternative as the fermentation process naturally reduces the lactose

In countries like Lithuania and Latvia kefir is as common as milk is here in the UK. You’ll see whole sections of it in supermarkets. While I was teaching in Lithuania I came across a traditional dish that quickly became one of my favourites – cold beetroot kefir soup. It’s simple to make refreshing on warm days and full of goodness

Beetroot Kefir Soup Saltibarsciai: A cooling summer soup for gut health and nourishment

• Ingredients: 500ml plain kefir

• 3 small cooked beetroots grated,

• 2 hard boiled eggs one chopped one halved for serving,

• 1 cucumber diced,

• 3 spring onions finely sliced

• Fresh dill chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve: A few small roast potatoes on the side just like they do in Lithuania

Method: In a large bowl mix together the kefir grated beetroot cucumber spring onions dill and one chopped egg. Add salt and pepper to tasteChill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight if you can. Serve cold with half a boiled egg on top and warm roast potatoes on the side

It’s a dish that feels light and refreshing but still leaves you feeling satisfied. Plus it’s a beautiful colour and makes a lovely change from the usual summer salads

So next time you’re shopping keep an eye out for kefir. Whether you try it in this soup or add it to a smoothie it’s a brilliant way to add a little more balance to your week – from the inside out

Let me know if you’d like more ideas on using kefir or other recipes that support your Pilates lifestyle