Can yogurt cure Covid-19 and Crohn’s disease? Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have identified molecules in kefir, a type of yogurt, that have the potential to combat pathogenic bacteria by blocking communication between cells.
This approach also holds promise for fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Yogurt is a fermented probiotic dairy drink made by inoculating milk with microorganism mixtures, particularly yeast and bacteria.
People have relied on the probiotics in yogurt for years to calm tummy troubles and balance the negative effects of antibiotics. Probiotics are thought to boost immune system function as well.
This is the first time, however, that researchers have isolated molecules in yogurt that appear to mitigate “cytokine storms,” the extreme immune response that’s one of the main causes of death in Covid-19 patients.
The researchers began by observing that kefir-secreted molecules reduced the virulence of vibrio cholerae, which cause cholera. The kefir molecules interfered in the assembly of bacterial biofilms, which play a significant role in the disease’s progression.
The molecules’ applicability to Covid-19 came as a surprise. The yogurt molecules not only eliminated the cytokine storm but also restored balance to the immune system.
“These results are notable, since this is the first demonstration that virulence of human pathogenic bacteria can be mitigated by molecules secreted in probiotic milk products, such as yogurt or kefir,” said Prof. Raz Jelinek, vice president and dean for research & development at BGU.-- More...
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