At Lifeway, we know that when you cultivate a healthy lifestyle, you need to focus on how you move your body as much as what you put in your body. Good health is all about the mind-body connection. While we work hard to make sure all of our kefir products provide the best nutrition possible, we also regularly practice yoga (yes, as a team!).
On any given weekend, you will find a member of the Lifeway team participating in or supporting yoga-centric events throughout our community. We do this because we’re firm believers in the many health benefits yoga provides – for body, mind and spirit.
Like our kefir, regular yoga practice provides countless health benefits even after you leave your mat. In fact, yoga and kefir actually offer similar health benefits (which is one of the reasons we love it so much).
We reached out to our friends at Yoga Journal for some information about the many health benefits yoga and kefir share. Check them out:
They May Help Build Strong Bones
Kefir is high in calcium and vitamin D, two vitamins and minerals that help keep your bones sturdy and strong.
Yoga, as a weight-bearing exercise, puts mild pressure on your bones, which forces them to grow and repair, without damaging joints or cartilage.
They Help Build Lean Muscle
Kefir’s high protein content helps you build lean muscle mass and repair tissue damage quickly.
Again, yoga is a weight-bearing exercise, forcing the you to lift, move and support your body weight in order to progress. Essentially, your body becomes the “weight.” Yoga is especially effective in building core and abdominal strength. Check out this Yoga Journal sequence for more.
They May Help Boost Immunity
Our kefir contains live and active probiotic cultures that may help support healthy immune function (we know drinking it sure does make us feel better faster when we’re sick!).
Yoga combats stress and tension, which are linked to a weak immune system. Yoga can also help stimulate the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems – four main physiological systems that are linked to the immune system.
They May Help Make Your Skin Glow
Kefir is high in protein, which helps keep skin bright and vibrant. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which can combat fine lines and acne. Finally, it contains a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (ALA), which is a popular ingredient in many skin-care products.
Practicing yoga, especially vinyasa-style yoga that gets your heart rate up, will increase circulation and blood flow throughout your body, bringing a natural glow to your skin.
Do you consider yourself a yogi? What are your favorite health benefits of kefir and yoga? Let us know by visiting us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!