Can You Drink Kefir With Prednisone?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly prescribed for its anti-inflammatory properties [1.6.3]. If you are taking this medication, you may be wondering, can you drink kefir with prednisone and is it a safe combination for your health?

Quick Summary

This article examines the relationship between the probiotic-rich fermented drink, kefir, and the corticosteroid, prednisone, detailing potential gut health benefits and important immune system considerations.

Key Points

Prednisone's Role: It is a corticosteroid medication used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation [1.2.2].
Kefir's Function: A fermented drink rich in probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that support gut health [1.2.2].
Primary Concern: Prednisone weakens the immune system, while the live cultures in kefir could theoretically pose an infection risk in severely immunocompromised individuals [1.2.2, 1.3.1].
General Safety: For most people on standard doses of prednisone, the combination is considered low-risk as no major interactions are officially documented [1.2.1].
Potential Benefits: Kefir may help restore gut bacteria disrupted by prednisone and alleviate some gastrointestinal side effects [1.2.5, 1.5.4].
Dietary Considerations: Choose plain, unsweetened kefir to avoid excess sugar, as prednisone can raise blood glucose levels [1.4.3].
Crucial Precaution: Always consult your doctor before taking probiotics if you are on immunosuppressant medication, especially if you are severely immunocompromised [1.2.1, 1.7.4].

Understanding Prednisone: A Powerful Corticosteroid

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that mimics the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Its primary function is to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, making it a valuable treatment for a wide range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease, severe allergies, and asthma [1.2.5, 1.4.6]. However, its powerful effects are not without a downside. Prednisone can cause a host of side effects, including increased appetite, weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and fluid retention [1.4.2, 1.6.5]. Importantly, it can also disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and, in some cases, lead to gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, ulcers, or bleeding [1.6.2, 1.6.5, 1.6.7].

The Probiotic Power of Kefir

Kefir is a fermented beverage, traditionally made from milk, that is packed with a diverse array of live bacteria and yeasts, making it a potent probiotic [1.2.2]. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora [1.5.4]. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and a well-functioning immune system [1.5.1]. Studies have shown that consuming probiotic foods like kefir can help alleviate antibiotic-associated diarrhea, support digestion, and even modulate the immune system [1.5.1, 1.5.4].

The Core Question: Kefir and Prednisone Interaction

When considering if you can drink kefir with prednisone, the central issue revolves around the opposing effects these two have on the immune system. Prednisone is an immunosuppressant, meaning it dampens the immune response [1.2.2]. Kefir, containing live microorganisms, can stimulate the immune system [1.5.2]. This leads to a theoretical concern: could the probiotics in kefir pose a risk to someone whose immune system is intentionally suppressed?

For most people on standard doses of prednisone, this risk is considered very low. Major drug interaction databases do not list a severe contraindication between the two [1.2.1]. However, caution is advised, particularly for individuals who are severely immunocompromised or on high doses of prednisone for a prolonged period [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. In these cases, there is a rare possibility that the live bacteria from probiotics could cause an infection [1.3.2, 1.3.3]. Therefore, consulting a doctor is essential before combining them, especially if you have a significantly weakened immune system [1.2.1, 1.7.4].

Potential Benefits of Drinking Kefir While on Prednisone

Despite the precautions, consuming kefir while taking prednisone may offer several benefits:

Restoring Gut Flora: Prednisone can disrupt the gut's bacterial balance [1.6.2]. Kefir can help replenish beneficial bacteria, potentially counteracting these effects [1.5.1]. One study on patients with Crohn's disease found that combining probiotics with glucocorticoids improved the levels of intestinal flora [1.2.5].
Mitigating GI Side Effects: Prednisone can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea [1.6.4]. The probiotics in kefir can support digestive health and may help alleviate some of these gastrointestinal issues [1.5.4, 1.5.5].
Supporting Bone and Protein Health: Long-term prednisone use can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to protein breakdown, potentially causing osteoporosis [1.4.2, 1.6.6]. Kefir is a good source of calcium and protein, which can help support bone and muscle health during treatment [1.4.2].

Risks and Best Practices

Immunocompromised Patients: As mentioned, the primary risk, though rare, is the potential for infection in severely immunosuppressed individuals. Always get medical approval first [1.3.1, 1.7.3].
Choose Plain, Unsweetened Kefir: Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels [1.4.3]. Opting for plain kefir without added sugars helps avoid compounding this effect. High-sugar foods are generally recommended to be avoided while on prednisone [1.4.4, 1.4.5].
Timing: While not strictly necessary, some practitioners suggest separating the intake of probiotics and medications by a few hours to be cautious [1.7.4].

Comparison Table: Prednisone vs. Kefir


Feature	Prednisone	Kefir
Primary Function	Reduces inflammation; suppresses the immune system [1.2.2]	Provides probiotics to support gut health [1.5.4]
Effect on Immune System	Immunosuppressive [1.2.2]	Immunomodulatory (can boost immune response) [1.5.2]
Effect on Gut	Can disrupt flora; risk of ulcers and GI upset [1.6.2, 1.6.5]	Can restore gut flora and aid digestion [1.5.1]
Key Side Effect	Increased blood sugar, fluid retention, weight gain [1.4.2, 1.6.5]	Generally well-tolerated; potential for gas/bloating initially
Primary Concern	Numerous side effects from long-term use [1.6.5]	Theoretical risk of infection in the severely immunocompromised [1.3.1]

Conclusion

For the majority of individuals taking standard doses of prednisone, drinking kefir is likely safe and may even be beneficial for gut health. It can potentially help mitigate some of the medication's gastrointestinal side effects and provide essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, the interaction is not without a small, theoretical risk, particularly for those with severely compromised immune systems. The most critical step is to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can assess your personal health status, the dosage and duration of your prednisone treatment, and provide a tailored recommendation.

For more information on the risks of probiotics in certain populations, one authoritative source is the National Institutes of Health (NIH): PMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, it is likely safe, but caution is advised. Because corticosteroids suppress the immune system, there is a theoretical risk of infection from live probiotics, especially in severely immunocompromised individuals. It is essential to consult your doctor first [1.2.1, 1.3.3].

Yes, kefir may help mitigate some side effects. Its probiotic content can help restore healthy gut flora that prednisone may disrupt, and it provides calcium and protein, which is beneficial as prednisone can affect bone density and protein levels [1.2.5, 1.4.2, 1.6.6].

There is no strict rule, but some experts suggest separating medications from probiotics by a few hours as a general precaution [1.7.4]. This minimizes any potential for direct interaction in the digestive tract.

Individuals who are severely immunocompromised (e.g., those with AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or undergoing intense chemotherapy) should be extremely cautious and likely avoid it unless explicitly approved by their doctor due to a small risk of systemic infection from the probiotics [1.3.1, 1.7.3].

There is no evidence to suggest that kefir directly interferes with the absorption of prednisone. Taking them a few hours apart is a safe practice if you have concerns [1.7.4].

Plain, unsweetened kefir is the best choice. Prednisone can increase blood sugar, so it's wise to avoid the added sugars found in flavored kefir varieties [1.4.3, 1.4.4].

The same principle applies to other fermented foods containing live cultures. They are likely safe for most but pose a theoretical risk for the severely immunocompromised. Always discuss with your healthcare provider [1.2.1].