- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
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Tests and diagnosis (3)
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Treatments and drugs (8)
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- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
- Kefir: Can it lower my cholesterol?
- Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (2)
- Noni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
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Question
Kefir: Can it lower my cholesterol?
Can kefir lower my cholesterol?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Probably not. Kefir is a fermented milk product that contains various bacteria and yeasts. It has a sour taste and is slightly carbonated. Kefir is often promoted as a dairy alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. Kefir has also been claimed to improve digestion and lower cholesterol. You can buy kefir at some health food stores or make it at home with milk and a kefir culture kit. Researchers know little about the effects of kefir in humans, however. In initial studies, kefir appeared to have little or no effect on cholesterol.
If you'd like to improve your cholesterol level, consider lifestyle changes. Lose excess pounds, eat heart-healthy foods, and include physical activity in your daily routine. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. If lifestyle changes don't make a difference, your doctor may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication.
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