How long does it take for kefir bacteria to colonize the intestines?

[Guest guest]

The subject line is the short and to the point question; this is the background

of why I'm asking.

My husband, seven kids and I have been drinking kefir almost every day in

smoothies or shots since we got grains in September. Kefir has been amazing for

our family. One son who had horrible canker sores all over his mouth to the

point of talking funny is now canker-free. My husband teaches 8 yr olds, and in

years past he would bring home a couple of bugs that would put our whole family

under for a week or so. Not this year. This has also been our absolute

healthiest fall and winter ever, with only an occasional sniffle or belly ache,

and I'm convinced it is because of all the kefir via smoothies we have been

drinking.

But here's the catch. Anytime get busy, we're not hungry, or we're away from

home and we don't drink a smoothie for two or three days, that's when the

beginnings of sickness or canker sores will appear. Jump back on the kefir

wagon and all is well.

I thought kefir bacteria would colonize our stomachs and intestines, making

drinking kefir every. single. day. unnecessary.

Any thoughts?

Kefir drinker and mom to seven little kefir drinkers