As someone who has struggled with leaky gut and acne-prone skin, I was constantly searching for natural remedies. After years of being told to avoid dairy, I was hesitant to reintroduce it into my diet. However, I discovered that yogurt, especially when made without added sugars and artificial flavors, can have amazing benefits for both gut and skin health.

Yogurt is packed with probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for reducing inflammation in the body and, in turn, helping clear up acne. After incorporating yogurt into my diet, I saw a noticeable improvement in my skin, especially after years of dealing with cystic acne. But like all things, it’s important to consume yogurt in moderation. And this is not nutritional advice—what works for me might not work for everyone.

Why Yogurt Benefits Acne & Gut Health:

• Probiotics help balance gut flora, reducing inflammation linked to acne.

• Zinc, naturally found in yogurt, can help regulate sebum production, keeping your skin clearer.

• Rich in vitamins like B2, B12, and calcium, yogurt supports overall skin health and regeneration.

Best Times to Eat Yogurt: Yogurt is best consumed during the Follicular phase of your menstrual cycle, when your body needs energy and hormone support, and during the Luteal phase, to reduce inflammation and balance hormones before menstruation.

Why I Started Making My Own Yogurt: Living in Canada, I found that Greek yogurt costs around $7-10 per tub, which seemed ridiculous! So, I started making my own yogurt at home. Using cow’s milk, which costs $5 a jug, I found I could make two tubs of yogurt for less than $2, using just 1/4 of the jug. The key is to use a non-sweetened yogurt with active bacterial cultures as a starter—yes, this can be expensive, but it's worth the investment for future batches.

How to Make Homemade Yogurt:

You’ll Need:

• 6 cups milk (I use cow’s milk)

• 2 tbsp yogurt or whey (with active bacterial cultures)

• 2 large towels

Instructions:

1. Add the milk to a large pot and heat on medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat it just until it starts to boil, then cut the heat immediately.

2. Reserve 2 ladles of hot milk in a small bowl and set it aside to cool. In another bowl, put 2 tbsp of yogurt to come to room temperature.

3. Place the pot of hot milk in an ice bath to cool down faster. Once it’s cool enough for you to comfortably hold your pinky finger in the milk for 10 seconds (around 10 minutes), remove it from the ice bath.

4. Add the 2 tbsp of yogurt to the reserved milk and stir until smooth, then whisk it into the pot of warm milk.

5. Cover the pot with a lid, then wrap it tightly with 2 towels. Set it aside somewhere undisturbed for 24 hours.

6. After 24 hours, unravel the towels and transfer the pot straight to the fridge. Do not open the pot while it sits overnight!

7. Once chilled, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for another 8 hours to remove the whey. This will thicken it up and turn it into Greek yogurt.

8. Sweeten it to your taste, bottle, and enjoy!

Shelf Life?

Homemade yogurt usually lasts about 2 weeks when stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Just make sure it’s covered tightly and kept away from any air or contaminants. You’ll know it’s time to toss it if you notice a sour smell, a change in texture, or any signs of mold. Since there are no preservatives, you’ll want to enjoy it within that window for the best flavor and freshness!

Key Considerations:

Before diving into making your own yogurt, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Quality is everything: Make sure you're using good-quality milk and a plain, unsweetened yogurt starter with live active cultures. Trust me, it makes a difference. Skip anything flavoured or sweetened if you want the best results.

2. Clean everything: You’ll want all your tools, pots, and containers to be squeaky clean. Any little contaminant can spoil your yogurt and mess with the process.

3. Temperature is key: Getting the temperature right is super important. If the milk’s too hot or too cold, the bacteria won’t thrive. You want to heat it until it just starts to boil, then cool it to where you can comfortably hold your pinky finger in it for 10 seconds. That’s your sweet spot!

4. Patience is part of the process: Making yogurt takes time, so let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours to give the bacteria time to work. Resist the urge to check on it too soon—it needs to be left alone to ferment properly.

5. Consistency is your choice: If you’re going for that thick, Greek-style yogurt, you’ll need to strain it with a cheesecloth for 8 hours. If you prefer a thinner yogurt, feel free to skip that step.

6. Store it right: Once your yogurt is done, store it in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy it within 1-2 weeks.

Keep these things in mind, and you’ll be making homemade yogurt that’s not only delicious but also great for your gut and skin!

Making yogurt at home is not only cost-effective, but it’s also a healthier option because you control the ingredients. I love that this method produces enough for both my husband and me to enjoy, and it lasts throughout the week. If you’re looking for a way to naturally support your skin and gut, this is a great place to start!

Disclaimer: This article was made with the help of AI.*