Widespread Use of Antibiotics Draws New Attention to Benefits of Lifeway Kefir

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For Immediate Release

Widespread Use of Antibiotics Draws New Attention to Benefits of Lifeway Kefir

Probiotic Beverage Replenishes Beneficial Bacteria Destroyed by Antibiotics

ILLINOIS, MORTON GROVE, Nov. 7 -/E-Wire/-- With the widespread use of antibiotics for conditions ranging from various infections to the current scare over anthrax exposure, health advocates and food scientists are recommending kefir -- a yogurt-like beverage -- to replenish the beneficial intestinal bacteria destroyed in the course of antibiotic treatment. Research has shown that the probiotic cultures found in kefir can alleviate antibiotic- related aftereffects such as diarrhea as well as improve resistance to infectious disease.

Kefir is a creamy dairy- or soy-based drink manufactured by Lifeway Foods, Inc., (Nasdaq: LWAY) that is similar to a milkshake or smoothie and contains friendly microorganisms known as "probiotics.' These live and active cultures have been shown to restore vital intestinal flora wiped out by everyday assaults on the body ranging from the use of antibiotics to travel, stress and alcohol consumption. Antibiotics destroy "good' bacteria as well as "bad,' potentially leading to health problems.

"There have been news reports that thousands of people who fear exposure to anthrax are taking antibiotics as a preventive measure, and most of them are probably aware of the side effects of antibiotic use by now,' said Mike Smolyansky, President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, the country's largest supplier of kefir. "Many physicians and alternative health practitioners regularly recommend kefir as a standard supplement during and post-antibiotic treatment.'

"Kefir has more probiotics in natural form than any other product, including yogurt and probiotic capsules,' said Dr. Gulshan Arora, a Quebec- based microbiologist and chemist associated with Abiasa BioTech near Montreal. "That makes it an excellent solution for combating the negative effects of antibiotics.'

Since Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikoff began studying the benefits of kefir in the early 1900s, a variety of research has credited the product's natural bacteria cultures with positive effects such as easing digestion, improving lactose intolerance, boosting immunity, and significantly reducing the severity and duration of diarrhea caused by treatment with antibiotics.

Lifeway's kefir contains 10 live and active probiotic cultures -- including three new ones that were added last month (Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus acidophilus) in response to research demonstrating their positive effects on the immune system. These substances contribute various benefits, ranging from the ability to increase the digestibility of milk to creating a more hospitable environment for the growth of friendly microorganisms in the intestines through increased production of lactic acid.

Lifeway is a manufacturer of cultured, probiotic and functional food products and is America's leading supplier of the cultured dairy product known as kefir. The Company markets 12 flavors of kefir and does a successful business exporting its products to Eastern Europe and Canada. The Company continues to market a dairy based immune-supporting dietary supplement beverage called Basics Plus(TM), as well as Kefir Starter for consumers to make kefir at home or in travel. With the recent introduction of America's first non-dairy soy kefir called SoyTreat(TM) as well as Lifeway Organic(TM), the Company has entered into the organic and soy milk market.

For more information on kefir, visit www.lifeway.net or www.kefir.com .

This press release contains "forward-looking statements.' Investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties including, but not limited to, competitive pressures and other important factors detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

http:// www.lifeway.net

http:// www.kefir.com .

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