Kombucha is a fermented beverage that may offer health benefits.
Kombucha is made by mixing tea, sugar, and probiotics together and then letting the mixture ferment for one to two weeks. During the fermentation process, various bioactive substances are formed. These substances are thought to account for the purported health benefits of kombucha. Small amounts of caffeine and alcohol may also be present.
Components of kombucha have also been linked to anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial effects, among others.
Green, black, or oolong tea is typically used to make kombucha. The probiotics used to make kombucha are known as SCOBY, which stands for "symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts." Various probiotic strains may be used.
There are many methods for making kombucha. The type of tea used and how long the drink is fermented is thought to have a significant impact on the potential health benefits of the final kombucha product.
This article will discuss the scientific evidence supporting the uses of kombucha. It will also examine any side effects, precautions, drug interactions, and other things you should know about kombucha.
Kombucha Facts
- Active ingredient(s): Phenolic compounds, catechins, flavonoids, potassium, manganese, amino acids, vitamin E, vitamin K
- Alternate name(s): Manchurian mushroom tea, tea fungus, Kargasok tea, tea kvass, grib tea kvass, Indian tea fungus, Manchu fungus, teakwass, tea beer
- Legal status:Legal in the United States and sold over the counter
- Suggested dose: Dosing varies, with 4 ounces (100 grams) generally considered safe
- Safety considerations: Consumption or overconsumption of kombucha that may result in dizziness, headache, allergic reactions, or upset stomach
Uses of Kombucha
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Kombucha has been found to contain beneficial active ingredients, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. These and other active substances act as antioxidants.
Preliminary research has shown that kombucha possesses various properties that may benefit human health. According to one review, these properties include:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antihypertensive
- Anti-aging
- Anticancer
- Neuroprotective (brain protective)
- Wound healing
- Antidiabetic
- Hepatoprotective (liver protective)
- Antihypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol)
However, the recipe for making kombucha has not been standardized. This means that the potential health benefits may vary from one kombucha product to the next.
Nevertheless, kombucha continues to be researched for its potential health benefits. Following is a look at some of the popular uses of kombucha.
Gut Health
Fermented foods and beverages contain probiotics, or "good" bacteria, that can help improve the health of your gut.
As a fermented beverage, kombucha has been found to reduce gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of the gut microbiome.
In one study, rats were fed a standard diet or a high-fat, high-fructose diet for eight weeks before receiving kombucha (made with either green tea or black tea) for 10 weeks. After the first eight weeks, the high-fat, high-fructose diet was found to cause metabolic changes in the rats, which included an increase in gut dysbiosis.
At the end of the study, both types of kombucha were associated with improvements in the gut microbiome of the rats fed the high-fat, high-fructose diet, which was thought to be caused by the various phenolic compounds in the fermented drinks.
Unfortunately, human trials on this topic are limited. While many people assume that kombucha improves gut health, this has yet to be proven through solid scientific evidence.
Bacterial Infections
Many people use kombucha for its supposed antibacterial properties.
Some research has found kombucha to be effective against various bacteria strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Klebsiella pneumonia.
Researchers from one in vitro (lab) study compared the effects of various forms of black tea kombucha (fermented, unfermented, neutralized, and heat-treated) on a number of bacteria. The fermented kombucha showed the most effects against the bacteria. Fermented kombucha was also found to inhibit E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus more than the other kombuchas.
Multiple compounds, including acetic acid and catechins, are thought to be responsible for kombucha's possible antibacterial activity.
Studies need to be performed on humans to confirm and strengthen these claims.
Hypoglycemic Effects
Kombucha is thought to have a hypoglycemic (blood sugar–lowering) effect, but the research supporting this theory is weak.
In one study, mice were induced with type 2 diabetes via diet and medications and then given green tea kombucha for four weeks. Next, the researchers performed fecal studies and found that kombucha intake positively altered the gut microbiome, leading to decreased inflammation and insulin resistance in the mice. Kombucha intake was also associated with an increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in subjects, which promoted the secretion of hormones needed to lower blood sugar.
Another study was performed on 11 healthy adults in which participants ate a high-glycemic meal (containing foods high in carbohydrates that cause a rapid increase in blood glucose) with either soda water (the control), diet lemonade, or unpasteurized kombucha.
Compared to the other two beverages, kombucha showed a greater impact on post-meal blood sugar. The study participants who drank kombucha had significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin after their meal.
More vigorous, well-designed studies are needed to support using kombucha for type 2 diabetes.
High Cholesterol
Substances found in kombucha have been shown to exhibit cholesterol-lowering effects in lab and animal studies.
A study performed on rabbits found a link between kombucha consumption and lower cholesterol levels. In the study, rabbits were divided into four groups; normal diet, high-cholesterol diet, normal diet plus kombucha, or high-cholesterol diet plus kombucha. After 40 days, blood cholesterol was significantly reduced in the rabbits who received kombucha.
Other studies have found similar results, with research pointing to kombucha's ability to decrease both triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered "bad" cholesterol) in various animal models.
At this time, most studies on kombucha for high cholesterol have been performed on animals rather than humans. Until human trials are successfully completed, kombucha cannot be recommended as a treatment for high cholesterol.
Liver Health
Kombucha has been touted as a natural remedy for liver protection, with some going as far as to say that the fermented tea has a detoxifying effect.
While liver detoxification effects have not been proven regarding kombucha, it may offer some form of protection for the liver (hepatoprotection).
In a mouse model study, kombucha showed hepatoprotective effects by lowering both liver enzymes and fat accumulation in the liver. The study also revealed that mice given kombucha had less inflammation and liver scarring than mice who did not receive kombucha. While researchers from the study didn't believe kombucha could cure liver disease, they felt that it could at least stabilize liver disease in some cases.
More research is needed on the potential role of kombucha in liver health.
What Are the Side Effects of Kombucha?
Kombucha is generally considered safe. But consuming kombucha may come with potential side effects that could be mild or severe.
Common Side Effects
The safety of kombucha has been questioned because it contains live, active bacteria cultures (probiotics). Some researchers worry that using the wrong probiotics, incorrectly fermenting kombucha, or preparing kombucha in unclean conditions may make side effects more likely. Reported side effects of kombucha include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Allergic reaction
- Upset stomach
In general, kombucha is only thought to cause side effects if it was incorrectly prepared or if the person drinking it has a weakened immune system.
Severe Side Effects
Although extremely rare, kombucha has been linked to severe side effects. In most cases, severe side effects were noted due to overconsumption or consuming improperly prepared homemade kombucha.
Large-scale studies or reviews have not been performed on kombucha's safety, so much of the information on potential severe side effects is from case reports.
In one case report, a woman who drank 32 ounces of kombucha per day (8 times the recommended amount) plus 10 to 15 ounces of wine for three months developed liver necrosis (death of tissue). Renal (kidney) failure, lactic acidosis, and hepatitis have also been linked to kombucha consumption, but only in rare cases.
For best practice, choose reputable brands and only drink the recommended amount of kombucha.
Precautions
Not enough human research has been done on kombucha to determine whether it is safe for everyone. Some people may need to avoid or limit the consumption of kombucha.
There is some concern that kombucha may cause toxic effects in certain populations due to its acidity and trace amounts of alcohol and caffeine. Therefore, kombucha should be avoided in:
- Infants
- Children under 4 years of age
- People who are pregnant
- People with kidney failure
- People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
It is not clear if kombucha is safe for people who are breastfeeding.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you have a health condition and are wondering if kombucha is safe for you.
Dosage: How Much Kombucha Should I Drink?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared 4 ounces of kombucha daily to be a safe dose.
Additional dosage guidelines are not available for kombucha. More evidence is needed to determine safe kombucha dosing for various health benefits.
You may notice that many kombucha brands come in bottles and serving sizes much larger than 4 ounces. To be safe and to lower your risk of side effects, stick with four ounces of kombucha daily.
What Happens If I Drink Too Much Kombucha?
It's important to monitor your intake of kombucha, as drinking too much may have consequences.
Typically, adverse events occur if you overconsume kombucha for more than a couple of weeks. Drinking too much kombucha may lead to:
- Liver toxicity
- Allergic reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Kidney failure
- Lactic acidosis (pH imbalance)
Remember that an intake of just 4 ounces a day of kombucha has been deemed safe.
To avoid toxicity and side effects, only use kombucha as directed.
Kombucha Interactions
As with many herbs and dietary supplements, kombucha may interact with various medications, foods, or supplements.
Kombucha may lower blood sugar, which means people on antidiabetic and other blood sugar–lowering medications may need to avoid using it. If blood sugar gets too low, hypoglycemia may occur. Hypoglycemia may cause fatigue, irritability, heart arrhythmia, headache, and other adverse events.
Other interactions may exist, so talk to a healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, or supplements you take before adding kombucha to your diet.
Carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of any kombucha product to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. It's advised that you review the nutrition label with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Kombucha
For quality purposes, it's important to store kombucha properly.
Ready-made or homemade kombucha should be stored in the refrigerator. Unrefrigerated kombucha may continue to ferment, which could lead to changes in taste and potential health benefits.
Keep kombucha away from small children, who may accidentally consume too much. Children under 4 years old should not drink kombucha.
Discard kombucha as indicated on the packaging or once it expires. Kombucha may be safe to drink for up to four months, but after that time it may lose its potency and flavor.
Similar Products
Various dietary supplements and products may work similarly to kombucha. These include:
- Probiotics: Regarding gut health, probiotic supplements (like capsules, gummies, powders, etc.) are another potential option. Although research is mixed on the use of probiotic supplements for gut health, there is some evidence that certain probiotic strains positively change the gut microbiome. Like kombucha, however, probiotics may not be appropriate for everyone, including those who are immunocompromised.
- Ginger: Active ingredients in ginger, like gingerol, are thought to provide antibacterial effects. Lab studies have shown that ginger helps prevent the growth of bacteria. In particular, ginger exhibits antibacterial activity against E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis.
- Artichoke extract: The extract from artichokes may benefit people with high cholesterol. According to one review of nine trials, using artichoke extract has been associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Dandelion: Similar to kombucha, some studies have examined dandelion's effects on the liver. In one animal study, dandelion was found to decrease fat accumulation in the livers of mice. This may help prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Many healthcare providers recommend taking just one supplement at a time for a health condition. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn which supplement may be best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kombucha taste like?
The taste of kombucha may vary from one product to the next.
Kombucha is often described as having a sour taste that is slightly fruity and sparkling. However, after storing a few days, unused kombucha may begin to taste more like wine vinegar.
What are the ingredients of kombucha?
(Video) Nutrition expert reveals health benefits to drinking kombuchaAlthough kombucha can be made in more ways than one, the ingredients tend to remain the same.
Kombucha is most often made with black tea, but green tea or oolong tea may also be used. Other ingredients used to make kombucha include table sugar (sucrose) and SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast).
Learn More:The Health Benefits of Green Tea
Is it safe to drink kombucha every day?
At this time, long-term studies on kombucha consumption do not exist. More information may be needed to better determine the safety of kombucha.
In general, though, you should not drink more than 4 ounces of kombucha daily. Drinking more than this may cause side effects.
What to Look For When Choosing Kombucha
Besides beverages, other forms of kombucha are available.
Kombucha drinks are probably the most popular option, but you can also find kombucha as a powder or capsule supplement. However, there isn't solid scientific evidence behind these other supplement forms, as most studies have been performed on kombucha beverages.
Most kombucha brands are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Organic options are also available. Read the product label to ensure the kombucha you choose fits your dietary preferences.
It's important to understand that kombucha is largely unregulated. In fact, some believe that products should be standardized to improve both the safety and efficacy of kombucha as a whole.
Typically, kombucha products are not tested by third parties for quality or truth in advertising. It's best to buy kombucha from reputable brands and understand that the ingredients may vary from one product to the next.
If you're making kombucha at home, follow directions closely and take extra measures to keep your work area clean. It's also vital to ferment and store kombucha at proper temperatures.
Summary
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made with tea, sugar, and SCOBY.
It is touted as a natural remedy for many health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, bacterial infections, and high cholesterol. However, scientific evidence on these and other uses of kombucha is weak and more research is needed.
Kombucha may not be right for everyone, and side effects are possible. Talk with a healthcare provider before adding kombucha to your diet to make sure it's a good fit.
FAQs
Kombucha: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and More? ›
For example, some research suggests kombucha tea may support a healthy immune system and prevent constipation. But there are few valid medical studies of kombucha tea's role in human health. And there are risks to think about. Kombucha tea has caused stomach upset, infections and allergic reactions in some people.
Are there any negative effects of drinking kombucha? ›Some people may experience digestive upset when drinking kombucha, or from drinking too much. Symptoms such as gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. These side effects may be more likely in people who drink too much kombucha.
What happens if I drink kombucha everyday? ›Kombucha has been linked to a wide array of benefits, leading some people to overconsume this beverage. Drinking too much kombucha can lead to excess sugar and calorie intake and side effects like digestive distress. It's also unpasteurized and contains small amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
Why do I feel so much better after drinking kombucha? ›Kombucha contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 & B12. All of these are known to help the body fight depression. They also improve mood and concentration. If you wonder why Kombucha makes you feel good, B vitamins are the most likely answer.
Who should avoid drinking kombucha? ›There are a few populations that should never ingest kombucha. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease, HIV, impaired immune systems, and alcohol dependency should avoid kombucha.
Can kombucha detox your body? ›Kombucha benefits your body with both its cleansing and detoxification properties related to weight loss and cleansing. It detoxifies the digestive system while simultaneously cleansing the liver.
How many times a week should I drink kombucha? ›How Often Should You Drink Kombucha? Probiotic foods like kombucha can, and should, be consumed on a daily basis.
Is kombucha good for your liver? ›Many scientists believe that antioxidants from foods and beverages are better for your health than antioxidant supplements ( 18 ). Kombucha, especially when made with green tea, appears to have antioxidant effects on your liver.
How often is too often to drink kombucha? ›How much kombucha is OK to drink? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that drinking approximately 4 ounces (oz) of kombucha per day “may not cause adverse effects in healthy persons.”
Is kombucha good for anxiety? ›Kombucha contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12, all of which are known to help the body fight depression, stabilize mood, and improve concentration. It also contains vitamin C, which suppresses the release of cortisol (one of the stress hormones).
What is the best time to drink kombucha? ›
Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach is the best way to maximize the potency of the living cultures found within. With your stomach clear of any food, the living cultures can pass through your stomach quicker and reach your large intestines to clear harmful bacteria and improve function.
How long does kombucha take to start working? ›Another quick note on “doneness” — after around 5 days in the vessel, the brew is ready to drink as-is. It'll already be inoculated with that great, live bacteria. Some people like to drink kombucha right after F1, and that's totally fine. You do not need to flavor and bottle your kombucha before you drink it.
What not to eat with kombucha? ›Mike mentioned that kombucha never tastes good after a cup of coffee. The theory is that pairing bitter foods with higher-acid foods isn't pleasant, and the floral and fruity notes of the kombucha are lost.
What diseases does kombucha fight? ›Advocates say it helps your digestion, rids your body of toxins, and boosts your energy. It's also said to boost your immune system, help you lose weight, ward off high blood pressure and heart disease, and prevent cancer.
Do doctors recommend kombucha? ›A small amount of research suggests that kombucha tea may give benefits similar to probiotic supplements. For example, some research suggests kombucha tea may support a healthy immune system and prevent constipation. But there are few valid medical studies of kombucha tea's role in human health.
Does kombucha repair gut health? ›Kombucha and other fermented foods are full of antioxidants and probiotics, or live bacteria, that boost the health of intestinal cells, improve immune function and aid in food digestion. “They make the body more efficient,” said Braxton.
Does kombucha affect hormones? ›When you have a lot of excess hormones, be it premenstrual symptoms, perimenopause, or menopause, kombucha is wonderful with helping to eliminate excess estrogen and other hormones that are out of balance. Excess hormones are eliminated through the liver and digestive tract.
What organs is kombucha good for? ›Kombucha's antioxidant effect may be particularly beneficial for your liver — the body's main detoxification organ.
Does kombucha clean your colon? ›Kombucha is a potentially good source of probiotics, which can promote gut health and prevent constipation. It can also help keep you hydrated, which is important for improving stool consistency and promoting regularity.
Does kombucha flush your kidneys? ›Liver & Kidney Function - Kombucha acts as a filter, detoxifying your body from the residue left behind in the organs from processed food and aiding in the removal free radicals.
How many days in a row can you drink kombucha? ›
Yes, you can drink kombucha every day, but it's important to do so in moderation. This is because kombucha contains sugar (and sometimes sweeteners), and it can cause digestive issues like bloating or gas if you consume too much of it.
Does kombucha help with IBS? ›Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating report that drinking kombucha helps ease their symptoms. While kombucha may not be a cure for IBS, it can help support a healthy gut and potentially reduce symptoms in some people.
How much caffeine is in kombucha? ›Although caffeine is naturally found in kombucha, it is extremely minimal, averaging around just 15mg per serving – barely noticeable to even those sensitive to caffeine.
Can kombucha cure fatty liver? ›Kombucha tea (KT) has emerged as a substance that protects the liver from damage; however, its mechanisms of action on the fatty liver remain unclear.
Does kombucha raise cholesterol? ›Lower cholesterol - studies show kombucha may decrease total cholesterol by as much as 45-52%. It may also significantly reduce triglyceride and LDL levels while increasing HDL.
Does kombucha Alkalize your body? ›Despite its physical properties of being a weak acid (~pH 3), kombucha has been shown to alkalize the body (much like lemons, which are also acidic). Our blood is slightly alkaline, around pH 7.4 (pH 7 being neutral).
Are 2 bottles of kombucha a day too much? ›Excess Kombucha May Contribute to Lactic Acidosis
The philosophy that too much of a good thing can be bad applies to kombucha. Though the occasional kombucha drinker needn't worry about this side effect, those drinking multiple bottles of kombucha every day may be at risk for a condition called lactic acidosis.
Based on years of consuming kombucha and being in the home brewing community, we recommend not drinking more than 16 oz of kombucha per day – about the amount you would find in a bottle of store bought kombucha.
Is kombucha good for acid reflux? ›While kombucha isn't a proven treatment for acid reflux or GERD, its probiotic-rich nature is known to improve overall gut health, so it's likely to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of both these ailments.
What does kombucha do to the brain? ›Boosts Memory. Catechins found in kombucha made with green tea are also great for boosting memory. These along with the anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds in kombucha will keep your brain health in tip-top shape.
What are 6 benefits of drinking kombucha? ›
- Kombucha contains probiotics. ...
- Kombucha can aid digestion. ...
- Kombucha contains antioxidants. ...
- Kombucha has anti-bacterial properties. ...
- Kombucha may aid in weight loss. ...
- Kombucha can improve blood sugar control.
Drinking kombucha may give you a natural energy boost.
Additionally, kombucha is a good source of iron and B vitamins that have been linked to helping boost energy and fighting fatigue.
Generally, kombucha will not keep you awake at night! But if you're highly sensitive to caffeine you might want to steer clear of any caffeinated drinks on an evening. Avoiding late night caffeine is one of the best ways of ensuring you're relaxed at bedtime and ready to catch some Zs.
Does kombucha give you energy? ›Does kombucha give you energy? Yes, Kombucha is known to give you an energy boost. This is mainly due to the small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine and B-Vitamins produced in the fermentation process when Kombucha is brewed using the traditional methods.
How long should I wait to eat after drinking kombucha? ›After drinking kombucha, wait at least 30 minutes before eating. This will allow the enamel to harden and protect it from decay. If you would prefer to brush your teeth post kombucha-drinking, then you should also wait 30 minutes for the same reasoning above.
How much kombucha does it take to feel a buzz? ›You'd have to drink about eight bottles of commercial kombucha, though, to get effects similar to one beer.
How do you know if kombucha is working? ›How do I know if it's fermenting properly? If your SCOBY floats to the top or it sinks to the bottom but a new thin layer forms on the top of your tea, it is fermenting properly. The tea will lighten in color over several days and will see some bubbling also. Finally, you can taste it.
How long does it take for kombucha to clean your system? ›Doing a kombucha cleanse by drinking a bottle of kombucha throughout the day, everyday, for 2 weeks can be a good way to kick start its health effects in your body, especially if you're someone who doesn't normally drink it. I would recommend a kombucha cleanse to almost everyone.
What food pairs well with kombucha? ›Kombucha Pairing
Kombucha offers bold flavor and a unique experience without the less desirable effects of alcohol. It is known to pair well with cheese and other fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut; but what about chocolate?
Yes, Kombucha is a fantastic probiotic, containing beneficial live microorganisms that can help improve gut health, but a word of caution here. The kombucha has to have been traditionally brewed and fermented in order for the living bacterial cultures to contain helpful probiotics.
Does kombucha affect immune system? ›
Does kombucha boost immune systems? Simply put: yes! The familiar ingredients in kombucha can mean considerable health impact—and simply adding kombucha as part of an overall healthy diet can help improve your immune system because of its status as a fermented, probiotic-rich (and delicious!)
What happens when you first start drinking kombucha? ›Some people may experience digestive upset when drinking kombucha, or from drinking too much. Symptoms such as gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. These side effects may be more likely in people who drink too much kombucha.
Is kombucha like an antibiotic? ›Literature survey performed on Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed revealed the extensive research that has firmly established the antimicrobial activity of kombucha against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi.
Why can't you drink kombucha everyday? ›"Everything should be enjoyed in moderation. While a glass of kombucha is A-OK, drinking multiple servings every single day may not be the best choice," Manaker says, noting that it might invade the space of good ol' H2O, can contain some caffeine from the tea, and could do a number on your teeth due to its acidity.
What are the effects of drinking kombucha everyday? ›Kombucha has been linked to a wide array of benefits, leading some people to overconsume this beverage. Drinking too much kombucha can lead to excess sugar and calorie intake and side effects like digestive distress. It's also unpasteurized and contains small amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
Why does kombucha make you feel better? ›Kombucha contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 & B12. All of these are known to help the body fight depression. They also improve mood and concentration. If you wonder why Kombucha makes you feel good, B vitamins are the most likely answer.
What effects does kombucha have on the intestines? ›The bottom line. Kombucha is a potentially good source of probiotics, which can promote gut health and prevent constipation. It can also help keep you hydrated, which is important for improving stool consistency and promoting regularity.
Does kombucha help with belly fat? ›Kombucha can help regulate the metabolism, increasing the speed at which your body burns calories. This prevents carbs from getting stored in the form of belly fat. Metabolisms that run at a consistent rate use calories as they enter the body and limit how much belly fat you have to work off later!
Is kombucha good for women's health? ›Fermented foods like Greek yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha are delicious ways to add beneficial probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are full of healthy bacteria that help maintain your vagina's pH level.
Does kombucha change your gut? ›As we now know, kombucha contains antimicrobials, meaning it helps the gut microbiome get rid of pathogenic microbiota. In layman's terms, it expels the bad microbiota that causes illness and keeps the good form of microbiota.
Does kombucha detox your liver? ›
Liver & Kidney Function - Kombucha acts as a filter, detoxifying your body from the residue left behind in the organs from processed food and aiding in the removal free radicals. Most toxins are fat soluble, so it takes the liver more time to get rid of them.
Is kombucha good for colon problems? ›Kombucha may help prevent and treat constipation, as it contains probiotics that may promote gut health and help with dehydration. Kombucha is a fermented, fizzy, slightly sweet form of black tea. Some praise the drink for having several possible health benefits, such as constipation relief and prevention.
Can kombucha cause IBS? ›Kombucha is a popular fermented tea beverage. According to a 2014 study , it has antibacterial, probiotic, and antioxidant properties. Although there are health benefits associated with drinking kombucha, it may be a trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flare-ups.
How many times a month should you drink kombucha? ›How Often Should You Drink Kombucha? Probiotic foods like kombucha can, and should, be consumed on a daily basis.
How long does it take to see the benefits of kombucha? ›So how long until we see benefits from drinking kombucha? Back to our original question. Factoring in all of the above, making fermented foods part of our routine, alongside a plant-rich diet means we could potentially see a difference within a few weeks.
When should you not drink kombucha? ›People with alcohol use disorder should avoid kombucha. Diarrhea: Kombucha contains caffeine. The caffeine in kombucha, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Kombucha contains caffeine.
Does kombucha speed up your metabolism? ›Kombucha is a great choice for rehydrating and recharging your body after exercise. Some studies have suggested that green tea, a key ingredient of kombucha, can also help to boost your metabolism and aid fat burning, which makes kombucha a great workout partner.