Kombucha: Is It Good for You? (2024)

FAQs

Kombucha: Is It Good for You? ›

The acids in the tea cause lead to leak from the ceramic glaze. In short, there isn't enough proof that kombucha tea has the health benefits that some claim. At the same time, cases of harm have been reported.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that four ounces of kombucha can be safely consumed one to three times a day. Overconsumption can lead to headache, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, or ketoacidosis.

The best way to get probiotics is through food, and kombucha may be a good source along with yogurt and other fermented products like sauerkraut. “You can get probiotics through kombucha, but it should not replace the probiotics you get from a healthy plant-based diet,” says Wohlford.

Does kombucha help you lose belly fat? While kombucha can be a part of a healthy weight-loss journey, there's no magic solution for losing belly fat. Kombucha may support overall weight management by supporting digestion and gut health, but it's not a stand-alone solution for targeting belly fat.

Drinking kombucha on an empty stomach can also enhance its antioxidant effects. This is because the fermentation process creates natural antioxidants, and drinking kombucha on an empty stomach allows these antioxidants to be more easily absorbed by the body.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have weakened immune systems should avoid kombucha tea. Others may drink the tea if they like the taste, but only if it comes from a trusted source. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

Boosting your gut health

“Good” bacteria are essential for your gut microbiome to thrive — and fermented foods such as kombucha contain probiotics to help keep those levels high. “Kombucha can really help feed and increase that good, healthy gut bacteria, which can help decrease any bad bacteria,” says Zumpano.

Kombucha is an ancient fermented tea that may have many health benefits, such as improving digestion, boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol levels, and supporting cardiovascular health. Today kombucha is widely available in stores, and kombucha starter kits can be purchased to make at home.

Kombucha is a functional beverage obtained through fermentation of sweetened Camellia sinensis infusion by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts that exerts many beneficial biological effects, mostly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Is kombucha good for your liver? ›

Some research has been done in labs that shows kombucha tea has tremendous healing properties, including everything from being probiotic to antioxidant and antibacterial. It is touted as being beneficial for heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and liver damage.

Kombucha may help manage type 2 diabetes

It's characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. A 2012 study in diabetic rats found that kombucha slowed down the digestion of carbs, which reduced blood sugar levels. It also improved liver and kidney function.

Many of the commercial kombucha's are pasteurized, negating the many health benefits one can derive from the probiotic content in the drink (the heat during pasteurization kills the probiotics found in the kombucha).

If you're looking to improve heart health, apple cider vinegar may be the better choice. If you are fasting ACV is better because it will not break a fast. See our article does apple cider vinegar break a fast. But if you're interested in boosting immunity or aiding digestion, kombucha tea may be a good choice.

Both Matcha Green tea and Kombucha contain B vitamins and antioxidants, and Kombucha goes even further with its addition of probiotics which is believed to support gut health. As a dairy-free probiotic source, Kombucha is particularly appealing to those with lactose intolerances and those following vegan diets.

However, it's important to note that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to how much one should consume. Though recommendations can differ based on personal health objectives, it's generally suggested to have at least 2 cups of this beneficial drink daily when exploring how to drink kombucha for weight loss.

Kombucha can clear breakouts and remove dead skin cell buildup. This fermented beverage is an excellent way to reduce the signs of aging. Kombucha tea soothes inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. This antioxidant-rich tea can effortlessly brighten your skin.

"Drinking kombucha on a regular basis can help maintain vagin*l health,” says Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, author of The Cultured Cook. That's because kombucha's acetic and lactic acids help keep vagin*l pH in the slightly acidic state that keeps harmful yeasts and bacteria in check.

Kombucha contains live bacteria and organic acids, which if consumed on a regular basis may help to aid digestive issues such as excess gas and bloating. Ginger is also known to act as a natural digestive aid and an anti-inflammatory, so opt for our Ginger Kombucha flavour for extra gut-boosting power.