Kombucha is a fermented beverage that has been consumed by many groups for thousands of years. Over the last several decades, it has risen in popularity throughout the west. Not only is it a fun and fizzy beverage, but kombucha has some health benefits as well.
Today, we are going to take an in-depth look at how this fermented drink may help your joints. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain, whether from arthritis, trauma, or a specific condition. As more people turn to natural, holistic forms of healing, it’s no wonder kombucha is getting attention.
What is Kombucha?
Before we look at how kombucha supports your joints, let’s go over what it is. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from bacteria and yeast. The process begins with a SCOBY (“a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast”) that activates the bacteria when combined with either green or black tea and sugar.
The SCOBY is live bacteria, one of the distinguishing characteristics of kombucha. Thanks to this living culture, kombucha is loaded with antioxidants, probiotics, amino acids, and other nutrients. These kill bad bacteria while fighting disease.
What Are the Benefits of Kombucha?
Called the “immortal health elixir” in Chinese culture, kombucha has long been an international staple. The reported benefits include:
- Body detoxification – Rich in enzymes and bacterial acids, kombucha can help clean out your system, supporting the liver and protecting the body from cancer.
- Great source of probiotics – One of the most well-known benefits is that it is full of probiotics, which help the gut and digestive system. This is because kombucha is fermented, a process that produces acetic acid and encourages probiotic function.
- Rich in antioxidants – When made from green tea, it is believed to carry many of the benefits of this healthy beverage. Green tea is known for being rich in antioxidants. It may also improve cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and increase the number of calories burned.
- Reduces risk of heart disease and diabetes – Thanks to its antioxidant properties and ability to control blood sugar levels, this beverage is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and type II diabetes.
- Supports the joints – It contains glucosamine, which is one of the best preventive treatments for arthritis and other types of inflammation in the joints.
Kombucha is thought to help improve digestion, promote weight loss, protect the liver, boost your mood and energy levels, treat asthma, improve cellular health, and strengthen the immune system.
How It Supports Your Joints
Kombucha is rich in glucosamine. Glucosamine helps increase the body’s production of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid can prevent arthritic pain, protect the cartilage, tissues, and muscles, and reduce inflammation. It also helps connective tissue in the body create moisture, keeping the joints lubricated, strong, and flexible.
If you are interested in adding this drink to your routine, speak to your healthcare provider. A nutritional consult would be helpful as well. In this day and age, we must do everything we can to help relieve pain without immediately resorting to medications or surgical intervention. When it comes to health, there isn’t usually a single solution. If you try kombucha to help with joint pain, be sure it’s combined with other healthy dietary and lifestyle measures.
If you’d like to consult with Dr. Atwater about joint pain options, request an appointment online or give us a call to schedule.
