KOMBUCHA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Kombucha is made by fermenting tea (black, green, red, or white) with sugar and other ingredients with specific types of bacteria and fungi.

Kombucha contains alcohol, vinegar, B vitamins, caffeine, sugar, and other substances. The cultures used to make kombucha are called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts). They commonly contain Acetobacter xylinum, Gluconobacter, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

People use kombucha for aging, diabetes, memory, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for KOMBUCHA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Kombucha that is made properly and in clean conditions is possibly safe. Side effects might include stomach upset.

Kombucha that is made under conditions where it can be contaminated is possibly unsafe. Kombucha that is made in containers that contain toxic chemicals, such as the lead in pottery glazes, is likely unsafe. These chemicals can get into the kombucha and might cause serious side effects or poisoning.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Kombucha that is made properly and in clean conditions is possibly safe. Side effects might include stomach upset.

Kombucha that is made under conditions where it can be contaminated is possibly unsafe. Kombucha that is made in containers that contain toxic chemicals, such as the lead in pottery glazes, is likely unsafe. These chemicals can get into the kombucha and might cause serious side effects or poisoning.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Kombucha is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Alcohol use disorder: Kombucha contains alcohol. 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. The caffeine in kombucha, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea and symptoms of IBS.

Surgery: Kombucha seems to affect blood glucose levels. This might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using kombucha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Weak immune system: Don't use kombucha if you have a weakened immune system. Kombucha can support the growth of bacteria and fungus that can cause serious infections.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with KOMBUCHA

    Kombucha might lower blood sugar levels. Taking kombucha along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) interacts with KOMBUCHA

    Kombucha contains alcohol. The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Disulfiram decreases the break-down of alcohol. Taking kombucha along with disulfiram can cause a pounding headache, vomiting, flushing, and other unpleasant reactions. Don't drink any alcohol if you are taking disulfiram.

Dosing

Kombucha is made by fermenting tea (black, green, red, or white) with sugar and other ingredients with specific types of bacteria and fungi. The fermentation process takes 7-14 days at room temperature.

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of kombucha might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

KOMBUCHA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What precautions must be taken when consuming kombucha? ›

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease, HIV, impaired immune systems, and alcohol dependency should avoid kombucha. For others, kombucha is a wonderfully refreshing beverage that has many benefits, when made safely and consumed moderately.

What are the effects of daily kombucha? ›

Kombucha is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that work overtime to protect your body from damage. This can help limit chronic inflammation that can lead to health issues such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

What happens to your stomach when you drink kombucha? ›

Kombucha has been found to benefit digestive health due to its probiotics, or beneficial bacteria. However, consuming too much may cause side effects ( 10 ). Because kombucha is carbonated, too much may lead to bloating.

Does kombucha interfere with any medications? ›

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with KOMBUCHA. Kombucha might lower blood sugar levels. Taking kombucha along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Is kombucha good for kidneys and liver? ›

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.

Does kombucha help with belly fat? ›

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.

How much kombucha is safe per day? ›

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much kombucha you should be drinking. However, drinking around 4–12 ounces of kombucha per day is a safe amount for most people. Like many fermented foods, it really depends on your body and what you personally need.

Is kombucha actually good for your gut? ›

The fermentation process, which has been around for thousands of years, helps preserve foods and make them last longer. 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.

Does kombucha clean you out? ›

Kombucha should be a reliable dose of positivity that can reverberate all the way through your gut. Rather than rework your diet, it complements your digestive system by balancing the bacteria that break down food. A successful kombucha detox results in a renewed focus on your body's long-term needs.

Why does kombucha make me feel weird? ›

Most kombucha side effects happen for one of two reasons: The amount of beverage consumed. Because this is a probiotic drink, drinking too much might lead to an upset digestive system. And because sugar is involved, overconsumption can also lead to too much sugar intake.

Does kombucha detox your body? ›

Using Kombucha to Enhance Your Health Status

Through a detox, kombucha's probiotics and antioxidants can become a cornerstone of your daily life—all without radically altering your routine. Because kombucha is so versatile, you can easily combine it with workouts and other foods to create lasting health benefits.

Can kombucha cause a yeast infection? ›

A diet rich in high-sugar beverages such as kombucha is a breeding ground for bacterial imbalances such as Candida overgrowth. Candida overgrowth causes various health issues, including vagin*l infections, seasonal allergies, digestive issues, skin problems, and nail fungus.

How much alcohol is in kombucha? ›

However, the alcohol content of kombucha is typically very low, usually less than 0.5% by volume. If the fermentation process is not controlled correctly, the alcohol content can increase, leading to a more alcoholic beverage.

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