The Hazards of Kombucha
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
What are the harms of kombucha? In fact, kombucha is a nutritious beverage and has no side effects after consumption, so it poses no harm. However, some first-time drinkers may experience adverse reactions such as excitability, insomnia, increased stomach acid, mild diarrhea, or skin itching. If they continue drinking it, these symptoms will naturally disappear and it will also benefit their health.
Kombucha tea has long been regarded as a beverage rich in various natural nutrients, and its preparation method is quite simple. In fact, by fermenting tea with sugar and a kombucha culture (also known as a "SCOBY"—symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), we obtain the fermented drink known as kombucha, which can be used for health maintenance and disease prevention. What about the risks of kombucha?
Potential Risks of Kombucha
What are the potential harms of kombucha? Actually, kombucha is a nutritious beverage that typically causes no side effects when consumed properly, so it poses no significant risks. However, some first-time drinkers may experience mild adverse reactions such as excitability, insomnia, increased stomach acid, mild diarrhea, or skin itching. If consumption continues, these symptoms usually disappear on their own and may ultimately contribute to improved health.
The kombucha microbial mat resembles jellyfish skin, earning it the nickname "Sea Treasure." Kombucha aids digestion and helps treat various stomach ailments, leading to its nickname "Stomach Treasure" in some regions. Made from black tea and white sugar, kombucha contains a symbiotic culture of yeast, acetic acid bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria, hence its name "kombucha."
Kombucha has been used and spread in China for over 150 years. Recent medical practices both domestically and internationally have shown that kombucha may help with conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, constipation, hemorrhoids, obesity, hair loss, premature graying, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis, diarrhea, and anemia. However, it's important to recognize that kombucha is not a miraculous cure-all. At its core, kombucha remains a nutritional beverage.
