Kombucha Side Effects: Liver
The liver is responsible for converting food into energy and metabolizing it. If your body does not have enough energy, then you will feel tired or even lethargic. You may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills and other symptoms.
Some of these symptoms are due to toxins in the blood stream such as alcohol or drugs (such as cocaine). Other symptoms are caused by other health problems such as high cholesterol or diabetes.
Kombucha Side Effects: Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys do not function properly and cannot filter waste products from the blood. This leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure and heart failure. The most common cause of kidney failure is diabetes mellitus (diabetes) which causes the body’s cells to become resistant to insulin.
Diabetes also increases the risk of developing kidney disease. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially fatal complication of diabetic ketoacidosis, occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of acid when exposed to insulin. When this happens, the kidneys fail and urine becomes dark red in color. DKA can occur within minutes or hours after consuming kombucha. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, confusion and hallucinations.
Kombucha Side Effects For The Digestive Tract
The digestive tract is a complex system consisting of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. The purpose of the digestive tract is to absorb nutrients from food and excrete waste. The most common problems that affect the digestive tract are: diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux and vomiting.
Kombucha can cause diarrhea when the acid content increases in the stomach and leaks into the intestines. This can sometimes cause dehydration, fever and abdominal pain. Vomiting may also occur due to the increase in acidity levels in the body.
Kombucha Side Effects For Women
The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and part of the vulva. The female reproductive system is responsible for creating eggs, storing them in the ovaries, releasing them during a woman’s monthly cycle and providing a place for the egg to be fertilized and grow (the uterus). The fallopian tubes link the ovaries to the uterus and the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that forms a canal that leads into the body.
The tubes and cervix are responsible for transporting the egg to the uterus. The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals that is sometimes referred to as “external genitals”.
Kombucha may cause an imbalance in the female hormones. This can lead to a variety of side effects such as: excessive hair growth or loss, painful periods, mood swings and many others. Kombucha may also increase the risk of cancer in this area of women who are prone to it.
Kombucha Side Effects For Men
The male reproductive system consists of the testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands and ejaculatory duct. The male reproductive system is responsible for creating testosterone, storing and transporting sperms, releasing hormones that are essential during arousal and achieving and ejaculation. The scrotum is the pouch-like structure that holds the testicles outside of the body to maintain a temperature suitable for sperms to thrive.
Kombucha may cause an imbalance in the male hormones. This can lead to a variety of side effects such as: increased body hair, impotence, loss of interest in sexual activity and many others. The excess acidity caused by excessive kombucha intake may also cause stomach problems.
Kombucha Side Effects For The Muscles And Nerves
The nervous system is a complex collection of cells that transfer messages through the body using electrical signals. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system branches out of the spinal cord and controls most of the functions in the body.
The autonomic nervous system controls unconscious actions such as breathing and heart rate. The somatic nervous system controls conscious actions such as movement of limbs.
Kombucha may cause damage to the nervous system due to the high acid content. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as: tremors, muscle spasms, twitches and nerve damage.
Is Kombucha Bad For You?
Kombucha is an acquired taste and has a very strong flavor. Some consider it an acquired taste due to its vinegary smell and taste. While kombucha may be an acquired taste, there are some who have no desire to acquire it.
Kombucha is referred to as a functional beverage by its drinkers and this is because of the wide range of nutrients and vitamins that it contains. However, kombucha can also be referred to as a functional laxative by those who drink it excessively! Those who suffer from digestive issues such as acid reflux or heartburn, should not consume kombucha on a regular basis.
The acids in kombucha may worsen the symptoms of those who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn. Kombucha can also cause stomach discomfort and a bloated stomach. Those with weak stomachs should avoid drinking kombucha as the high acid content can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver and pancreas.
Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid kombucha because of its high level of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a chemical that has been linked to fertility issues. It should also be noted that kombucha may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications and should be avoided by those taking prescription medication.
Kombucha is not recommended for children – the high acid content can cause damage to their still developing digestive tracks. Kombucha is not recommended for the elderly either; older people have weak digestion systems and the acids can be hazardous.
Is Kombucha Dangerous?
No, kombucha is not dangerous if consumed in sensible amounts. The high acid content of kombucha can lead to a number of health issues if abused.
Kombucha and Pregnancy
The substances present in kombucha may affect the way the body metabolizes alcohol. It may also increase nausea and the likelihood of developing acid reflux.
Kombucha and Alcohol
The high acid content in kombucha increases the rate at which alcohol is metabolized. This can lead to quicker feelings of intoxication and a lower alcohol tolerance. It can also increase the likelihood of developing acid reflux.
Kombucha and Driving
The increase in acid content in the stomach may lead to difficulties in digestion. This can cause issues such as nausea, indigestion and a bloated stomach.
Kombucha and Illness
The high acid content of kombucha can aggravate pre-existing conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, weak digestion and acid reflux. It may slow the healing process and make you feel generally unwell.
Kombucha and Children
Children and babies should not drink kombucha. The high acid content can cause damage to their underdeveloped digestive systems. Excessive consumption may also lead to a lower tolerance to the substance.
Kombucha and Medication
It is possible that kombucha may decrease the effect of certain medications. Those who are prescribed medication for medical reasons should seek medical advice before consuming kombucha.
Is Kombucha Vegan?
No, kombucha contains bacteria that is used to ferment sugar. As such, it is not vegan.
Is Kombucha Alcoholic?
Kombucha does contain traces of alcohol but the amount present is minuscule and not enough to be considered dangerous.
Is Kombucha Halal?
No, kombucha contains traces of alcohol and is not halal.
Is Kombucha Kosher?
No, kombucha contains traces of alcohol and is not kosher.
How Long is Kombucha Good For?
The shelf life of kombucha depends on several factors such as the way in which it was stored and the ingredients included in the brewing process. Kombucha should be consumed within 2 weeks of brewing as this is when it has reached its peak of flavor and bio-energy.
The Best Brand of Kombucha
It is important to choose a high quality kombucha when you buy it, kombucha should not taste vinegary or sour. A good brand will provide a pleasurable taste that is slightly sweet and vinegary rather than sour.
The most popular brand of kombucha is GT’s Kombucha. It is made with organic dried cane juice and has a low level of acidity. The taste is pleasurable and the brand is committed to making high quality organic and natural products.
Is Kombucha Alcohol Free?
No, kombucha does contain traces of alcohol but the amount present is minuscule and not enough to be considered dangerous.
Are There Any Dangerous Ingredients in Kombucha?
The only dangerous ingredient present in kombucha is excessive consumption of alcohol. If you are prone to abuse alcohol then you should avoid drinking kombucha.
Does Kombucha Have Sugar?
Yes, kombucha does contain sugar. It contains a small amount of organic dried cane juice which acts as a preservative and contributes to the flavor of the drink.
What is the Best Way to Drink Kombucha?
Kombucha tastes best when served ice cold, some people like to add a slice of lemon for flavor. It can also be served warm as a drink or used in cooking to add a pleasant vinegary taste.
Is Kombucha Allergic to Alcohol?
Yes, excessive consumption of alcohol may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have allergies or are sensitive to alcohol then you should avoid drinking kombucha.
What Does Kombucha Taste Like?
The flavor of kombucha is slightly vinegary, tart and slightly sweet. Many people enjoy the taste of kombucha and find it to be quite pleasurable.
How Much Alcohol Does Kombucha Have in It?
The amount of alcohol in kombucha can vary depending on the fermenting process and the ingredients used. Most kombuchas have a trace amount of alcohol in them (usually around 0.5%) but some can have more (up to 2%) due to variations in the ingredients or brewing process.
Is Kombucha Good For Your Health?
Kombucha is believed to have a range of health benefits, however these claims have not been scientifically proven.
Is Alcohol Bad For You?
Drinking alcohol in moderation can be good for you. Excessive alcohol can have damaging effects on the body and should be avoided.
How Does the Brewing Process of Kombucha Work?
The brewing process of kombucha is simple as vinegar. You mix sugar, tea and bacteria in a bottle and wait for it to ferment. The bacteria does all the work and turns the sugary tea into fizzy kombucha.
Is Kombucha a Safe Drink?
Yes, kombucha is safe to drink as long as it is made properly in clean conditions and is free of contamination. Kombucha has been enjoyed for many centuries by people around the world.
How Does Kombucha Compare to Other Sodas?
Kombucha is less acidic than other sodas and has a higher concentration of nutrients. It is considered by many to be a healthier alternative to other soft drinks.
What are the Health Benefits of Drinking Kombucha?
The health benefits of kombucha are believed to be numerous, however the majority of these claims are not scientifically proven.
Does Kombucha Have Any Caffeine?
Yes, kombucha contains trace amounts of caffeine.
Does Kombucha Help With Acne?
Many people say that by drinking kombucha your skin improves in appearance and lessens the chances of getting acne. This claim is unsubstantiated and a general consensus has not been reached on why this may happen.
Does Kombucha Help You Lose Weight?
Kombucha is a low calorie drink and some people believe this helps them lose weight. Many people enjoy the taste of kombucha and do not find it hard to give up other sugary drinks such as sodas when drinking it.
Does Kombucha Help With Digestive Health?
Many people believe that drinking kombucha on a regular basis can help with digestive problems and general stomach irritability. The acetic acid in the drink acts as a digestive aid.
Does Kombucha Help With Energy Levels?
Many people believe that kombucha can provide you with more energy due to the beneficial bacteria and yeast content. However, this belief is not supported by much evidence and is not a generally accepted fact.
Sources & references used in this article:
Probable gastrointestinal toxicity of Kombucha tea: is this beverage healthy or harmful? by R Srinivasan, S Smolinske… – Journal of general …, 1997 – Wiley Online Library
Effects of chronic kombucha ingestion on open-field behaviors, longevity, appetitive behaviors, and organs in c57-bl/6 mice: a pilot study by AM Hartmann, LE Burleson, AK Holmes, CR Geist – Nutrition, 2000 – Elsevier
Kombucha tea prevents obese mice from developing hepatic steatosis and liver damage by J Hyun, Y Lee, S Wang, J Kim, J Kim, JH Cha… – Food science and …, 2016 – Springer
Kombucha: is a cup of tea good for you? by A Holbourn, J Hurdman – Case Reports, 2017 – casereports.bmj.com
A comparative study of the effect of Kombucha prepared from green and black teas on the level of blood glucose and lipid profile of diabetic rats. by SA Hosseini, L Rasouli, M Gorjian… – … Research & Allied …, 2016 – search.ebscohost.com
