Can Kombucha Make You Sick?
Published November 11th, 2019
If you are fond of fermented foods, then you might have heard all the buzzes about kombucha. Kombucha has a golden reputation, as many claim that it has several health benefits. People even call it the “immortal health elixir,” for they believe that it can cure almost every disease.
While there are a lot of good talks about kombucha, some people claimed that they got sick drinking this popular beverage.
So, the big question is, can kombucha really make you sick? Read on to find out.
What Is Kombucha?
For those who don’t have an idea yet what kombucha is, or how is it made, kombucha is a fermented tea made from green or black tea, sugar, and a combination of bacteria and yeast.
Is Kombucha Good For You?
There are several health benefits that you can get from drinking kombucha, including:
Detoxification
As mentioned, Kombucha is made of green or black tea, and sometimes both. The tea fermentation process produces certain compounds. These compounds are known to encourage detoxification in the body.
So is it better compared to other teas?
Experts say, because of the fermentation process of the tea, kombucha contains more antioxidants than any other teas.
However, more research is still needed about antioxidants and their effects on the body.
Probiotics
When nutritionists talk about the health benefits you can get from kombucha, they are really pertaining to the health benefits from the probiotics found in the said beverage.
It is already widely known how probiotics can be excellent for your gut and your overall health. Adding kombucha to your daily meal can have a positive outcome, especially to your digestive system. (Related: Health Benefits of Probiotics)
So Kombucha Can’t Make You Sick?
While drinking kombucha can be great for your overall health, too much of anything is bad for you.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that four ounces of kombucha one to three times a day is still a safe amount. Anything more than that may cause unwanted and undesirable effects.
Brewed-at-home Kombucha Have Been Associated With Unwanted Toxicity
Some people who are fond of drinking Kombucha often prefer it to be store-bought. However, others like to brew their own at home.
While most people who brew their kombucha at home don’t get sick, it will still depend on proper sanitation. Over-fermented home-brewed kombucha can result in toxicity.
There have been reported cases of unwanted symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and headache associated with ingesting contaminated kombucha. Hence, it is still wise to have your kombucha from a reputable source.
Allergic reactions from kombucha are possible too. Some people can be allergic to just about anything. Thus, taking kombucha in small doses is always advised.
So to answer your question of whether Kombucha can make you sick, that would be yes. But it depends on the person, how the kombucha was made, and how often you drink it.
Who Should Not Drink Kombucha?
Since Kombucha is unpasteurized and contains a mixture of bacteria and yeasts, it is dangerous to some people.
It’s especially hazardous to people who have compromised immune systems such as those with kidney disorders, cancer, or HIV. They can develop an infection or other severe complications from over-indulging in kombucha.
Moreover, kombucha contains caffeine because of its tea ingredient and alcohol that results from the fermentation process. Thus, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it as well. (Related: Is Kombucha Safe for Kids?)
The Bottom Line
To sum it up, Kombucha is a healthier alternative to sodas and carbonated drinks. However, it also has its drawbacks, which you need to be mindful of.
Too much of something is terrible. So taking small doses or one bottle per day of Kombucha is enough for you to have the necessary amount of probiotics that your body should have.
(Related: Is Kombucha Halal?)
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.
