Kombucha
OTHER NAME(S): Algue de Thé, Champagne of Life, Champignon de la Charité, Champignon des Héros, Champignon de Longue Vie, Champignon Miracle, Combucha Tea, Dr. Sklenar's Kombucha Mushroom Infusion, Fungus Japonicus, Kargasok Tea, Kombucha Tea, Kombucha Mushroom Tea, Kombucha Thé, Kwassan, Laminaire de Thé, Manchurian Fungus, Manchurian Mushroom Tea, Mushroom Infusion, Petite Mère Japonaise, Spumonto, T'Chai from the Sea, Té de Kombucha, Thé de Combucha, Thé de Kombucha, Tschambucco, None.
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 bacteria and yeast such as Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and Saccharomyces.
People use kombucha for aging, diabetes, memory, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
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.
Precautions
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 KombuchaKombucha 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 KombuchaKombucha 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.
References
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