I get IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) flare ups and I’m conscientious to support the growth of good microbes in my gut with prebiotics (foods with dietary fiber) and probiotics (I eat foods like yogurt regularly and I take a probiotic supplement).

I recently introduced Kombucha into my diet. Kombucha is a fermented, carbonated-like drink that has been around for centuries and originated in the east. It contains live, active cultures that in theory, may support and improve our gut microbiome. 

Kombucha hasn’t been adequately researched with human clinical studies to give a definitive yay or nay to any health benefits on gut health. However, Kombucha is usually made with green or black tea which contains polyphenols. 

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants. Polyphenols have been shown to support health and protect against disease such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.

Tips:

• Kombucha is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with pre-existing health conditions such as (but not limited to) renal, pulmonary, and liver disease and people who are Immunocompromised.

• Stay away from homemade Kombucha since it’s not as food safe and standardized like commercially made Kombucha. In other words, home made Kombucha can make you sick.

• Everyone has an individual response to foods and drinks consumed. If you decide to try Kombucha for the first time, drink a small amount to start and be aware of any gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.

• Kombucha beverages are found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores.

Because of the price, I treat commercial Kombucha beverages as a nice to have occasionally but not a necessary, regular addition to my diet. 

With inflation and the skyrocketed costs of living and groceries, price matters. A typical bottle of Kombucha costs between $3.00-$5.00. On average, I buy a Kombucha beverage once a month.

I tried the raspberry and vanilla flavour of RISE Kombucha. It was the first time trying this brand. The taste was smoother and not as acidic than some of the other brands I’ve had.

RISE Kombucha is a Canadian company that started out in a small kitchen in Montreal, Quebec in 2008. It will be my go to brand in the future and I’m looking forward to trying the many other flavours they have to offer.

Reference: 

Kapp J.M. Summer W. Kombucha: a systematic review of the empirical evidence of human health benefit. Annals of Epidemiology. 30, 66-70 (2019).

Disclaimer: 

I did not receive any financial compensation or gifts for this post.

#GutHealth #kombucha #health #wellness