THE DETAILS BEHIND KOMBUCHA
Kombucha tea, which is a fermented tea, is gaining popularity as the newest health drink on the market. However, what is kombucha and what do you need to know about its claimed beneficial properties? Kombucha contains a community of bacteria and yeast that thrive in two mutually non-exclusive compartments: the kombucha tea and the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), floating on it (Kozyrovska et al, 2012). The SCOBY is commonly termed as the ‘mother or mushroom’ and feeds off the sugar that is in the kombucha recipe. Kombucha is classified as a wild ferment, therefore the bacteria are uncontrolled and unregulated (Kozyrovska et al, 2012). When it comes to wildly fermented drinks, our environment plays a role. While wild ferments, such as kombucha and kefir grains can be beneficial they may not be tolerated by some individuals. If you are battling Candida, Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome you will need to avoid wild ferments such as kombucha, while healing.
Various studies have explored the various beneficial strains of lactic acid bacteria found in kombucha and found high levels of yeast. Mayser et al., (1995) found kombucha samples harbouring
Candida albicans, the yeast that is responsible for Candida overgrowth (thrush, fungal infections on the skin and nails, sinus infections, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain and so forth). Another study, explored bacteria growth over 21 days and found that their was a variation over time and was dominated by Candida sp. (73.5–83 per cent) (Teoh et al, 2004).
Therefore, if you are on a journey of healing and overcoming health issues it is best to focus on bacteria strains that are controlled and have a high Colony Forming Unit (CFU) for example
Lactobacteria and Bifidobacteria cultures. Understanding how strains of bacteria influence your health can support immune function and mental health. Suffering from chronic health issues and ongoing gut dysbiosis is best supported with a microbiome test.
However, as a healthy vibrant individual that doesn’t experience anxiety, depression, gut dysbiosis or low immune function consuming kombucha can be an important part of a healthy diet. Be aware that a lot of commercially produced kombucha is high in sugar and contains ingredients such as glucose syrup, colours, flavours and preservatives.