Kombucha - yea or nay?

What is that popular health drink that looks so much like your dirty dishwater? Is it just a new fad among health nuts? When I had my first sampling of Kombucha, I was not at all impressed. It reminded me a lot of Apple Cider vinegar. Not very appetizing, in my opinion. I kept hearing of this drink’s many health benefits, but wondered if the benefits were enough to overcompensate for the awful taste?

I had decided this was one health strategy that I would steer clear of. My sister had been drinking it every day for a while because she actually enjoys the taste. There was no way I could drink something, let alone enjoy something, that tasted like that…or so I thought. I was hit with both pneumonia and the flu this past winter. I tried everything I could think of and nothing would kick the horrible month-long cough that I had. Out of desperation, I finally forced myself to choke down a pint of Kombucha for two days in a row (which surprisingly tasted pretty good when I was that sick) and when I woke up the third day, I was amazed at how great I felt. I don’t know what happened with my taste buds, but ever since then, I crave the taste.

So what exactly is Kombucha? Kombucha is a raw, fermented drink made from sweetened black tea. Originating in China, in the early 1900s, Kombucha has become popularized by its immune-boosting and healing effects.

What all is Kombucha good for?

1. Immune system. Because Kombucha functions as a prebiotic, this causes an environment free from bacteria while providing growth to microorganisms. Yes, Kombucha can kill bacteria. Acetic acid, which is a bi-product of fermentation, creates a sterile environment, meaning it prevents and even kills infection. 

Prebiotic: Specialized form of dietary plant fiber, which are not affected by heat, cold, acid, or time. These have been medically proven to provide a wide range of health benefits as they nourish the good bacteria that everyone already has in their gut.

Probiotic: Live bacteria in dairy products and pills. There are hundreds of available probiotics available, but we do not yet know which are the best. These probiotics must be kept alive and can be killed by heat, stomach acid, and time. Health benefits of these are definitely suspected, but not yet proven and probiotics must also compete with over 1000 other bacteria species already in the gut.

2. Digestion. Your digestive system has a rough job, especially with all the toxic “food” we can’t seem to resist. Fermented foods are “pre-digested”, which provides a much-needed break to your pancreas, which normally has to secrete a lot digestive fluid. Furthermore, the prebiotics, yeasts, and enzymes in kombucha actually help to break down food and aid your body in absorption. Prebiotics also help balance the digestive system by helping to maintain a healthy PH balance. Because of all of this digestive relief, Kombucha helps alleviate conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Candida, IBS, and stomach ulcers.

3. Weight loss. A large number of people claim that kombucha helped to aid in weight loss by curbing their appetite. This is not assured in everyone though, just an added bonus for some.

4. Vitamins. Kombucha contains B and C vitamins. B vitamins are a favorite among many due to their sugar-craving reducing qualities. B vitamins also help to reduce stress, reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in PMS symptoms, and help to improve memory. Vitamin C helps us by acting as an antioxident, boosts our immune system, and functions as a natural antihistamine.

5. Gut. Yet another benefit of kombucha is that it contains Butyric acid. This acid strengthens the walls in our gut, kills parasites, and protects against yeast infections.

6. Stomach. Because of the natural acidity in Kombucha, whether you need more stomach or less stomach acid, Kombucha will help to balance this. This balance can aid in many uncomfortable digestive problems we often experience.

7. Detoxifying. Kombucha contains tons of antioxidants, which is good news for your liver and helps to prevent cancer.

8. Joints. Surprisingly, Kombucha naturally contains glucosamine. Glucosamine helps to keep your joints healthy and prevents arthritis.

9. Energy. Because of the many B vitamins, Kombucha makes a great energy drink substitution.

10. Delicious! Some of us have a palate for it and some of us have to acquire a palate for it. Due to its rather sweet, yet vinegary flavor, it may take some getting used to, but you can also flavor it with some fresh fruit juice for your taste. And added satisfaction is it’s naturally effervescent (carbonated), which is good for those of us who choose to avoid pop.  

Just like anything though, we are all different and the benefits of kombucha vary from person to person. Because of the benefits I have seen personally in myself, I have a serving almost every day. Some things I have personally experienced are increased energy, decreased craving for sweets, and the biggest change has been the boost in my immune system – has helped me both get over illness and prevent illness.

Here at The Chiropractic Villa, we offer kombucha for only $3.50 a pint. We encourage you to recycle your used jars back to us and we will refill them for only $3.00. Our kombucha is not flavored, but you may feel free to add a splash of your favorite fresh juice such as pomegranate, cherry, or strawberry.