Kombucha tea is hardly a new health beverage; an ancient Chinese fermented tea said to promote proper digestion and anti-cancer properties, kombucha tea has been a favorite for people for thousands of years. However, it’s only recently that kombucha tea has made its way onto people’s shelves and into their shopping carts. The latest drink to be under the spotlight for consumers has some significant health benefits, but there are some kombucha side effects you should be aware of before indulging in this drink.
Kombucha Side Effects
Keeping in mind the various health benefits kombucha tea has such as improved digestion, reduced bloating, and a collection of B-vitamins and enzymes, there are two sides to every coin and here are the things you should be aware of:
Acidosis
Kombucha tea has been known to irritate acid reflux, so if it’s something that you suffer from you should reconsider this beverage. Though, even if you don’t suffer from this ailment, kombucha tea has been linked to a condition called acidosis. Acidosis is a buildup of acid in the body that can cause life-threatening injuries. The Centers for Disease Control reported that in 1995 several people suffered from acidosis on account on kombucha tea. Of the two people studied, both were ingesting kombucha tea daily for two months and one had passed away.
At the time, the Iowa Department of Public Health issued a statement asking consumers to refrain from kombucha tea until the proper cause of death in both cases could be properly understood.
Lead Poisoning
There have been reported cases of lead poisoning while drinking kombucha tea brewed in ceramic pots. Due to the acid in the fermentation process, experts theorized that the lead from the pot’s interior was mixed in with the drink and caused people harm upon ingestion.
Alcohol And Sugar Content
Depending on the brand that you purchase or how you craft your own, kombucha tea contains alcohol in some cases that range from 0.5 percent to 2.5 percent. A 2015 article revealed that some particular brands were under fire by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The company sent out letters to kombucha manufacturers stating “their product was ‘unlawful’ for not following the proper taxing and labeling regulations that govern alcoholic products and that they could be subject to fines.”
The tea is also fermented with sugar so the sugar content of each glass will up your daily intake.
Some nutritionists have expressed that kombucha side effects outweigh the health benefits it offers. The bottom line is that regardless of whether or not you’re a faithful consumer, you should always read the label and research more into something before incorporating it into your diet.
