Kombucha FAQ

Kombucha is an amazing drink, but like anything, you want to make sure it's the right thing for you.

Does it meet your requirements?  Is it going to help you?  Will it upset an already existing condition?

To help with this, we've pulled together a handy list of frequently asked questions that customers have asked about Kombucha.

We're not going to give long, detailed answers that go so in-depth you come out the end a Kombucha expert.

What we will do is give you enough information so you can make an informed decision on whether or not Kombucha is for you.

If you have a question that isn't in the list below, feel free to get in touch and we'll do our best to answer.

How is Kombucha made?

Quick answer, Kombucha is a fermented tea often made with black or green tea.

It's now classed as a Functional Drink meaning it's a non-alcoholic drink with health benefits.

Kombucha is made using a Scoby (a small circle pancake shape) containing bacteria and yeast cultures.  The Scoby is placed in the tea and left to ferment at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, then bottle for up to 2 weeks for the carbonation process.

That's it in a nutshell.  If you want to go more in-depth with it, then there's thousands of resources on the internet for you to read.  To avoid this page turning into a science journal, I'm keeping it short and sweet.

What are the benefits of drinking Kombucha?

Kombucha is normally known for improving gut health.  But, because it also contains antioxidants it can also help reduce inflammation, support your immune systems and reduce DNA damage.  It may also help reduce the risk of cancer.

You can find out more about the benefits of Kombucha by reading our article - The amazing health benefits of Kombucha.

Is Kombucha good for your gut health?

You better believe it is.

Kombucha and other fermented foods are full of amazing probiotics (live bacteria) that love you and your gut.

So, if drinking one of those expensive yoghurt drinks everyday isn't your thing, then definitely give kombucha  go.

What happens to your body when you start to drink Kombucha?

Every person will have their own unique experience from drinking Kombucha.  But, most people who drink Kombucha state that it's helped them with digestion, bloating, gas, and weight loss.

Getting into a daily routine of drinking Kombucha could be massive for your mind, body and soul.  But, don't overdo it because drinking too much Kombucha can be bad for some people.  So, don't drink it like water.  A glass a day is enough if you're using it for health benefits.

Can you drink Kombucha every day?

Yes, we even drink sparkling kombucha as a non-alcoholic Prosecco replacement on a Friday night.

If you're new to Kombucha, then start with a glass a day to see if it agrees with you.  Once you know you're all good, then find your own Kombucha style.  If you're like us, then you'll quickly find it becoming your non-alcoholic wine replacement.

Does Kombucha reduce bloating?

This is one of the reasons why people love Kombucha so much, because it helps with the bloat.  It does it by regulating the microbial balance in your gut.

I love drinking a glass of Kombucha with my lunch or dinner, but people have their own time of day to drink it, and you'll find yours as well.

Can you drink Kombucha with IBS?

This is a common question we get asked all the time.

What we say is try it and find out if it works for you.  Some people suffering with IBS have said that it has helped relieve symptoms, some have said that it did diddly squat.

Like we always say, everyone is unique.  What works for one person might not work for the other.  The only way to find out is to give it a go.

Speak to your doctor as well, especially if you're on medication for IBS.

Does Kombucha act as a laxative?

Good gut health may lead to a better frequency and consistency of your stools.  And we know kombucha is all about good gut health.

So, have a glass a day for 10 days to see if it makes a difference.  You never know, you may find your daily rhythm improves.

If it works for you, then you may turn into one of those "clockwork" type of people who go at the same time everyday and then they are done.

 

Does Kombucha increase bowel movements?

Kombucha may help with constipation by improving your gut health.  It's all to do with the probiotics and hydration.  But, every person is unique, so we always say give it a go.  

And, if you're already on medication for constipation, then check-in with your doctor to make sure you're all good for drinking Kombucha alongside it.

Is Kombucha good for acid reflux?

If you suffer from acid reflux, then Kombucha isn't going to help with that.

It can do many a wonderful thing, but this isn't one of them.

Carbonated drinks are the enemy of acid reflux, and Kombucha is carbonated.  

What I would say is give it a go, because a small amount of Kombucha a day is enough to support a happy gut.  But, don't overdo it because it could kick off your acid reflux.

Can Kombucha cause stomach issues?

Big time, but normally because you've drunk too much.

What's the saying, "too much of a good thing will kill you!".

Now, I'm not saying Kombucha will kill you.  But, if you overdo it and start drinking 2 litres a day then you're most likely going to be hit with gas, nausea and vomiting.

No-one wants that, so don't overdo it.

Does Kombucha make you gassy?

Kombucha is carbonated, so if you drink too much of it then there's a big chance that you'll get gassy.

I can quite happily share a bottle or two of Sparkling kombucha (750ml) that have been made as a wine replacement.

What to avoid when drinking Kombucha?

If you're concerned about drinking kombucha because you're already on other medication, then what we always say is check-in with your doctor first.

If you're not on any medication, then we always say to just give it a try.  You'll know pretty sharpish if it agrees with you or not.

Is Kombucha better than yoghurt?

It all depends on what you're trying to achieive.

If you're vegan, or avoid animal products, then kombucha is perfect for you.  Yoghurt, not so much.

If you're looking to lose weight, kombucha contains less calories than yoghurt.

There's loads of pros and cons when it comes to this, so we always say it depends on what you're trying to achieve at this moment in time.

What is a Scoby?

It's a living thing containing bacteria and yeast cultures that turn sweet tea into kombucha.

It stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria & Yeast.

Bit of a mouthful, hence why people call it "Scoby".

If you're like me, at first I called it "Scooby" after "Scooby Doo".  My daughter is massively into it at the moment, so I watch it every single day.

The best way to fully understand the Scoby is to watch the following film.

Don't worry, just because it's alive it doesn't mean it will grow arms and legs and start scuttling around your house like the monster from the original movie, The Thing.

And we're talking about the original 1982 movie, not the remake if you decide to check it out.  Highly recommended.

Maybe these two films weren't the choice to describe what a Scoby is, but at least you've now got two more classic films under your belt.  Never a bad thing.

Sources used to inform this article:

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH): www.nih.gov
2. Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org
3. WebMD: www.webmd.com
4. Harvard Health Publishing: www.health.harvard.edu
5. Medica lNews Today: www.medicalnewstoday.com

And our own experience with drinking and sharing Kombucha with others.