Kombucha; the fermented drink that has taken the world by storm. But what is it exactly and why the hell are people so obsessed with it? Kombucha is a fizzy fermented tea drink that is crammed full of probiotics and allegedly super good for your health and wellbeing.

You will have seen Kombucha lining the shelves of your neighborhood health store and if you hang out in hippy centric circles you may have heard about people brewing it up themselves. But Kombucha isn’t just a modern-day fad, it has been used for thousands of years across China.

What is Kombucha?

Just like any fermented food, Kombucha is made with microbes, creating a symbiotic relationship of bacteria and yeast that helps keep your gut flora beautifully balanced. If you have ever read up on foods like Kimchi, you will know how gut good foods can change your life. Kombucha is another version of this.

What Benefits Does it Bring?

Even beyond Kombucha’s amazing ability to boost immunity, keep you regular, and ensure your gut is in its best of health, this fizzy tea doesn’t stop when it comes to a bounty of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, ripe with B vitamins and full of folic acid – there’s a glut of good stuff in a humble bottle of Kombucha. All the above stimulates healthy new cell growth and helps your liver and kidneys stay fresh and happy.

Does It Have Any Drawbacks?

So sure, Kombucha is an amazingly beneficial drink to have in your life, but it’s not the full-scale miracle cure that is always promised. There are a few fake rumors flying around when it comes to Kombucha and its always good to have a realistic portrayal of what you are putting in your body.

Kombucha does have a lot of sugar in it so if you are worried about high sugar levels, it may be worth selecting a brand that uses a sugar substitute or just limiting your intake. It can also be high in caffeine, which some people can be sensitive to.

The thing that needs to be remembered about Kombucha is the fact that it can be unpasteurized which can lead to an upset stomach. It’s a double-edged sword as it is also in its most beneficial form when it is unpasteurized, so always needs to be purchased from a reputable brand seller.

What About Homebrew?

Homebrew Kombucha is another element of the drink that is raved about, but again something you may want to consider before plunging into. Sometimes, home-brewed Kombucha can be over fermented and made in not very strict sanitary conditions which can actually pose an element of risk to your health. Always be sure that you buy your Kombucha from a reputable source, or that you know where it comes from if bringing home-brew into your world.

The Bottom’s Up Line

Overall, Kombucha can be an amazing health companion. It’s always recommended to start your relationship with Kombucha slowly and to build up once your body has adapted. Always be stringent about where you buy your Kombucha from and avoid dodgy homebrews.

What has been your relationship to Kombucha? Share tips in the comments.