Contaminants from the container may put the person at risk for side effects or toxicity depending on the chemical. Some plastics may break down into the kombucha as it brews. Porous pots, or resins or glazes that contain lead or other contaminants, may leech into the kombucha. Kombucha contaminated with other bacteria or yeasts may not be as healthy, or may even be dangerous to drink.Ĭontamination from a container may also be a risk factor. ContaminationĪs kombucha is a result of natural fermentation, improper handling or poor control of the environment may lead to contamination. Those with conditions affecting the liver may want to avoid kombucha or ensure it comes from a controlled environment. These may lead to complications such as jaundice or lactic acidosis. Research posted to SD Med attributes some cases of toxicity of the liver and inflammation to kombucha consumption. Liver toxicityĪlthough rare, some people may have more severe reactions to kombucha. People who are sensitive to caffeine may want to avoid kombucha or look for versions made without caffeine from tea leaves. Kombucha typically contains tea during the fermentation process.ĭepending on the type of tea, this could provide a person with a lot of added caffeine.įor those sensitive to caffeine or who already drink caffeinated beverages, adding kombucha may increase caffeine consumption and cause symptoms such as: While many of these microbes may be beneficial, the same environment during fermentation may also allow some harmful microbes to grow or leave space for these microbes to take root.įor this reason, people who are prone to infection, such as those with a weakened immune system or chronic conditions affecting their immune system, may want to avoid kombucha. Kombucha may not be right for people with sensitive immune systems in some situations.įor example, home-brewed or small-batch kombucha may not have gone through the pasteurization process.Ī mix of different types of wild bacteria and yeasts may grow in the drink. Because of this, drinking too much kombucha may put the teeth at risk of erosion.įor this reason, drinking water or rinsing the mouth with water after drinking sweetened acidic beverages may help protect tooth enamel. Research posted to the Journal of Chemistry notes kombucha has a pH lower than 4.2. The release of acetic acid during the fermentation process decreases the pH level of the drink, making it acidic.

This is the same acid found in vinegar, and gives the kombucha its tangy flavor. Tooth erosionĭrinking too much kombucha may not be good for the teeth.Īs research posted to Beverages notes, the fermentation process of kombucha creates acids such as acetic acid. Opting for kombucha products lower in sugars may provide the same health benefits with fewer of the risks associated with excessive sugar consumption. Sugar-sweetened beverages have links to a number of health conditions.įor example, research posted to Circulation notes the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.Īdditional research in the European Journal of Nutrition notes that people who drink more sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Many manufacturers will also add additional sugars or sugar-rich fruits and juices to the drink. The fermentation process from kombucha requires sugar to feed the probiotic bacteria in the drink. People with diabetes will also need to be aware of the calories and the carbohydrate and sugar content of kombucha.

People on calorie-restrictive diets may wish to avoid the extra calories from kombucha.

Some manufacturers may add more sugar or sugar-rich juices to their kombucha for flavor. The actual levels of calories in kombucha will vary widely based on manufacturer and additives. While kombucha may provide some benefits to the body, it does contain calories. Some people drink kombucha as a sweet, carbonated alternative to soft drinks. These side effects may be more likely in people who drink too much kombucha.Īdditionally, some people may not tolerate kombucha well, or have a poor digestive reaction when drinking it. Symptoms such as gas, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Some people may experience digestive upset when drinking kombucha, or from drinking too much. Although kombucha may have health benefits, there is some possibility for side effects from drinking it.

Does synergy raw kombucha have caffeine