Kombucha tea comes from a colony of yeast and bacteria commonly referred to as a Kombucha mushroom, although it is not actually a mushroom. Kombucha tea is produced by adding the yeast and bacteria colony to a combination of sugar and either green or black tea and allowing the yeast and bacteria to ferment. Some people consume Kombucha tea with the hope of treating a variety of ailments.
Proposed Benefits
Proponents of Kombucha tea claim that the tea can help stimulate the immune system, which allows your body to fight off infections and diseases. Kombucha tea has also been said to promote proper digestive and liver function, improve chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis and cure baldness. Supporters also claim that Kombucha tea contains a wide variety of antioxidants, which can help prevent the development of cancer.
Risks
According to MayoClinic.com, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also noted that the potential for contamination of kombucha tea is high because the teas are often brewed in homes in nonsterile environments. Lead poisoning may also occur from Kombucha tea that was brewed in ceramic pots because the acids in the tea may pull lead from the ceramic material.
In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported two cases of severe illness, one resulting in death, in individuals who consumed Kombucha tea every day for a period of two months. Researchers never definitely determined the cause of illness but concluded that the Kombucha tea in both cases came from the same Kombucha colonies.
Considerations
The American Cancer Society notes that available scientific evidence does not support any claims that Kombucha tea can promote good health or prevent the development of certain ailments. The scientific studies that involve Kombucha tea are based on lab reports and animal findings, and reported benefits are based on personal reports. As of 2009, there was not a single research study that involved Kombucha tea supplementation for humans.
Warnings
Because Kombucha tea is not classified as either a food or drug, the tea is not regularly evaluated by the FDA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Different teas from varying regions may contain separate types of yeast and bacteria. Because of this, different types of Kombucha teas may cause varying reactions in individuals. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any type of herbal supplementation or complementary medicine practice.
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