Side effects of kombucha

Kombucha tea is prepared by fermenting black tea, sugar and specific culture of yeast and bacteria often called Kombucha mushroom. Some believe kombucha tea is a cure-all for numerous conditions and powerful beverage that promotes health and prevents illnesses. However, scientific studies conducted up to this date have not confirmed that kombucha has medical benefits.

Kombucha Tea Uses

Kombucha tea contains alcohol, vinegar, B vitamins, caffeine and sugar. It is said that kombucha tea is also rich in antioxidants which promote the immune system, strengthen the metabolism and reverse aging process. The beverage is used for wide range of diseases such as memory loss, rheumatism, appetite loss, high blood pressure, baldness, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, gout, hemorrhoids, constipation, intestinal disorders, acne, cancer and AIDS. It is also used to improve circulation and detoxify the body. Some people treat pain by applying kombucha tea to the skin.

Kombucha Tea Dosage

The appropriate dose of kombucha tea may vary from person to person as it depends on a person’s age, medical condition and other factors. In general, it is recommended to start by drinking small amounts of the tea to see how the body will react to kombucha.

Kombucha Tea Side Effects

Kombucha tea is not safe for most people because it has many side effects such as yeast infections, allergic reactions, stomach problems, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, head and neck pain and death.

However, the major health risk comes from brewing kombucha tea in unsanitary conditions and inappropriate containers. Homebrew versions of kombucha tea can easily get contaminated with mold and fungi that can cause illness.

It can also be infested by bacteria and cause cutaneous antrax when applied topically. Antrax infection causes swelling of the skin and ulcers and can be life-threatening. Twenty cases of antrax infection from kombucha tea were reported in Iraq.

People with weakened immune system such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS should not drink kombucha tea because they are more susceptible to infections.

Brewing the tea in lead, ceramic or painted containers can absorb harmful elements and result in serious health complications such as lead poisoning.

Drinking kombucha tea for a long time or in excessive quantities can also cause adverse effects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not consume kombucha tea as it may be unsafe. Alcoholics should also avoid kombucha tea because it contains alcohol.

Kombucha tea may interact with Disulfiram (antabuse). Kombucha tea contains alcohol which body normally breaks down. Disulfiram decreases the breakdown of alcohol which can finally result in pounding headache, vomiting, flushing and other side effects.