5 Reasons Why I Drink Kombucha Everyday

Let's talk Kombucha!

(Pronounced "come-boo-cha") is a fermented tea that made it's first appearance over 2000 years ago in Chinese culture as an "ancient healing elixir". Kombucha is great for overall wellness but especially heart, brain, and gut health. It has all of the same benefits as regular tea, plus a ton of probiotics, and more. PLUS it's so good. 

So what exactly is it? 

Kombucha is a fermented mix of water, black tea, and sugar (can be cane sugar, honey, etc. The type of sugar varies depending on the creation process). It becomes a probiotic during fermentation where healthy bacteria and yeast grow as a result. It is also during the fermentation process where Kombucha gets it's carbonated and effervescent flavor.

According to Dr. Axe, 

"After fermentation, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, B vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic). These bacteria are known as “cellulose-producing bacteria,” meaning they produce cellulose, which acts as a shield to cells.

The sugar-tea solution is fermented by bacteria and yeast commonly known as a “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Although it’s usually made with black tea, kombucha can also be made with green teas. Contrary to common claims, a SCOBY is not a kombucha mushroom."

Here are my top 5 benefits for drinking kombucha everyday. 

1. Improves digestion:

Kombucha is fermented which allows good bacteria to form, including probiotics. Probiotics provide the gut with healthy bacteria, that can help fight inflammation, leaky gut, and digestion. 

2. Natural detoxification: 
Kombucha contains glucuronic acid, which is known to detox the body and is a also pH regulator. Even though kombucha is a weaker acid, weighing in at just ~pH 3 on the scale, it has been shown to alkalize the body. Our blood is also alkaline at ~pH 7.4 (pH 7 is neutral), and when our body is under stress or exposed processed foods, our pH levels can decrease. When our pH levels decrease, the body becomes more acidic and is susceptible to disease. Eating/drinking alkalizing foods, like kombucha, helps the body balance the acids and become more alkaline, which helps alkalize the blood and allows the body to return to it's natural healthy state. 

3. Antioxidants:
Kombucha is loaded with antioxidants including vitamins C, E, carotenoids, and like tea it also contains polyphenols (a micronutrient that is found in some plant-based food). PLUS, the kombucha fermentation process makes the antioxidants much stronger and more even potent than what would be found in regular tea. 

Specifically, Health Coach, Margie King, states that kombucha's "antioxidant activity has been found to be 100 times higher than vitamin C and 25 times higher than vitamin E."

4. Immune System Boost
Because of the probiotics, antioxidants, pH regulation, and all of the other goodness that is packed in this bottle, kombucha is loaded with all kinds of good stuff to help the body fight inflammation, disease, bad bacteria, illness, etc. Obviously, there is no magic pill where you will be cured instantly, but kombucha is a natural aid to help in the process of healing. 

5. Makes me happy as $#!%

If you did not already know, I gave up drinking pop and carbonated drinks (man I loved Pepsi. I know Coke-lovers, how controversial!) when I was 12 years old. I had always loved the carbonated-fizz that burns your throat at that first sip of a cold pop. However, praise to kombucha because the fermentation gives you that same fizzy burn in your throat. Ahhh nothing like it.

Where can I get it? 

So, now that you know all about my favorite carbonated drink, where can you get it? My favorite brand is the one pictured above (GT's Kombucha) and I also like Healthade. Here is where you can buy it: 

GT's: Fresh Thyme (sometimes they have BOGO Free deals - look out for those!), Kroger (tends to be the cheapest at $2.99), Trader Joes (also pretty cheap at around $2.99), Whole Foods (More expensive at about $3.89), Fresh Market also sells Kombucha but it's more expensive at $3.99

Healthade: Available at Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Fresh Thyme, and Trader Joe's. All are priced at around $3.50