Q. Do you have any thoughts on the validity of the benefits of kombucha?
A. We thought this was such a good question that we want to share the answer with all of you. First and foremost, realize that we are evidence-based practitioners. There are supplements that we recommend, but all of them have significant science backing their use. If we’re going to recommend something, you’d better show us the science!
Kombucha is a combination of bacteria and yeast that is added to black tea and sugar and allowed to ferment. There are no human scientific studies supporting the use of this concoction. Most of the reported benefits are simply from people’s stories and are heresy, not science. There are some animal studies, but kombucha there is no scientific evidence of benefits in humans.
The thing that really worries us about kombucha is that there are risks involved. Risks include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and contamination. There have even been reports of metabolic acidosis with kombucha. With a concoction like this it is really the nature of the beast that contamination may often exist.
We cannot recommend kombucha. Right now, as far as the science is concerned, the risks definitely outweigh the benefits.
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Tags: benefits of supplements, cardiotabs, doctors recommending supplements, forever young diet and lifestyle, james o'keefe md, Joan O'Keefe, kombucha, kombucha and heart health, recommending supplements, risks of supplements
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