Why should I drink Kombucha?

I am asked this question almost every time I meet someone new. After twelve years of research and personal experience, I can conclude that Kombucha is not a cure-all, but it does absolutely help do three main things: 1) detoxifies the liver, 2) provides beneficial probiotics and enzymes, and 3) lowers inflammation and boosts the immune system. 

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A quick internet search will result in a plethora of anecdotal claims including curing diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn, and even cancer!  Though I do not discredit one's personal claims and experience, the benefits of drinking kombucha do manifest differently in each person, and does so in greater intensity with consistency and lifestyle changes. Let's delve a little deeper into why I should drink kombucha and its three main benefits:

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1) Detoxifies the liver.

According to a recent article (1) published in the National Institute of Health, Kombucha helps in the detoxification process of the liver.  This is due to the high level of organic acids and compounds found in kombucha.  These acids attach to toxins in the liver, such as heavy metals, chemical compounds, and micro plastics, and helps flush them out of the liver and through the excretory system.  Because kombucha is high in beneficial acids, it also helps to break down and reduce fatty liver cells.

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2) Provides beneficial probiotics and enzymes.

Kombucha, if fermented correctly, has over 200 microbial species that are beneficial for digestion and proper nutrient absorption from food (2).  A healthy gut flora means healthy digestion, and this is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle as food consumption is the main way in which we source our energy.  The term "you are what you eat" is true, but more importantly, you are what you feed.  This is because the digestive system is made up of trillions of foreign micro organisms, so maintaining a proper balance of probiotics is essential to wellbeing.

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3) Lowers inflammation and boosts the immune system

Kombucha is packed with antioxidants, organic acids, and tea-derived nutrients and minerals that helps lower inflammation and oxidative stress, and balances the gut, the center of your immune system.  A healthy gut means a healthy and resilient immune system.  Kombucha is brewed with tea leaves, which is a powerful source of polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, and nutrients.  One article (3) concludes that green-tea based kombucha has the highest benefit as compared to black-tea based kombucha.  This is why Living Vitalitea brews with 100% organic green tea.

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With these three main benefits of kombucha, if combined with healthy food consumption, moderate exercise, and stress relieving routines, the body can almost always return back to a state of balance and wellbeing.  

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References:

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2021.1995321