Guest guest Posted September 19, 2007 Report Share Posted September 19, 2007 Hello everyone! I'm new to the group, but just after signing up I found some warnings about kombucha on the internet (I have pasted in below). They have made me fearful of consuming it. Obviously you have all been using it without problems. What do you think about these warnings against it's use? Thanks! Greta Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin Volume 16, Number 2, May 1997 Prepared by the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC). Kombucha tea Kombucha tea has become increasingly popular in recent years because it has been claimed to have a large number of beneficial effects including the prevention of cancer, relief of arthritis, treatment of insomnia, stimulation of the immune system and even the regrowth of hair. The tea is brewed from the Kombucha mushroom which is actually a symbiotic yeast and bacteria aggregate surrounded by a permeable membrane. The " mushroom " , which grows like a round flat gray fungus about the size of a dinner plate, is fermented in sugared tea to obtain the Kombucha tea. The mushrooms are sold or distributed by naturopaths and other alternative practitioners and are often passed on from person to person. The tea has been described to contain a mixture of many substances including alcohol, glucuronic acid, acetic acid, heparin and lactic acid. In the last year, ADRAC has received two reports of hepatotoxicity in association with Kombucha tea. There have also been reports of both hepatotoxicity and lactic acidosis in the United States.1,2 In one Australian report, a woman presented with rash, fever, rigors, nausea and vomiting after drinking Kombucha tea for a month. Investigations revealed abnormalities in liver function tests, white blood cells, and ESR. She recovered after treatment with steroids. The other report was of a 35 year old female who developed severe hepatitis after prolonged ingestion of the tea. ADRAC is concerned that these reports suggest that Kombucha tea may be toxic and is keen to learn of the extent of the problem. Any patient who develops unexplained hepatotoxicity or other severe illnesses should be assessed not only for a drug history but also ingestion of herbal and other alternative treatments such as Kombucha tea. RESEARCH SUMMARY There is no credible research that supports the use of kombucha for any purpose. Its use has been associated with occasional allergic reactions, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and head and neck pain. The Iowa Department of Public Health recommended against its use when two cases of severe unexplained illness (one of which ended in death) were reported in two individuals who had been consuming kombucha tea daily for two months. Two cases of symptomatic lead poisoning were reported in individuals who drank kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. It was hypothesized that the tea eluted lead from the glaze pigment of the pot. CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS Kombucha is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of the preparation. PRECAUTIONS Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems should avoid the use of kombucha. Kombucha may contain antibiotic substances and, theoretically, could cause antibiotic resistance. Those who use kombucha should be extremely careful in its preparation in order to avoid contamination with pathogenic bacteria and or fungi. The tea should not be prepared or stored in ceramic or lead containers, as lead can leach into the tea. ADVERSE REACTIONS Those who drink more than 4 ounces daily of Kombucha tea frequently experience nausea, vomiting and headaches. There have been reports of allergic reactions, jaundice, and head and neck pain. There are reports of two women with unexplained metabolic acidosis following use of kombucha tea. One died. However, it was unclear whether the kombucha tea had any role in causing the metabolic acidosis. Another 115 people who made tea from the same batch of kombucha had no adverse reactions. There are a few reports of elevated serum liver tests and a report of lead poisoning from drinking kombucha tea prepared in a ceramic pot. A case of cutaneous anthrax associated with kombucha has been reported, possibly secondary to contamination of the tea during its preparation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2007 Report Share Posted September 19, 2007 Totally unfounded and pure Hogwash. Kombucha has been used for many centuries and passed down by the same tradition we use today. Does it not strike you funny that there are only TWO reports of possible adverse reactions? Neither of these were however proven to be linked to the KT at all. Both these women had severe liver problems, which is why they tried the tea in the first place. Its totally your decision however, if these bogus warnings are enough to scare you away then so be it. zoe > Hello everyone! I'm new to the group, but just after signing up I > found some warnings about kombucha on the internet (I have pasted in > below). They have made me fearful of consuming it. Obviously you > have all been using it without problems. What do you think about > these warnings against it's use? > Thanks! > Greta > Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin > Volume 16, Number 2, May 1997 > Prepared by the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC). > Kombucha tea > Kombucha tea has become increasingly popular in recent years because > it has been claimed to have a large number of beneficial effects > including the prevention of cancer, relief of arthritis, treatment of > insomnia, stimulation of the immune system and even the regrowth of > hair. The tea is brewed from the Kombucha mushroom which is actually > a symbiotic yeast and bacteria aggregate surrounded by a permeable > membrane. The " mushroom " , which grows like a round flat gray fungus > about the size of a dinner plate, is fermented in sugared tea to > obtain the Kombucha tea. The mushrooms are sold or distributed by > naturopaths and other alternative practitioners and are often passed > on from person to person. The tea has been described to contain a > mixture of many substances including alcohol, glucuronic acid, acetic > acid, heparin and lactic acid. > In the last year, ADRAC has received two reports of hepatotoxicity in > association with Kombucha tea. There have also been reports of both > hepatotoxicity and lactic acidosis in the United States.1,2 In one > Australian report, a woman presented with rash, fever, rigors, nausea > and vomiting after drinking Kombucha tea for a month. Investigations > revealed abnormalities in liver function tests, white blood cells, > and ESR. She recovered after treatment with steroids. The other > report was of a 35 year old female who developed severe hepatitis > after prolonged ingestion of the tea. > ADRAC is concerned that these reports suggest that Kombucha tea may > be toxic and is keen to learn of the extent of the problem. Any > patient who develops unexplained hepatotoxicity or other severe > illnesses should be assessed not only for a drug history but also > ingestion of herbal and other alternative treatments such as Kombucha > tea. > RESEARCH SUMMARY > There is no credible research that supports the use of kombucha for > any purpose. Its use has been associated with occasional allergic > reactions, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and head and neck pain. The > Iowa Department of Public Health recommended against its use when two > cases of severe unexplained illness (one of which ended in death) > were reported in two individuals who had been consuming kombucha tea > daily for two months. Two cases of symptomatic lead poisoning were > reported in individuals who drank kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic > pot. It was hypothesized that the tea eluted lead from the glaze > pigment of the pot. > CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS > CONTRAINDICATIONS > Kombucha is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any > component of the preparation. > PRECAUTIONS > Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and those with > compromised immune systems should avoid the use of kombucha. > Kombucha may contain antibiotic substances and, theoretically, could > cause antibiotic resistance. > Those who use kombucha should be extremely careful in its preparation > in order to avoid contamination with pathogenic bacteria and or > fungi. The tea should not be prepared or stored in ceramic or lead > containers, as lead can leach into the tea. > ADVERSE REACTIONS > Those who drink more than 4 ounces daily of Kombucha tea frequently > experience nausea, vomiting and headaches. There have been reports of > allergic reactions, jaundice, and head and neck pain. There are > reports of two women with unexplained metabolic acidosis following > use of kombucha tea. One died. However, it was unclear whether the > kombucha tea had any role in causing the metabolic acidosis. Another > 115 people who made tea from the same batch of kombucha had no > adverse reactions. There are a few reports of elevated serum liver > tests and a report of lead poisoning from drinking kombucha tea > prepared in a ceramic pot. A case of cutaneous anthrax associated > with kombucha has been reported, possibly secondary to contamination > of the tea during its preparation. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2007 Report Share Posted September 19, 2007 Hi Greta and Everyone, Kombucha tea has been around a very long time. When making it there are some fairly important guidelines you must follow to be sure it is good tea. Just to be on the safe side I use glass and a bit of Tupperware for brewing/storing/touching my scobys(the solid mass we use to make our tea). It is also recommended that when starting to drink it you have one or two ounces with a meal. Usually that will help digestion at the very least. And you will need to drink about 5 parts water to one part KT. If you do not feel good slow down on the KT. I think there are people who do not or cannot listen to their body's warning signals. Drinking KT and other natural healthy foods work because people take responsibility for their own health. So KT is not for everyone. I suggest that you try it for yourself. Try it slowly and be aware of your body. If it doesn't do anything for you or you have a reaction that bothers you stop drinking it. Perhaps you will do better on kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut or other natural fermented food. Fermentation is being recognized as useful in the medical community. In November I will again have my knee arthritis treated with fermented hyaluronic acid by injection. And for God's sake don't be paralyzed by fear. Seeking knowledge is a great way to avoid that nasty condition. Actually that is probably the most lethal disease. To Your Health, ann --- gretagarbo1935 <gretagarbo1935@...> wrote: > Hello everyone! I'm new to the group, but just > after signing up I > found some warnings about kombucha on the internet > (I have pasted in > below). They have made me fearful of consuming it. > Obviously you > have all been using it without problems. What do > you think about > these warnings against it's use? > Thanks! > Greta > > > Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin > Volume 16, Number 2, May 1997 > Prepared by the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory > Committee (ADRAC). > > Kombucha tea > Kombucha tea has become increasingly popular in > recent years because > it has been claimed to have a large number of > beneficial effects > including the prevention of cancer, relief of > arthritis, treatment of > insomnia, stimulation of the immune system and even > the regrowth of > hair. The tea is brewed from the Kombucha mushroom > which is actually > a symbiotic yeast and bacteria aggregate surrounded > by a permeable > membrane. The " mushroom " , which grows like a round > flat gray fungus > about the size of a dinner plate, is fermented in > sugared tea to > obtain the Kombucha tea. The mushrooms are sold or > distributed by > naturopaths and other alternative practitioners and > are often passed > on from person to person. The tea has been described > to contain a > mixture of many substances including alcohol, > glucuronic acid, acetic > acid, heparin and lactic acid. > > In the last year, ADRAC has received two reports of > hepatotoxicity in > association with Kombucha tea. There have also been > reports of both > hepatotoxicity and lactic acidosis in the United > States.1,2 In one > Australian report, a woman presented with rash, > fever, rigors, nausea > and vomiting after drinking Kombucha tea for a > month. Investigations > revealed abnormalities in liver function tests, > white blood cells, > and ESR. She recovered after treatment with > steroids. The other > report was of a 35 year old female who developed > severe hepatitis > after prolonged ingestion of the tea. > > ADRAC is concerned that these reports suggest that > Kombucha tea may > be toxic and is keen to learn of the extent of the > problem. Any > patient who develops unexplained hepatotoxicity or > other severe > illnesses should be assessed not only for a drug > history but also > ingestion of herbal and other alternative treatments > such as Kombucha > tea. > > RESEARCH SUMMARY > There is no credible research that supports the use > of kombucha for > any purpose. Its use has been associated with > occasional allergic > reactions, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and head and > neck pain. The > Iowa Department of Public Health recommended against > its use when two > cases of severe unexplained illness (one of which > ended in death) > were reported in two individuals who had been > consuming kombucha tea > daily for two months. Two cases of symptomatic lead > poisoning were > reported in individuals who drank kombucha tea > brewed in a ceramic > pot. It was hypothesized that the tea eluted lead > from the glaze > pigment of the pot. > > CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS > CONTRAINDICATIONS > Kombucha is contraindicated in those who are > hypersensitive to any > component of the preparation. > > PRECAUTIONS > Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the > elderly and those with > compromised immune systems should avoid the use of > kombucha. > > Kombucha may contain antibiotic substances and, > theoretically, could > cause antibiotic resistance. > > Those who use kombucha should be extremely careful > in its preparation > in order to avoid contamination with pathogenic > bacteria and or > fungi. The tea should not be prepared or stored in > ceramic or lead > containers, as lead can leach into the tea. > > ADVERSE REACTIONS > Those who drink more than 4 ounces daily of Kombucha > tea frequently > experience nausea, vomiting and headaches. There > have been reports of > allergic reactions, jaundice, and head and neck > pain. There are > reports of two women with unexplained metabolic > acidosis following > use of kombucha tea. One died. However, it was > unclear whether the > kombucha tea had any role in causing the metabolic > acidosis. Another > 115 people who made tea from the same batch of > kombucha had no > adverse reactions. There are a few reports of > elevated serum liver > tests and a report of lead poisoning from drinking > kombucha tea > prepared in a ceramic pot. A case of cutaneous > anthrax associated > with kombucha has been reported, possibly secondary > to contamination > of the tea during its preparation. > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. 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Guest guest Posted September 19, 2007 Report Share Posted September 19, 2007 i second that!!the fda will MAKE SURE that anything herbal or otherwise non-medically prescribed is the blame!i just not that long ago had to sign a petition so we do not loose our herbalist rights to buy herbs.our congress is trying to make sure the pharmyciducal stay in business(NO SICK PEOPLE=NO MONEY) zoe w <ilovegrafix@...> wrote: Totally unfounded and pure Hogwash. Kombucha has been used for many centuries and passed down by the same tradition we use today. Does it not strike you funny that there are only TWO reports of possible adverse reactions? Neither of these were however proven to be linked to the KT at all. Both these women had severe liver problems, which is why they tried the tea in the first place. Its totally your decision however, if these bogus warnings are enough to scare you away then so be it. zoe > Hello everyone! I'm new to the group, but just after signing up I > found some warnings about kombucha on the internet (I have pasted in > below). They have made me fearful of consuming it. Obviously you > have all been using it without problems. What do you think about > these warnings against it's use? > Thanks! > Greta > Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin > Volume 16, Number 2, May 1997 > Prepared by the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC). > Kombucha tea > Kombucha tea has become increasingly popular in recent years because > it has been claimed to have a large number of beneficial effects > including the prevention of cancer, relief of arthritis, treatment of > insomnia, stimulation of the immune system and even the regrowth of > hair. The tea is brewed from the Kombucha mushroom which is actually > a symbiotic yeast and bacteria aggregate surrounded by a permeable > membrane. The " mushroom " , which grows like a round flat gray fungus > about the size of a dinner plate, is fermented in sugared tea to > obtain the Kombucha tea. The mushrooms are sold or distributed by > naturopaths and other alternative practitioners and are often passed > on from person to person. The tea has been described to contain a > mixture of many substances including alcohol, glucuronic acid, acetic > acid, heparin and lactic acid. > In the last year, ADRAC has received two reports of hepatotoxicity in > association with Kombucha tea. There have also been reports of both > hepatotoxicity and lactic acidosis in the United States.1,2 In one > Australian report, a woman presented with rash, fever, rigors, nausea > and vomiting after drinking Kombucha tea for a month. Investigations > revealed abnormalities in liver function tests, white blood cells, > and ESR. She recovered after treatment with steroids. The other > report was of a 35 year old female who developed severe hepatitis > after prolonged ingestion of the tea. > ADRAC is concerned that these reports suggest that Kombucha tea may > be toxic and is keen to learn of the extent of the problem. Any > patient who develops unexplained hepatotoxicity or other severe > illnesses should be assessed not only for a drug history but also > ingestion of herbal and other alternative treatments such as Kombucha > tea. > RESEARCH SUMMARY > There is no credible research that supports the use of kombucha for > any purpose. Its use has been associated with occasional allergic > reactions, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and head and neck pain. The > Iowa Department of Public Health recommended against its use when two > cases of severe unexplained illness (one of which ended in death) > were reported in two individuals who had been consuming kombucha tea > daily for two months. Two cases of symptomatic lead poisoning were > reported in individuals who drank kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic > pot. It was hypothesized that the tea eluted lead from the glaze > pigment of the pot. > CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS > CONTRAINDICATIONS > Kombucha is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any > component of the preparation. > PRECAUTIONS > Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly and those with > compromised immune systems should avoid the use of kombucha. > Kombucha may contain antibiotic substances and, theoretically, could > cause antibiotic resistance. > Those who use kombucha should be extremely careful in its preparation > in order to avoid contamination with pathogenic bacteria and or > fungi. The tea should not be prepared or stored in ceramic or lead > containers, as lead can leach into the tea. > ADVERSE REACTIONS > Those who drink more than 4 ounces daily of Kombucha tea frequently > experience nausea, vomiting and headaches. There have been reports of > allergic reactions, jaundice, and head and neck pain. There are > reports of two women with unexplained metabolic acidosis following > use of kombucha tea. One died. However, it was unclear whether the > kombucha tea had any role in causing the metabolic acidosis. Another > 115 people who made tea from the same batch of kombucha had no > adverse reactions. There are a few reports of elevated serum liver > tests and a report of lead poisoning from drinking kombucha tea > prepared in a ceramic pot. A case of cutaneous anthrax associated > with kombucha has been reported, possibly secondary to contamination > of the tea during its preparation. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2007 Report Share Posted September 20, 2007 If there are two reports of toxicity of any type reported over nearly any period of time with about 2800 people on this website alone consuming kombucha on a daily basis, I would consider the health risks minimal. I believe the problems may be more closely related to preparation errors or other factors existing that are not mentioned in the determination. JMHO, Namaste! donnalynn Teasmith and purveyor of over 400 loose leaf teas including over 300 organic teas www.sensibiliteasonline.com Send snail mail address to teasmith@... to receive a full listing of the teas available while the website is under construction. 10% discount to OK members when the code KOMBUCHA is in the comments field of the order form. ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search./search?fr=oni_on_mail & p=summer+activities+for+kids & cs=bz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2007 Report Share Posted September 20, 2007 If there are two reports of toxicity of any type reported over nearly any period of time with about 2800 people on this website alone consuming kombucha on a daily basis, I would consider the health risks minimal. I believe the problems may be more closely related to preparation errors or other factors existing that are not mentioned in the determination. JMHO, Namaste! donnalynn Teasmith and purveyor of over 400 loose leaf teas including over 300 organic teas www.sensibiliteasonline.com Send snail mail address to teasmith@... to receive a full listing of the teas available while the website is under construction. 10% discount to OK members when the code KOMBUCHA is in the comments field of the order form. ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search./search?fr=oni_on_mail & p=summer+activities+for+kids & cs=bz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2007 Report Share Posted September 20, 2007 AMEN! zoe > Of all the members, past and present, hands up all those who have died of >> Kombucha AND had it proved. >> The defence rests, yer onner. > Yea, I'm always dying for another glass, so I must have died countless > times, but always come back to down some more Kombucha. > It's the stuff that makes you bounce back > I like many of the rest of you get so perturbed (to put it > mildly) about the blatant ignorance in journalistic endeavors that > seek to put down Kombucha in particular and all other NON > conventional eating and drinking lifestyles!! ....especially when > there are thousands of testimonies all around us of the good -KT > does...........why don't these nay-sayers get after the horrific findings in this report.... > > JOURNAL OF AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION VOL 284, No 4, July > 26th,2000 written by Dr.Barbara Starfield,MD,MPH, of the > Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health.........and I quote...... > > 2,000 deaths per year from UNNECESSARY SURGERY > 7,000 DEATHS PER YEAR FROM MEDICATION ERRORS IN HOSPITALS > 20,000 DEATHS PER YEAR FROM OTHER ERRORS IN HOSPITALS > 80,000 DEATHS FROM INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALS > 106,000 DEATHS FROM ADVERSE EFFECTS OF MEDICATIONS > > Remember -Hospitals those squeaky clean places we go when we are > sick and need medical attention???!!!???!!! > > I really and truly do not like to dwell on this kind of " Bad > News " but when folks keep throwing out bad vibes on Kombucha that > scares our newbies off then I can't take it any more and feel like > we need to speak up..............so we have.........and we are........... > > Keep on brewing that marvelous Kombucha that we love so much and > keep spreading the good news of it's great benefits.................. > > Kombucha forever, > > Lonnie and > > --------------------------------- > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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