Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 No Kombucha is not dangerous! Peace, Love and Harmony, Bev > > Kombucha Tea > > Other common name(s): Manchurian tea, Kargasok tea, tea fungus > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 Hi all, last year my friend strarted to give some of my kombucha to her mother, she was very happy with it (her mother) it improved her sleep. But after a few months she noticed a 10 pounds weight gain, that scared her since she is already overweight, she thought it was the kombucha so she stopped drinking it. Latelly my friend also noticed a gain weight on her side, so she also decided to stop drinking kombucha to see if there is a relation, she works at night that might also be the cause, apparently some people on the night shift do gain some weight. it is to bad because it also helped her in her sleep! anyone heard about similar case before? Thanks, ________________________________ > kombucha tea > From: elenadelisle@... > Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 22:28:34 +0000 > Subject: Is KT dangerous? > > > Kombucha Tea > > Other common name(s): Manchurian tea, Kargasok tea, tea fungus > > Scientific/medical name(s): none > > Description > > Kombucha tea is made by fermenting sweetened black tea with a flat, > pancake-like culture of yeasts and bacteria known as the Kombucha > mushroom. It is not actually a mushroom but is called one because of > the shape and color of the sac that forms on top of the tea after it > ferments. The culture used in Kombucha tea varies, but consists of > several species of yeast and bacteria. It may include Saccharomycodes > ludwigii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, > Bacterium xylinum, Bacterium gluconicum, Bacterium xylinoides, > Bacterium katogenum, Pichia fermentans, Candida stellata, and Torula > species, among others. > > Because there are several types of yeast and bacteria that can grow > under these conditions, different Kombucha brews may contain different > varieties. Since cultures and preparation methods vary, Kombucha tea > may contain contaminants such as molds and fungi, some of which can > cause illness. After the tea is made, it is usually highly acidic and > contains alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and lactate. > > Overview > > Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Kombucha > tea is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. Available > scientific data does not support claims that it helps promote good > health or prevents any ailments. There have been some serious side > effects and occasional deaths reported with drinking Kombucha tea. > > How is it promoted for use? > > Kombucha tea is promoted as a cure-all for a wide variety of > conditions including baldness, insomnia, intestinal disorders, > arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and > cancer. Supporters assert that Kombucha tea can boost the immune > system and reverse the aging process. Kombucha tea is said to contain > antioxidants, compounds that block the action of activated oxygen > molecules, known as free radicals,that can damage cells. (Antioxidants > are also found in vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, and other such > foods.) For people with cancer, proponents claim the tea can detoxify > (cleanse) the body and enhance the immune system thereby improving the > body's defenses, especially in the early stages of cancer. After the > body is cleansed, the tea is said to help repair and balance the body, > and fight off disease. Available scientific evidence does not support > these claims. > > What does it involve? > > Kombucha tea is made by steeping the mushroom culture in tea and sugar > for about a week. During this process, the original mushroom floats in > the tea and produces a " baby mushroom " on its surface. These new > mushrooms can be passed along to other people for starting their own > cultures or be kept to make new batches of the tea when the original > mushroom " goes bad " (turns dark brown). Proponents often recommend > starting with very small daily doses of the tea (1 to 2 ounces), and > slowly increasing it over a few days or weeks. > > Some proponents advise people to remove all chemicals from their diets > and eat only fresh fruits and vegetables in order to help with the > " detox. " They may also be told to avoid caffeine, soft drinks, > alcohol, hormone-fed meat, fertilized or sprayed foods, preservatives, > artificial coloring and flavoring, and to quit smoking. > > Kombucha mushroom cultures can be obtained from commercial > manufacturers in the United States; however, most people obtain > Kombucha mushrooms from friends because they are easily passed along. > Due to its increased demand, some companies now sell bottles of brewed > Kombucha tea. Other products include capsules made from the dried tea, > and Kombucha liquid extract, drops of which are put under the tongue. > > What is the history behind it? > > Kombucha tea originated in East Asia and was introduced into Germany > at the turn of the century. Since the early 19th century, Kombucha tea > has been promoted as an immunity-boosting tea, which could strengthen > the body against many ailments. It has become prevalent in the United > States because it can be grown and harvested at home. It is especially > popular among people with HIV and the elderly due to its > immunity-boosting and anti-aging claims. > > What is the evidence? > > We are unable to find studies done on humans in the available > scientific literature that support any of the health claims made for > Kombucha tea. > > There have, however, been reports of some serious complications > associated with the tea. In April 1995, two women who had been > consuming the tea daily for two months were hospitalized with severe > acidosis -- an abnormal increase of the acid levels in body fluids. > Both had high levels of lactic acid upon hospitalization. One woman > died of cardiac arrest two days after admission. The second woman's > heart also stopped, but she was stabilized and recovered. The > mushrooms used by both women came from the same " parent " mushroom. > While no direct link to Kombucha tea was proven in this case, the FDA > has warned consumers to use caution when making and drinking the tea. > > Are there any possible problems or complications? > > Deaths have been reported from acidosis linked with the tea. Drinking > excessive amounts of the tea is not recommended. Several experts warn > that since home-brewing facilities vary significantly, the tea could > become contaminated with harmful germs which could be especially > dangerous to people with HIV, cancer, or other immune problems. > Allergic reactions, possibly to molds in the tea, have been reported, > as have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, usually due to liver > damage) and anthrax of the skin. > > Because the acid in the tea can cause it to absorb harmful elements > from its container, it should not be brewed in ceramic, lead crystal, > or painted containers. Lead poisoning has been reported in at least 2 > people who brewed Kombucha tea in a ceramic pot. > > Since the potential health risks of Kombucha tea are unknown, anyone > with immune deficiency or other medical condition should consult a > physician before drinking the tea. Women who are pregnant or > breast-feeding should not use this tea. > > Additional Resources > > More Information from Your American Cancer Society > > The following information on complementary and alternative therapies > may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our > toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345). > > * Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods > * How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements > * American Cancer Society Operational Statement on Complementary > and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management > > References > > Boik J. Cancer & Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and > Clinical Research. Princeton, Minn: Oregon Medical Press; 1996. > > Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton > & Co;1998. > > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unexplained severe illness > possibly associated with consumption of Kombucha tea-Iowa, 1995. JAMA. > 1996;275:96-98. > > Derk CT, Sandorfi N, Curtis MT. A case of anti-Jo1 myositis with > pleural effusions and pericardial tamponade developing after exposure > to a fermented Kombucha beverage. Clin Rheumatol. 2004;23:355-357. > > Mayser P, Promme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the > 'tea fungus Kombucha.' Mycoses. 1995;38:289-295. > > Phan TG, Estell J, Duggan G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead > poisoning from drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J > Aust. 1999; 170:454. > > > _________________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 I am a thin person and have gained about 10 lbs. I was not sure if it wwa due to the kt or my thyroid. I do not like the weight gain but do not want to stop my kt. I feel so much better, except the weight gain, and love the taste. I too would like to hear from others. I have been working extra hard on a clean diet. Mine is pretty good but can always be a bit better. Hoping it will be comming off soon, Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Is KT dangerous? > > > Kombucha Tea > > Other common name(s): Manchurian tea, Kargasok tea, tea fungus > > Scientific/medical name(s): none > > Description > > Kombucha tea is made by fermenting sweetened black tea with a flat, > pancake-like culture of yeasts and bacteria known as the Kombucha > mushroom. It is not actually a mushroom but is called one because of > the shape and color of the sac that forms on top of the tea after it > ferments. The culture used in Kombucha tea varies, but consists of > several species of yeast and bacteria. It may include Saccharomycodes > ludwigii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, > Bacterium xylinum, Bacterium gluconicum, Bacterium xylinoides, > Bacterium katogenum, Pichia fermentans, Candida stellata, and Torula > species, among others. > > Because there are several types of yeast and bacteria that can grow > under these conditions, different Kombucha brews may contain different > varieties. Since cultures and preparation methods vary, Kombucha tea > may contain contaminants such as molds and fungi, some of which can > cause illness. After the tea is made, it is usually highly acidic and > contains alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and lactate. > > Overview > > Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Kombucha > tea is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. Available > scientific data does not support claims that it helps promote good > health or prevents any ailments. There have been some serious side > effects and occasional deaths reported with drinking Kombucha tea. > > How is it promoted for use? > > Kombucha tea is promoted as a cure-all for a wide variety of > conditions including baldness, insomnia, intestinal disorders, > arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and > cancer. Supporters assert that Kombucha tea can boost the immune > system and reverse the aging process. Kombucha tea is said to contain > antioxidants, compounds that block the action of activated oxygen > molecules, known as free radicals,that can damage cells. (Antioxidants > are also found in vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, and other such > foods.) For people with cancer, proponents claim the tea can detoxify > (cleanse) the body and enhance the immune system thereby improving the > body's defenses, especially in the early stages of cancer. After the > body is cleansed, the tea is said to help repair and balance the body, > and fight off disease. Available scientific evidence does not support > these claims. > > What does it involve? > > Kombucha tea is made by steeping the mushroom culture in tea and sugar > for about a week. During this process, the original mushroom floats in > the tea and produces a " baby mushroom " on its surface. These new > mushrooms can be passed along to other people for starting their own > cultures or be kept to make new batches of the tea when the original > mushroom " goes bad " (turns dark brown). Proponents often recommend > starting with very small daily doses of the tea (1 to 2 ounces), and > slowly increasing it over a few days or weeks. > > Some proponents advise people to remove all chemicals from their diets > and eat only fresh fruits and vegetables in order to help with the > " detox. " They may also be told to avoid caffeine, soft drinks, > alcohol, hormone-fed meat, fertilized or sprayed foods, preservatives, > artificial coloring and flavoring, and to quit smoking. > > Kombucha mushroom cultures can be obtained from commercial > manufacturers in the United States; however, most people obtain > Kombucha mushrooms from friends because they are easily passed along. > Due to its increased demand, some companies now sell bottles of brewed > Kombucha tea. Other products include capsules made from the dried tea, > and Kombucha liquid extract, drops of which are put under the tongue. > > What is the history behind it? > > Kombucha tea originated in East Asia and was introduced into Germany > at the turn of the century. Since the early 19th century, Kombucha tea > has been promoted as an immunity-boosting tea, which could strengthen > the body against many ailments. It has become prevalent in the United > States because it can be grown and harvested at home. It is especially > popular among people with HIV and the elderly due to its > immunity-boosting and anti-aging claims. > > What is the evidence? > > We are unable to find studies done on humans in the available > scientific literature that support any of the health claims made for > Kombucha tea. > > There have, however, been reports of some serious complications > associated with the tea. In April 1995, two women who had been > consuming the tea daily for two months were hospitalized with severe > acidosis -- an abnormal increase of the acid levels in body fluids. > Both had high levels of lactic acid upon hospitalization. One woman > died of cardiac arrest two days after admission. The second woman's > heart also stopped, but she was stabilized and recovered. The > mushrooms used by both women came from the same " parent " mushroom. > While no direct link to Kombucha tea was proven in this case, the FDA > has warned consumers to use caution when making and drinking the tea. > > Are there any possible problems or complications? > > Deaths have been reported from acidosis linked with the tea. Drinking > excessive amounts of the tea is not recommended. Several experts warn > that since home-brewing facilities vary significantly, the tea could > become contaminated with harmful germs which could be especially > dangerous to people with HIV, cancer, or other immune problems. > Allergic reactions, possibly to molds in the tea, have been reported, > as have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, usually due to liver > damage) and anthrax of the skin. > > Because the acid in the tea can cause it to absorb harmful elements > from its container, it should not be brewed in ceramic, lead crystal, > or painted containers. Lead poisoning has been reported in at least 2 > people who brewed Kombucha tea in a ceramic pot. > > Since the potential health risks of Kombucha tea are unknown, anyone > with immune deficiency or other medical condition should consult a > physician before drinking the tea. Women who are pregnant or > breast-feeding should not use this tea. > > Additional Resources > > More Information from Your American Cancer Society > > The following information on complementary and alternative therapies > may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our > toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345). > > * Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods > * How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements > * American Cancer Society Operational Statement on Complementary > and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management > > References > > Boik J. Cancer & Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and > Clinical Research. Princeton, Minn: Oregon Medical Press; 1996. > > Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York: W. W. Norton > & Co;1998. > > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unexplained severe illness > possibly associated with consumption of Kombucha tea-Iowa, 1995. JAMA. > 1996;275:96-98. > > Derk CT, Sandorfi N, Curtis MT. A case of anti-Jo1 myositis with > pleural effusions and pericardial tamponade developing after exposure > to a fermented Kombucha beverage. Clin Rheumatol. 2004;23:355-357. > > Mayser P, Promme S, Leitzmann C, Grunder K. The yeast spectrum of the > 'tea fungus Kombucha.' Mycoses. 1995;38:289-295. > > Phan TG, Estell J, Duggan G, Beer I, D, Ferson MJ. Lead > poisoning from drinking Kombucha tea brewed in a ceramic pot. Med J > Aust. 1999; 170:454. > > > __________________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 > Offhand I would say this is a bunch of malarkey > designed to frighten people from using a healthy remeday > that actually works and is cheap. Marlarkey is right! One thing that always amuses me is how the supposedly-knowledgeable try claiming that kombucha can cause metabolic acidosis due to its acid content . . . Just as much bunk as the " pH Therapy " shaisters who claim to be able to elevate body pH into the 8.0+ range (which would be fatal if they were able to do it)! *dramatic sigh* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 There are many reasons for the weight gain. The body doesn't properly absorb food if it is sleep deprived. With the increased amount of sleep she is most likely processing more of her food better, and with it more of the calories. Also, you burn more (relatively speaking) sitting and watching TV than you do sleeping. With more sleep there is often an increased appetite. Rested people are more social, and people tend to eat more is social settings. There is also the question of how much KT is she drinking, and how? KT that has not been fermented as long contains more sugar, and with it more calories. Drinking large amount of really young KT is almost like drinking pop. If it is really sour KT and she is cutting it with syrup or fruit juice, this too is added calories. Drinking lots of sweetened old KT is worse (calorie-wise). It is extremely unlikely that it's the KT itself that is adding weight. And please do not mistake this to mean that you should drink less KT. I would only advise that if you are worried about weight gain, that you use other methods of making your KT more suited to your taste. A couple pieces of dried fruit in a second ferment, diluting with water or unsweetened tea/herbal tea. Activity is also a concern, those who work nights tend to be less active. Because they sleep during the day when friends and family are active. It hard to motivate yourself to be active alone, and there are much fewer opportunities for activity at night. > > > Hi all, > > last year my friend strarted to give some of my kombucha to her mother, she was very happy with it (her mother) it improved her sleep. But after a few months she noticed a 10 pounds weight gain, that scared her since she is already overweight, she thought it was the kombucha so she stopped drinking it. > > Latelly my friend also noticed a gain weight on her side, so she also decided to stop drinking kombucha to see if there is a relation, she works at night that might also be the cause, apparently some people on the night shift do gain some weight. > it is to bad because it also helped her in her sleep! > > anyone heard about similar case before? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 well i'm going to disagree there. I've been drinking kombucha for a few months now, i've added milk kefir last week and water kefir a few months ago as well. I watch my diet, don't eat junk and do not have a hernia, cancer or anything else. I've tried eating more brocoli and htat family, drinking milk, drinking liters of water, liquorice tea, liquorice, and probably half a dozen other htings. The only thing so far to keep my problems wiht acid reflux under control is nexium. I'm not saying all drugs are fantastic. I've got a drawer full of herbs to deal with most stuff. But there is nothing wrong with using modern pharmaceuticals wisely - which would be when other methods dont' work. And I for one am getting a bit fed up with the idea that KT can cure all, is a panacea to all ills, and big pharma is the devil incarnate. I'm sure if you had an abscessed tooth you'd go to a dentist and be prescribed antibiotics, which would stop further infection into other teeth and your jawbone, and i'm sure if you had appendicitis you'd go to a hospital. Lets give them credit where credit is due. Caitilin On hue, Mar 4, 2008 at 4:41 AM, <nScript@...> wrote: > Right on Zoe, We have all heard those silly commercials for new drugs > with > the list of horrible side effects! Speaking of taking pills to " cure " : > doctor had prescribed Nexium for my stomach a while back and all it did > was make > me sick and feel worse. They said I either had an ulcer or was working on > one...not sure why they could not have been more definite, seeing how many > > tests they put me through...all I know is that I was so nauseated that I > could > not eat, or had to force myself to. Anyway, I stopped taking the pills and > > started to drink KT and never felt better in my life. I got lazy with > taking > care of so many Kombuchas and stopped drinking and brewing it for 6 > months. > Guess what? The stomach ailments came back, doctor told me I *had* to take > the > Nexium to heal my stomach. Was on it for 2 days and I had to stop I had > such severe pain from the pills. I told doctor about KT, she never heard > of it. > I've been drinking KT again every day for about 6 weeks now and feel a > great improvement with my stomach and I hope to get back to where I was > before I > stopped drinking it. So much for doctors and their pills! > > > > **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & > Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 wrote: > I have not, in fact, a friend of mine lost 40 pounds, and > she said it was due to KT helping suppress her appetite. It depends on how tart you like your KT and how sweet you make it to begin with. As has been mentioned before on this list, kombucha still has quite a caloric kick, despite much of the sugar energy being used by the probiotics. There's a good deal of protein (1/3 as much as skim milk), residual sugar, and organic acids (which are a calorie source, though less so than the carbohydrates from which they're derived), all of which are burned for calories. (Yes, even the protein, unless you get very, very little protein: most protein ingested is burned as sugar, not used for amino acids -- we can't use as much protein as we generally ingest.) KT will, however, suppress appetite, as anything that fills the stomach will. Drinking water in similar volume can have the same effect, as can the placebo effect of believing you're suppressing your appetite -- even more so than in many conditions, appetite is much more closely controlled by the brain. I generally try to drink unsweet, non-KT in large quantity for appetite control, as large quantities are close to large quantities of sweet tea as far as calories gol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Yeah , Now that you jogged my memory, I remember reading that if you drink KT about half an hour before meals you will lose weight and drinking KT after meals helped you gain. (What about me that drinks all day. LOL now I know why I am not losing.) Also I remember reading that green tea was the one that helped you lose weight and black tea helped you gain. I don't know how they determined that but that is my memory so far. Hey, anyone out there, jump right in and correct this if you will. Sunny > > I haven't got to the end of this string yet, so it may be that some-one has mentioned it. > But didn't I read somewhere that weight gain/loss depends on when you drink it with respect to when you eat? > > > Nn. England. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 > I remember reading that if you drink KT > about half an hour before meals you will lose weight and drinking KT > after meals helped you gain. > Also I remember reading that green tea was the one that helped you > lose weight and black tea helped you gain. > I don't know how they determined that but that is my memory so far. If they don't tell you how they determined it, don't believe them, plain and simple. They " determined it " by making it up because it sounded good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Awww, , Where is your imagination? Sometimes thinking makes it so. I will just try it out and maybe my thinking will help. LOL But I understand where you are coming from. Sunny > > > I remember reading that if you drink KT > > about half an hour before meals you will lose weight and drinking KT > > after meals helped you gain. > > > Also I remember reading that green tea was the one that helped you > > lose weight and black tea helped you gain. > > I don't know how they determined that but that is my memory so far. > > If they don't tell you how they determined it, don't believe them, > plain and simple. They " determined it " by making it up because it > sounded good. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 What works for one might not work for the other - Its just that simple. I don't believe in any cancer cure alls and everyone should be very leery if someone is trying to sell you a wonder drug or herb that does just that. However, in the case of KT I think it comes down to hygiene,hygiene, hygiene and common sense. Too many people try to reinvent the wheel. You're new to this - use the simple recipe and follow the simple steps such as, no metals or plastic, use glass containers and keep the environment clean. You should get a nice brew with a lot of goodies in it and nothing that will kill ya. KT has not cured my bulging discs, but it has helped me balance my blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It has also helped me build my immune system and fight off colds in no time. It makes me feel good and with that I am happier and can do other things that make me feel good. I think people are obsessed with drugs these days. Pop a pill for this and a pill for that. If you have any side effects - no problem - we have more pills for that too. While it might help keep ones ailment under control, most of these drugs do not work on a cure. And that is what is wrong with the pharma industry and that is why so many reject it. I had major surgery two years ago and was given morphine and oxycodone. I used my initial prescription and then switched to herbal pain relievers such as pain-eeze. My surgeon was flabbergasted when I declined a renewed prescription. Yeah I had some aches and pains, but nothing that would warrant narcotics. We as patients have some responsibility as well as our doctors. Just because your MD tells you to pop a pill doesn't mean you need it. Do your own research and ask questions. Its a good idea to find a naturopath/MD in one.Quite common in Europe, its unfortunately a rarity in the US. But back to the original question and the article posted. Is KT dangerous? I'd say its about as dangerous as anything we put into our body. Common sense and hygiene applies and you should be fine. Peace and happy brewing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 What works for one might not work for the other - Its just that simple. I don't believe in any cancer cure alls and everyone should be very leery if someone is trying to sell you a wonder drug or herb that does just that. However, in the case of KT I think it comes down to hygiene,hygiene, hygiene and common sense. Too many people try to reinvent the wheel. You're new to this - use the simple recipe and follow the simple steps such as, no metals or plastic, use glass containers and keep the environment clean. You should get a nice brew with a lot of goodies in it and nothing that will kill ya. KT has not cured my bulging discs, but it has helped me balance my blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It has also helped me build my immune system and fight off colds in no time. It makes me feel good and with that I am happier and can do other things that make me feel good. I think people are obsessed with drugs these days. Pop a pill for this and a pill for that. If you have any side effects - no problem - we have more pills for that too. While it might help keep ones ailment under control, most of these drugs do not work on a cure. And that is what is wrong with the pharma industry and that is why so many reject it. I had major surgery two years ago and was given morphine and oxycodone. I used my initial prescription and then switched to herbal pain relievers such as pain-eeze. My surgeon was flabbergasted when I declined a renewed prescription. Yeah I had some aches and pains, but nothing that would warrant narcotics. We as patients have some responsibility as well as our doctors. Just because your MD tells you to pop a pill doesn't mean you need it. Do your own research and ask questions. Its a good idea to find a naturopath/MD in one.Quite common in Europe, its unfortunately a rarity in the US. But back to the original question and the article posted. Is KT dangerous? I'd say its about as dangerous as anything we put into our body. Common sense and hygiene applies and you should be fine. Peace and happy brewing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 wrote: > They said I either had an ulcer or was working on > one...not sure why they could not have been more > definite, seeing how many tests they put me through. That's ridiculous, since the cause of ulcers was demonstrated in the mid-90s (against stiff opposition from the medical community) to be infection by Helicobacter pylori. A simple breath test (for ammonia) followed by a culture can show whether or not you have an ulcer. He never should've prescribed an antacid if he suspected an ulcer -- even though that's the traditional treatment. Antacids make the stomach more hospitable for the bacteria, so even though the symptom (pain) is reduced, digestion is impaired (your stomach troubles) and the bacteria are given free reign. > Anyway, I stopped taking the pills and started to drink > KT and never felt better in my life. I got lazy with > taking care of so many Kombuchas and stopped drinking and > brewing it for 6 months. Guess what? The stomach > ailments came back Sounds like the " good guys " in the KT were probably helping against the infection to some degree, but were not able to vanquish the infection, so once their influence was removed, the H. pylori was able to muster again in full force. (I love using military analogies with my probiotics . . . I call them my " guerilla fighters " . *grin*) > So much for doctors and their pills! So much for doctors not knowing which pill goes for what, anyway. Ulcers should be treated with a short, mild antibiotic regimen, and NEVER with antacids. That's akin to treating brain cancer with aspirin: the pain stops, but the problem's still there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 wrote: > They said I either had an ulcer or was working on > one...not sure why they could not have been more > definite, seeing how many tests they put me through. That's ridiculous, since the cause of ulcers was demonstrated in the mid-90s (against stiff opposition from the medical community) to be infection by Helicobacter pylori. A simple breath test (for ammonia) followed by a culture can show whether or not you have an ulcer. He never should've prescribed an antacid if he suspected an ulcer -- even though that's the traditional treatment. Antacids make the stomach more hospitable for the bacteria, so even though the symptom (pain) is reduced, digestion is impaired (your stomach troubles) and the bacteria are given free reign. > Anyway, I stopped taking the pills and started to drink > KT and never felt better in my life. I got lazy with > taking care of so many Kombuchas and stopped drinking and > brewing it for 6 months. Guess what? The stomach > ailments came back Sounds like the " good guys " in the KT were probably helping against the infection to some degree, but were not able to vanquish the infection, so once their influence was removed, the H. pylori was able to muster again in full force. (I love using military analogies with my probiotics . . . I call them my " guerilla fighters " . *grin*) > So much for doctors and their pills! So much for doctors not knowing which pill goes for what, anyway. Ulcers should be treated with a short, mild antibiotic regimen, and NEVER with antacids. That's akin to treating brain cancer with aspirin: the pain stops, but the problem's still there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Zoe wrote: > CS Okay, please, please, PLEASE read about the dangers of colloidal silver! While heavy metal poisoning may work great for killing bacteria, it's just as damaging for your body (not to mention the risk of subdermal deposition of metallic silver). Such danger can be justified in extremis, such as using cisplatinum to treat cancer, since the cancer's going to kill you anyway. However, toxic heavy metal ingestion is NEVER a good thing! > > Appendicitis is another matter altogether, Herbs > > simply don't work fast enuf for this kind of condition > > nor for accidental injuries beyond the minor ones. > NEVER under any circumstances will I ever take another > prescription anti-biotic. The natural ones are far > better, work just as fast and are far less dangerous. If natural antibiotics were just as fast-acting and powerful as " prescription antibiotics " , penicillin wouldn't have been such a " wonder drug " . The fact is, there are no herbal systemic antibiotics. Natural compounds from bacteria and molds can be used if purified and concentrated appropriately -- whence come most of our " prescription antibiotics " . > JMHO. But opinions, humble or not, have no place when health and life are on the line. Facts are absolutely essential. > For example they have just declared teenage rebellion > as a disease for which a drug is prescribed that drugs > these kids into submission !!!! I am totally outraged > over this one. Not only that if the parents don't > agree to drug their kids the parents can either be put in > jail and/or the kids moved to foster homes where the > drugs will be administered without parental consent. > THIS is totally scary. What next? Absolutely with you on this one! The psych field is absolutely out of control. I was talking to a friend who got her degree in psychology and made the statement: " If the standards of proof which pass in psychology were accepted in the field of medicine, we'd have respected doctors at reputable hospitals still bleeding people to cure what ails them. " She thought for a moment, and then said quietly, " I guess you're right . . . " Dove wrote: > Until you have had a teenage child that is either bi-polar > or clinically depressed I think your may want to carefully > word your " drugged into submission " arguments. I've worked with too many kids forcibly stoned on Ritalin and its ilk to believe there's any justification for drugging kids into submission (and yes, I agree with Zoe's assessment). I've battled clinical depression on my own enough to know that it's not a disorder for drug treatment either. Bipolar I haven't experienced firsthand, but I've a sneaking suspicion that the shrinks are lying about that one too. Caitilin wrote: > The only thing so far to keep my problems wiht acid reflux > under control is nexium. Which is, of course, what it's intended for. I think it's ridiculous (as I said in my other reply) that his doctor prescribed an antacid for an ulcer! > And I for one am getting a bit fed up with the idea that > KT can cure all, is a panacea to all ills, and big pharma > is the devil incarnate. Dove wrote: > I couldn't agree more! Thank you Caitilin for speaking up. Preach it, sistahs! *grin* I mistrust any claim to panacea, largely because there is NOTHING that can cure as many things as kombucha or anything else of the sort is claimed to cure. Kombucha has its uses (and I drink a couple gallons of it a week!), but the " cure for all evils " isn't one of them. Dove wrote: > So far on this list I've read KT not a drug but a super > food and therefore can be safely fed to infants and family > pets. A few days later I read that KT is a powerful > alternative medication. hmmm... Well, you'll be safest treating it as a food, not a drug. It provides a good complement of vitamins, quite a bit of proteins, and antioxidants somewhat in excess of those naturally present in the tea from which it's derived > Personally I would take the same care with infants and KT > and you should with honey. Not sure about that one myself. It should be safe as is yoghurt. Honey is dangerous not because it has _bacteria_ in general, but because a large percentage of unpasteurized honey samples contain Clostridium botulinum spores. The acidity and alcohol content of kombucha discourages their growth. Honey is only antibiotic due to the fact that it's a supersaturated solution, and thus dessiccates anything in it by osmosis. > I still take medication for high cholesterol, we three > still have gray hair and I still have age spots from my > younger days of fun in the sun that, much to my > disappointment, show no signs of fading. But you're not keeping the faith! If you would stop taking your prescription medicine, you'd be blessed by the disappearance of age spots and the recovery of your original hair colour! *stops being silly* > (Quick somebody save me from my soapbox or I just may > continue and offend the entire list) Oh, don't worry about it. *grin* I've offended most of the folks on the list at one point or another, I'm sure, with my desire to slaughter sacred cows. They're all great people though, and haven't held it against me. Cheers! > > On hue, Mar 4, 2008 at 4:41 AM, <nScript@...> wrote: > > > Right on Zoe, We have all heard those silly commercials for new drugs > > with > > the list of horrible side effects! Speaking of taking pills to " cure " : > > doctor had prescribed Nexium for my stomach a while back and all it did > > was make > > me sick and feel worse. They said I either had an ulcer or was working on > > one...not sure why they could not have been more definite, seeing how many > > > > tests they put me through...all I know is that I was so nauseated that I > > could > > not eat, or had to force myself to. Anyway, I stopped taking the pills and > > > > started to drink KT and never felt better in my life. I got lazy with > > taking > > care of so many Kombuchas and stopped drinking and brewing it for 6 > > months. > > Guess what? The stomach ailments came back, doctor told me I *had* to take > > the > > Nexium to heal my stomach. Was on it for 2 days and I had to stop I had > > such severe pain from the pills. I told doctor about KT, she never heard > > of it. > > I've been drinking KT again every day for about 6 weeks now and feel a > > great improvement with my stomach and I hope to get back to where I was > > before I > > stopped drinking it. So much for doctors and their pills! > > > > > > > > **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & > > Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 > Awww, , Where is your imagination? *grin* I left it under my pillow this morning so it wouldn't get damaged out here in the real world . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 > Awww, , Where is your imagination? *grin* I left it under my pillow this morning so it wouldn't get damaged out here in the real world . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 Yes, and if said ulcer is caused by said bacteria - heliobacter pylori, thats great and dandy. I have ulcers and i've tested negative for them, from a sample taken within my stomach. btw, 3 gram of antibiotics a day (2 amoxicillin, 1 another i forget) is not 'mild', it wreaks havoc on the system. Caitilin On Tue, Mar 4, 2008 at 6:58 PM, Beckman <sehrgut@...> wrote: > wrote: > > > They said I either had an ulcer or was working on > > one...not sure why they could not have been more > > definite, seeing how many tests they put me through. > > That's ridiculous, since the cause of ulcers was > demonstrated in the mid-90s (against stiff opposition from > the medical community) to be infection by Helicobacter > pylori. A simple breath test (for ammonia) followed by a > culture can show whether or not you have an ulcer. > > He never should've prescribed an antacid if he suspected an > ulcer -- even though that's the traditional treatment. > Antacids make the stomach more hospitable for the bacteria, > so even though the symptom (pain) is reduced, digestion is > impaired (your stomach troubles) and the bacteria are given > free reign. > > > Anyway, I stopped taking the pills and started to drink > > KT and never felt better in my life. I got lazy with > > taking care of so many Kombuchas and stopped drinking and > > brewing it for 6 months. Guess what? The stomach > > ailments came back > > Sounds like the " good guys " in the KT were probably helping > against the infection to some degree, but were not able to > vanquish the infection, so once their influence was removed, > the H. pylori was able to muster again in full force. (I > love using military analogies with my probiotics . . . I > call them my " guerilla fighters " . *grin*) > > > So much for doctors and their pills! > > So much for doctors not knowing which pill goes for what, > anyway. Ulcers should be treated with a short, mild > antibiotic regimen, and NEVER with antacids. That's akin to > treating brain cancer with aspirin: the pain stops, but the > problem's still there. > > > -- livejournal: http://wildchildcait.livejournal.com St drove the snakes out of Ireland. Caitilin drove them back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 That is exactly what they said I had a few years back: H -pylori, that they found through blood test. I didn't even know anything was wrong with me other than excessive hunger. They said if I *did not* get it treated, it " could " lead to an ulcer. I had it treated immediately. They gave me an antibiotic and said it was gone. It wasn't until after they said it was gone that I started really having stomach trouble and they gave me Carafate and Nexium. Nobody ever said I *had* an ulcer until this last doctor told me I " needed Nexium to heal my ulcer " , and I have no idea what she was basing her statements on. Also told me that H-pylori never leaves the system and I could do the breathing in balloon test til the cows come home and it will always show in the system once you have had it in your system. All I know is that I drink 4-6 oz of KT daily and after a little over a month back on it, I feel much better. Again, just my experience. **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 go for it!!!!! Don Re: Is KT dangerous? " ... I for one am getting a bit fed up with the idea that KT can cure all, is a panacea to all ills, and big pharma is the devil incarnate... . " I couldn't agree more! Thank you Caitilin for speaking up. So far on this list I've read KT not a drug but a super food and therefore can be safely fed to infants and family pets. A few days later I read that KT is a powerful alternative medication. hmmm... Enthusiastic and well meaning (yet unqualified in pediatric or veterinary care) cheer people forward in what may be a dangerous direction. Personally I would take the same care with infants and KT and you should with honey. Having said all that... let me say: " I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health.... " I believe in the benefits or drinking the brew, I give my elderly diabetic mother a small glass of KT daily, my husband drinks it, as do I. I still take medication for high cholesterol, we three still have gray hair and I still have age spots from my younger days of fun in the sun that, much to my disappointment, show no signs of fading. (Quick somebody save me from my soapbox or I just may continue and offend the entire list) In all things let your moderation be known..... Dove -- It's not easy being a locavore Interesting - informative links Honey and Infant Botulism http://www.drgreene .com/21_825. html Pets & people food http://www.aspca. org/site/ PageServer? pagename= pro_apcc_ ask_peoplefood & s_state=wine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2008 Report Share Posted March 4, 2008 > > > Awww, , Where is your imagination? > > *grin* I left it under my pillow this morning so it wouldn't get > damaged out here in the real world . . . > *Smile* that is so cute. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 > Yes and I should be equally free to be critical of it. .... > Are we > against critical thinking here? .... I'm saying I believe > in looking at things with a critical eye. > > you want your right to post your thought and experiences? Sure, but I want > mine too. > > Anything else is simple censoring. Hear, hear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 > > Of course you have a right.. just don't put down other's opinions because they have had a very positive experience and want to do everything natural. To each his own. That's all I'm sayin'. She was saying she has a right to critique. In a public forum where discussions putting health on the line take place, such freedom is essential. One can't allow oneself to become offended simply because another doesn't " take your word for it " . Honest critique of an idea isn't " putting down other's opinions " , but on this list it's generally treated as such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 , my point was that just because there are people here who love KT and think that it has taken care of many health issues for them, it shouldn't be a source of criticism. You cannot argue with someone else's personal experience. It happened to THEM. So when someone comes here and starts saying that members of the group are calling it a " cure-all " ... well, yes, it does seem like rude criticism and not just a friendly critique. Putting harsh words into the mouths of people who never said them (I personally have never heard anyone here on the OK group call KT a cure-all - have you?) is just rude. I would never expect someone to " take my word for it " nor do I believe that anyone else in this group is that naive either. This is a moot point. People will say what they want to say. I just think throwing around generalizations like " cure-all " stirs up contention which, I for one, would like to avoid. Thanks for your opinions, . We all appreciate them, whether we agree or not! LOL Re: Is KT dangerous? > > Of course you have a right.. just don't put down other's opinions because they have had a very positive experience and want to do everything natural. To each his own. That's all I'm sayin'. She was saying she has a right to critique. In a public forum where discussions putting health on the line take place, such freedom is essential. One can't allow oneself to become offended simply because another doesn't " take your word for it " . Honest critique of an idea isn't " putting down other's opinions " , but on this list it's generally treated as such. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.21.6/1315 - Release Date: 3/6/2008 9:07 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 Caitilin, Are you in Netherlands or USA? Other Dutch girl in Texas _____ From: kombucha tea [mailto:kombucha tea ] On Behalf Of Caitilin Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:54 PM kombucha tea Subject: Re: Is KT dangerous? , My first tongue is dutch. My second is English. I suspect that is latin but Latin is not amongst my scholarly achievements. Please translate? Cheers Caitilin On Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 9:52 PM, Kane <brainnake (DOT) <mailto:brainnake%40.co.uk> co.uk> wrote: > Caitlin, > Nil illigitimae carborundum. > > > N. England. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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