Re: Strong effect of Kombucha

July 14, 2008

Hi , while many of us just drink the amount of kt that our bodies

crave, but in this case and particularly if you haven't been drinking kt

for very long (not sure how long you have been drinking it) I would

highly recommend that you take it slowly, as you may go through some

extreme detoxification symptoms such as headaches, nausea, zits,

tiredness, etc. If you don't take it fairly slowly, the body will try

to remove the toxins through whatever method it can. You want to have

it removed through your urine, not all of the above symptoms, so- #1.

Drink PLENTY of fresh water with it, particularly since this is a very

vinegary batch. #2. I usually recommend that when it has turned this

much to vinegar, that it is used as vinegar: normally you would use raw

apple cider vinegar in tablespoon amounts or less, and more than likely

teaspoons, often in water. This is what I would highly recommend for

this sour of a batch. I feel that you can really have some problems, if

you just guzzle down a lot of this particular batch. Perhaps some of

the " gurus " could help out on this one. Jeani

>

> Well, my last batch I brewed for 4 weeks because I was switching from

a

> one gallon container to a 2.5 gallon container and I also just got

busy

> and forgot. In fact, I thought it had only been 3 weeks, but since I

> had written the date on the container when I brewed it, I found out it

> had actually been 4!

>

> In any event, the brew came out so strong that the first drink or two

> that I take is quite a shock to the mouth and throat. Its definitely

so

> strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I notice

> that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the

rest

> with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the glass

> down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much of

> this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink it, suck

it

> down, yummmmmmm! " .

>

> From what I've seen around here, some people on the high end seem to

> drink 16-32 ounces per day of KT, but I don't know how strong they

brew

> it. I've seen others mention that when their brew is too strong, they

> water it down with filtered water or fruit juice. I know that KT and

> ACV both help make your body's environment more alkaline. Is it

> possible to get too alkaline?

>

> Thanks

>

July 14, 2008

Here is some information I found online that may be helpful: an

over-fermented probiotic (higher in acetic acid) may overburden the

stomachï¿½s digestive juices. Here's why. The acidic pH aids the

stomachï¿½s digestive juices and helps break down food and relieve

stagnation. Acetic Acid from Kombucha and Lactic Acid from kefir are all

weak acids. When ingested, they react with minerals such as Calcium,

Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium in the body tissue and blood, to form

alkalies. This reaction is termed Alkaline-forming foods. That is how an

acetic kombucha tea actually helps alkalize the body. However you have

to be very careful in not over

<http://www.happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS & Category=64\

> doing this. An excess will rob your body of ionic minerals. A cup or

two is fine, but large amounts of these acids are not a good idea. How

much is too much? It is a relative term. For a normal healthy adult the

amount is thought to be 4-8 fluid ounces daily. (see Drug interactions)

<http://happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD & ProdID=253#Drug\

_and_Food_Interaction> . This amount appears to be comparable to another

popular folk remedy - Apple-Cider Vinegar. The most often repeated

recommended dosage for ACV is one spoonful daily. The reason is that

typically ACV is 5 % acetic acid - almost 5 times that of Kombucha Tea.

There are other differences but our focus here is on the acetic acid.

Kombucha tea is far less leeching (a common AMA complaint) and kombucha,

because it is alkaline forming, will not create acidosis in a healthy

individual. If it does it is far more indicative of a deeper more

serious disorder.

note that the caution on acidosis, and possible bad lactic acid have

never been linked to Kombucha Tea. (see the FDA and CDC A website linked

below) and not all kombucha tea contains lactic acid. If it does it is

in the form of D-lactic Acid (+). see Kombucha and Body Building

<http://happyherbalist.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD & ProdID=253#KOMB\

UCHA_ & _BODY_BUILDING_> below. The CAUTION is to be careful in not over

doing this. Drinking too much Kombucha Tea, or over-fermenting your

Kombucha Tea will rob your body of ionic minerals -- if in excess...

That balance is individual specific and a great many factors have to be

considered before one could make a proper determination.

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/TPMUSHRM.html

<http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/TPMUSHRM.html>

http://www.cdc.gov/search.do?action=search & queryText=kombucha

<http://www.cdc.gov/search.do?action=search & queryText=kombucha>

You can purchase a ph tester from Happy Herbalist online, if you would

like.

>

> Well, my last batch I brewed for 4 weeks because I was switching from

a

> one gallon container to a 2.5 gallon container and I also just got

busy

> and forgot. In fact, I thought it had only been 3 weeks, but since I

> had written the date on the container when I brewed it, I found out it

> had actually been 4!

>

> In any event, the brew came out so strong that the first drink or two

> that I take is quite a shock to the mouth and throat. Its definitely

so

> strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I notice

> that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the

rest

> with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the glass

> down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much of

> this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink it, suck

it

> down, yummmmmmm! " .

>

> From what I've seen around here, some people on the high end seem to

> drink 16-32 ounces per day of KT, but I don't know how strong they

brew

> it. I've seen others mention that when their brew is too strong, they

> water it down with filtered water or fruit juice. I know that KT and

> ACV both help make your body's environment more alkaline. Is it

> possible to get too alkaline?

>

> Thanks

>

July 14, 2008

Thats so funny to hear someone else say that- I was craving something

last night- kept opening cabinets,

refrigerator over and over- then it hit me KOMBUCHA!!!! I had a brew

that was on its second ferment

but not quite ready- didn't care- sucked down two mason jars of it and

then was fine!!! Lord what

an addict I have become- I feel like I should be ashamed of it -

ADDICTED to KT!!! lol

Got to have it- my body truly CRAVES it!!!

Cheryl in Altanta

Byrd wrote:

> strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I notice

> that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the rest

> with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the glass

> down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much of

> this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink it, suck it

> down, yummmmmmm! " .

>

July 14, 2008

I wouldn't classify it as being addicted to kt, sometimes your body just

knows what it needs: sometimes I'll want to drink a lot in a day because

my body needs it, and sometimes only a cup, and on occassion non at all

that day, in which case I don't force my body to drink it just because I

know it is healthy for me. Sometimes you just need tolisten to your

instincts, but I am a little cautious with this if it is extremely

acidic to the point of actual vinegar. Each body is different, and will

need or want different amounts than others. Jeani

> > strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I

notice

> > that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the

rest

> > with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the

glass

> > down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much

of

> > this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink it, suck

it

> > down, yummmmmmm! " .

> >

>

July 15, 2008

Does anyone know how long it takes KT to be absorbed into the system? I

decided I was drinking too much yesterday (or that my brew was too

strong after 4 weeks) and haven't drank any more since yesterday

morning, but I started to feel very flush last night, like I have a

fever, but my temperature is fine. My abdomen feels like I've had a

really spicy meal and is mildly burning. I'm figuring its a detox

symptom, and am wondering how long such things last. I'm still feeling

flush the next morning, although its not necessarily worse.

July 15, 2008

Try uppping your water intake, .

Gayle

Re: Strong effect of Kombucha

>

> Does anyone know how long it takes KT to be absorbed into the system? I

> decided I was drinking too much yesterday (or that my brew was too

> strong after 4 weeks) and haven't drank any more since yesterday

> morning, but I started to feel very flush last night, like I have a

> fever, but my temperature is fine. My abdomen feels like I've had a

> really spicy meal and is mildly burning. I'm figuring its a detox

> symptom, and am wondering how long such things last. I'm still feeling

> flush the next morning, although its not necessarily worse.

>

July 15, 2008

Thanks, Gayle I probably don't drink enough as it is, at least not

the '8 glasses a day'...

On a side note, all I seem to see about KT on the internet is anecdotal

reports. Does anyone know of any actual research done on KT and its

effects? I like drinking it anyway and think it must be good for me

because at least its not Coca-Cola!

Also, someone said yesterday that the sugar is usually fermented by the

17th day. I'm assuming that's with about 1.25 cups/gallon? After the

sugar is used up, does that mean there's no more glucuronic acid being

formed? Because people were talking about the KT becoming vinegar if

you let it go too long, but if it runs out of sugar at 17 days, doesn't

that mean there's a limit to how strong it can get?

Thanks

July 15, 2008

...I don't personally know of any conclusive clinical studies.

And as things are, I don't want there to be!

All we would need would be for one of the government's officious arms to

decide that this stuff really does work, and then decide to regulate it's

production and/or distribution!!!

My opinion only....

Gayle

Re: Strong effect of Kombucha

>

> Thanks, Gayle I probably don't drink enough as it is, at least not

> the '8 glasses a day'...

>

> On a side note, all I seem to see about KT on the internet is anecdotal

> reports. Does anyone know of any actual research done on KT and its

> effects? I like drinking it anyway and think it must be good for me

> because at least its not Coca-Cola!

>

> Also, someone said yesterday that the sugar is usually fermented by the

> 17th day. I'm assuming that's with about 1.25 cups/gallon? After the

> sugar is used up, does that mean there's no more glucuronic acid being

> formed? Because people were talking about the KT becoming vinegar if

> you let it go too long, but if it runs out of sugar at 17 days, doesn't

> that mean there's a limit to how strong it can get?

>

> Thanks

>

July 15, 2008

haha, Gayle, I absolutely agree with you there They do like to

regulate anything that might interfere with profits of the big

corporations and drug companies!

has anyone had low-grade fever as a detox symptom?

G S Marks wrote:

>

> ...I don't personally know of any conclusive clinical studies.

>

> And as things are, I don't want there to be!

>

> All we would need would be for one of the government's officious arms to

> decide that this stuff really does work, and then decide to regulate it's

> production and/or distribution!!!

>

> My opinion only....

>

> Gayle

>

July 15, 2008

Hiya ,

I had that and it lasted about a day and a half!

Re: Strong effect of Kombucha

haha, Gayle, I absolutely agree with you there They do like to

regulate anything that might interfere with profits of the big

corporations and drug companies!

has anyone had low-grade fever as a detox symptom?

G S Marks wrote:

>

> ...I don't personally know of any conclusive clinical studies.

>

> And as things are, I don't want there to be!

>

> All we would need would be for one of the government's officious arms to

> decide that this stuff really does work, and then decide to regulate it's

> production and/or distribution!!!

>

> My opinion only....

>

> Gayle

>

July 15, 2008

Thanks, Don! I'm going to take it easier on the KT from now on!

Don Mandeville wrote:

>

> Hiya ,

>

> I had that and it lasted about a day and a half!

>

July 16, 2008

Hi and EveryOne,

If you are drinking KT that has been fermenting for four weeks it is

probably too strongly acidic for your system. Perhaps you meant using

the Continuous Fermentation method, so that some of it is four weeks

and some a few days?

In any case, there is no real advantage to having your KT very acidic

like vinegar unless you have Diabetes or need to avoid any sugar

whatsoever. Some people with Diabetes can drink regular KT and don't

need to let it ferment till all the sugar is gone....if you do dink it

as KT vinegar then it would probably be best to dilute it a few

tablespoons of KT in a glass of water.

Drinking more water will probably help for now, but try drinking your

KT more on the sweet-sour side rather than like vinegar if possible.

I highly recommend Guenther 's book: Kombucha: Healthy Beverage

and Natural Rememdy from the Far East as an excellent book about

Kombucha which also includes some research studies. There is also a

file of Kombucha research online in the FILES section of the list

homepage...

remember it is also possible that Kombucha is not the cause of the

issues you are having...just because two things occur at the same time

doesn't mean one caused the other:-))

Peace, Love and Harmony,

Bev

-- In kombucha tea , Byrd <george.byrd@...>

wrote:

>

> Thanks, Gayle I probably don't drink enough as it is, at least not

> the '8 glasses a day'...

>

> On a side note, all I seem to see about KT on the internet is anecdotal

> reports. Does anyone know of any actual research done on KT and its

> effects? I like drinking it anyway and think it must be good for me

> because at least its not Coca-Cola!

>

> Also, someone said yesterday that the sugar is usually fermented by the

> 17th day. I'm assuming that's with about 1.25 cups/gallon? After the

> sugar is used up, does that mean there's no more glucuronic acid being

> formed? Because people were talking about the KT becoming vinegar if

> you let it go too long, but if it runs out of sugar at 17 days, doesn't

> that mean there's a limit to how strong it can get?

>

> Thanks

>

July 16, 2008

Hi Bev,

Thanks so much for your reply! I definitely agree that two things

happening at the same time does not equal cause and effect! In this

case, I was just a little concerned because everyone was saying to

dilute the KT and only take a tablespoon or two, and I was drinking 8

ounces at a time straight (no dilution) for a week! In the end, I'm not

sure the problem I was having was caused by the KT or by my own stress,

but certainly I was concerned. I seem to be feeling much better today

and I haven't had KT in 48 hours. I'm going to let it clear my system

for a week and then start drinking my new batch, which has only been

brewing 10 days now. I really, truly love the taste of the KT and I'm

quite sure its good for the health!

In the end, if I'd had some PH test strips I could know exactly how

strong my KT is, couldn't I? Perhaps I'll buy some. I know its a

matter of taste how long people brew, but in situations like this where

I'm not sure and I don't want to overdo it, knowing the PH might help me

know when to dilute or drink less.

Thanks so much everyone for all of your support This is such a

terrific forum. I have seen the same questions asked over and over

again by different people over just the past 3 months, and each time

someone is around to help. I think that's great patience and exactly

what people need. Sometimes hearing an answer from a person is much

more reassuring than just reading a web-page somewhere!

You are all great!

yoganandaom wrote:

>

> Hi and EveryOne,

>

> If you are drinking KT that has been fermenting for four weeks it is

> probably too strongly acidic for your system. Perhaps you meant using

> the Continuous Fermentation method, so that some of it is four weeks

> and some a few days?

>

> In any case, there is no real advantage to having your KT very acidic

> like vinegar unless you have Diabetes or need to avoid any sugar

> whatsoever. Some people with Diabetes can drink regular KT and don't

> need to let it ferment till all the sugar is gone....if you do dink it

> as KT vinegar then it would probably be best to dilute it a few

> tablespoons of KT in a glass of water.

>

> Drinking more water will probably help for now, but try drinking your

> KT more on the sweet-sour side rather than like vinegar if possible.

>

> I highly recommend Guenther 's book: Kombucha: Healthy Beverage

> and Natural Rememdy from the Far East as an excellent book about

> Kombucha which also includes some research studies. There is also a

> file of Kombucha research online in the FILES section of the list

> homepage...

>

> remember it is also possible that Kombucha is not the cause of the

> issues you are having...just because two things occur at the same time

> doesn't mean one caused the other:-))

>

> Peace, Love and Harmony,

> Bev

>

> --

>

July 16, 2008

Hi and EveryOne,

Since 1994 I've been drinking Kombucha daily at about the equally

sweet-sour stage...which for me, is a 7 day ferment. If I let it go

ten days I can still drink it but do not enjoy it as much. Why not try

it a sooner than 10 or more, days and see if it isn't easier on your

digestive system. Mine would really be annoyed at me if I drank sour

KT all the time, but then everyone is unique and so everyone has to

discover for themselves what works best in our own particular bodies.

Happy, healthy brewing!

Peace, Love and Harmony,

Bev

> >

> > Hi and EveryOne,

> >

> > If you are drinking KT that has been fermenting for four weeks it is

> > probably too strongly acidic for your system. Perhaps you meant using

> > the Continuous Fermentation method, so that some of it is four weeks

> > and some a few days?

> >

> > In any case, there is no real advantage to having your KT very acidic

> > like vinegar unless you have Diabetes or need to avoid any sugar

> > whatsoever. Some people with Diabetes can drink regular KT and don't

> > need to let it ferment till all the sugar is gone....if you do dink it

> > as KT vinegar then it would probably be best to dilute it a few

> > tablespoons of KT in a glass of water.

> >

> > Drinking more water will probably help for now, but try drinking your

> > KT more on the sweet-sour side rather than like vinegar if possible.

> >

> > I highly recommend Guenther 's book: Kombucha: Healthy Beverage

> > and Natural Rememdy from the Far East as an excellent book about

> > Kombucha which also includes some research studies. There is also a

> > file of Kombucha research online in the FILES section of the list

> > homepage...

> >

> > remember it is also possible that Kombucha is not the cause of the

> > issues you are having...just because two things occur at the same time

> > doesn't mean one caused the other:-))

> >

> > Peace, Love and Harmony,

> > Bev

> >

> > --

> >

>

October 14, 2008

I am relating to this earlier post...I have been wondering if I am

getting addicted to KT. I need it of an afternoon really bad

especially after getting off of coffee.

Whatcha all think??

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Peace~

Betsy

> > > strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I

> notice

> > > that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the

> rest

> > > with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the

> glass

> > > down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much

> of

> > > this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink it, suck

> it

> > > down, yummmmmmm! " .

> > >

> >

>

October 14, 2008

Yeah...see this is what I was talking about in the post I made this

last weekend about becoming dependent on the stuff. People say it

brings great benefits, but then when they stop for a period, they

" crave " it. There are a number of people talking about the benefits

of the stuff, and how they feel when they are not drinking it...I

can't help but think the body is used to such a big help from the

stuff, that it's more vulnerable when not drinking it. There are a

number of examples that come to mind. Many drugs are out there (some

natural, some not) that are taken to help, or counteract the bodies

inabilities to deal with certain variables. The body becomes used to

this though, and becomes less efficient at carrying out the specific

process itself. I don't mean to say all of this to discount the

awesome benefits of the stuff, too much of anything (even good things)

can be bad...just how much (or how long taken) is too much? It's

looking like nobody really knows. I myself crave the stuff sometimes

and haven't been drinking it for that long...so until I hear

otherwise, I'm gonna' be a little wary of it.

It's really cool to hear all the success stories though, and I

still love the stuff...I'm in the process of making my first batch

right now.

cheers

> > > > strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I

> > notice

> > > > that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck down the

> > rest

> > > > with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the

> > glass

> > > > down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink too much

> > of

> > > > this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink

it, suck

> > it

> > > > down, yummmmmmm! " .

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

October 14, 2008

In message <gd2veu+tb37eGroups> you wrote:

> I am relating to this earlier post...I have been wondering if I am

> getting addicted to KT. I need it of an afternoon really bad

> especially after getting off of coffee.

>

> Whatcha all think??

>

> Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi Betsy,

Do you get addicted to water, to the daily food you eat (I am not talking

about indulging a sweet tooth here ;-) ?

Well, Kombucha is classified as probiotic FOOD.

Consume it daily, according to how much you want to drink,

then just enjoy it. Don't feel guilty if you have the odd break

from it either. If your body says 'drink it', obey. If you don't

feel like drinking any, o.k.!

Kombucha is your friend, a fantastic balancing food which is

also energising and which carries the goodness of the tea you make it with.

It's altogether nicely addictive ... Yum! But not in the medical sense.

It's just so nice!! One of the highlights of the day to relax with!

Enjoy it and put worries aside.

Worrying is unhealthy!

Enjoy your KT!

Margret:-) UK

--

+------------------ Minstrel@... --------------------+

<)))<>< http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk <)))<><

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

http://www.AnswersInGenesis.com

Life is what happens to you when you make other plans.

October 14, 2008

Please see Margret's reply...

I can add that when I am eating most healthfully, I feel less of an urge to

drink Kombucha.

When my day is full of fruits and vegetables and a good protein....

One may wish to examine one's intake of other foods and beverages and try to

see why your body is saying it needs something to balance it out...

Just a thought....

Gayle

Re: Strong effect of Kombucha

> Yeah...see this is what I was talking about in the post I made this

> last weekend about becoming dependent on the stuff. People say it

> brings great benefits, but then when they stop for a period, they

> " crave " it. There are a number of people talking about the benefits

> of the stuff, and how they feel when they are not drinking it...I

> can't help but think the body is used to such a big help from the

> stuff, that it's more vulnerable when not drinking it. There are a

> number of examples that come to mind. Many drugs are out there (some

> natural, some not) that are taken to help, or counteract the bodies

> inabilities to deal with certain variables. The body becomes used to

> this though, and becomes less efficient at carrying out the specific

> process itself. I don't mean to say all of this to discount the

> awesome benefits of the stuff, too much of anything (even good things)

> can be bad...just how much (or how long taken) is too much? It's

> looking like nobody really knows. I myself crave the stuff sometimes

> and haven't been drinking it for that long...so until I hear

> otherwise, I'm gonna' be a little wary of it.

> It's really cool to hear all the success stories though, and I

> still love the stuff...I'm in the process of making my first batch

> right now.

> cheers

>

October 14, 2008

This " addiction " could simply be psychological and just in someone's

head, so I would consider this idea as well.

Charlie

> > > > > strong I feel like I should only drink half a glass. However, I

> > > notice

> > > > > that after I've had 2-3 drinks of it, I just want to suck

down the

> > > rest

> > > > > with this really strong compulsion. I've actually had to set the

> > > glass

> > > > > down and walk away from it because I didn't want to drink

too much

> > > of

> > > > > this really strong brew, and yet my body was saying, " drink

> it, suck

> > > it

> > > > > down, yummmmmmm! " .

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

October 14, 2008

Hi ,

This is getting complicated now!

You can get addicted to caffeine. We do know that. I do not think it is used up

during the fermentation process. The reasons being the stories we hear of people

getting " addicted " to kombucha. Rather I think it is the caffeine in the kt.

Caffeine affects people's bodies differently. Some are affected much more than

others. Because the caffiene in kt is a relatively small amount, therefore some

people don't feel a craving for it.

You have a right to be worried about caffeine in your kt... at least if that

amount will affect you. Caffeine is a drug. It pushes your body and makes it run

when it otherwise couldn't. I do drink coffee occasionally, but if I drink it a

couple times a day, then the next day I feel like I need some more to get me

going. And the longer you keep it up, the more you depend on it. Pretty simple,

right?

I, personally, am not affected by any caffeine there may be in kombucha. I would

wellcome any good research proving that it is used up in the brewing process.

Just remember , if you would get addicted to it, it will be because of the

caffeine and not the probiotics. Your body needs probiotics. So, once again, if

you stop drinking kt, your body will decline more rapidly, BUT WILL NOT BE WORSE

THAN YOU WERE BEFORE YOU STARTED. So in one sense, yes your body will depen on

it, but not in a bad way. Not like caffeine.

Hey , good luck on your first batch.

Rodrick- ready to bottle my second gallon for today.