Re: Scared to drink Kombucha now

[Guest guest]

I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of my kombucha

lately and I'd love to know why

I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not normally

squeamish about foods!

>

> So, are these authors off their rockers? Should I ignore these warnings? I'm

wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this dangerous

concoction now?

[Guest guest]

I get aggravated about this. the production of ketones is primarily a byproduct

of alcohol production. we all know there is a little alcohol in Kombucha, but

not much. It has helped with my candida tremendously, and I have CFIDS. nothing

else has worked as well. When I read a book like this I know that big pharma is

behind it. These people should stick to their drugs that kill hundreds of

thousands a year, and leave natural medicine and fermented foods to those of us

that enjoy them. These types of scare tactics are how they keep the critically

ill from trying something that will not line their pockets. Ed

[Guest guest]

I get aggravated about this. the production of ketones is primarily a byproduct

of alcohol production. we all know there is a little alcohol in Kombucha, but

not much. It has helped with my candida tremendously, and I have CFIDS. nothing

else has worked as well. When I read a book like this I know that big pharma is

behind it. These people should stick to their drugs that kill hundreds of

thousands a year, and leave natural medicine and fermented foods to those of us

that enjoy them. These types of scare tactics are how they keep the critically

ill from trying something that will not line their pockets. Ed

[Guest guest]

The KT should never be " sealed " in any event, whether in or out of the fridge.

You should have a piece of cloth or cheesecloth, secured by a gumband (rubber

band) on the top. Or, at least, some plastic wrap with holes poked in it.

Any fermentation can always build up gases.

I'll have to check out that book. I've never heard of it.

But, it sounds more like they're looking at worst-case scenarios, possibly even

theoretical ones. The ladies who teach classes on kombucha-making around here

both give it to their kids, and they both drank it during their pregnancies. One

of these women was born in Russia, where virtually everyone makes it and drinks

it.

These ladies now have their own local company. I'll try to get a link, if that's

permitted in this group. Otherwise, just email me privately.

Thanks,

From: Nita Bowman <aware8@...>

Subject: Scared to drink Kombucha now

kombucha tea

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 9:38 PM

 

Hi everyone,

I apologize if these questions have been answered. I have not been able to use

the family computer to read my kombucha messages lately. I have just finished

reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's All About by Alana Pascal

and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very strict on it's use and emphasize

more than once that they don't want people to misuse KT and cause it to become

illegal. They recommend that children do not drink it, that adults not have

more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised), always drink before meals, and that it

is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days because of acetone

(ketone bodies) damaging the kidneys!

They also recommend that people with candida infections DO NOT USE KOMBUCHA. I

thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

And for the final scare: " If raising of alkaline phosphatase levels is the

mechanism Kombucha utilizes, it would follow that the EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA

COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER DISEASES, as well as diseases of the

pancreas, lung and bone. "

So, are these authors off their rockers? Should I ignore these warnings? I'm

wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this dangerous

concoction now? Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids

like it too. Also, I don't want to aggravate any yeast infections that we are

getting! and I have not been keeping track of the days it's in the fridge!

Mahalo,

Nita

I am now an affiliate of ErgoBaby. Click on the link below to purchase the Best

Baby r Ever!

http://www.ergobaby carrier.com/ 758.html

[Guest guest]

Another I've not been following.

Nita said ...

" I'm wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this

dangerous concoction now? "

then said ...

" I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not normally

squeamish about foods!

Would you like to try and explain why two liquids attacked and modified should

be safe for you while a different liquid attacked and altered by bacteria should

un-nerve you?

" I've been feeling instinctively wary of my kombucha lately and I'd love to know

why

"

Is it, perchance, that on the one hand you can see nothing other than milk or

maybe a clear(?) fluid (I've not experienced water Kefir 1st hand) Where-as you

can see " things " in KT and, on occasion, feel/taste them in your mouth. (I used

to strain KT to remove the chance of finding a " snotty thing " in my mouth

.

(UK)

________________________________

From: rebecca

Sent: Fri, 15 January, 2010 12:16:58

[Guest guest]

I also find it interesting that most (primarily in the States) question

kombucha or fermented, living foods/ drinks...but don't question what's in

their lotions and creams (skin= largest body organ), in their sodas (dyes,

kidney-- damaging toxins, artificial sweetners), and what's in their

condiments and sauces that they use so liberally...they don't question

what's in their tap water because their government tells them to drink and

be healthy!

yet they question kombucha, which has been around for Decades upon decades.

how long has Pepsi been around?

Splenda?

Burger king?

hmm...

just throwing that out there.

[snipped the overgrown tapeworm!]

[Guest guest]

I also find it interesting that most (primarily in the States) question

kombucha or fermented, living foods/ drinks...but don't question what's in

their lotions and creams (skin= largest body organ), in their sodas (dyes,

kidney-- damaging toxins, artificial sweetners), and what's in their

condiments and sauces that they use so liberally...they don't question

what's in their tap water because their government tells them to drink and

be healthy!

yet they question kombucha, which has been around for Decades upon decades.

how long has Pepsi been around?

Splenda?

Burger king?

hmm...

just throwing that out there.

[snipped the overgrown tapeworm!]

[Guest guest]

I also find it interesting that most (primarily in the States) question

kombucha or fermented, living foods/ drinks...but don't question what's in

their lotions and creams (skin= largest body organ), in their sodas (dyes,

kidney-- damaging toxins, artificial sweetners), and what's in their

condiments and sauces that they use so liberally...they don't question

what's in their tap water because their government tells them to drink and

be healthy!

yet they question kombucha, which has been around for Decades upon decades.

how long has Pepsi been around?

Splenda?

Burger king?

hmm...

just throwing that out there.

[snipped the overgrown tapeworm!]

[Guest guest]

..

Go to www.pubmed.gov (National Institutes of Health) and type " kombucha tea

toxicity " into the search engine.

The first is a case study of ***one*** AIDS patient who consumed kombucha

tea and became short of breath and feverish a few hours later. From that

ONE unscientific example, and taking no other factors into consideration,

the authors jumped to the conclusion that " While Kombucha tea is considered

a healthy elixir, the limited evidence currently available raises

considerable concern that it may pose serious health risks. Consumption of

this tea should be discouraged, as it may be associated with

life-threatening lactic acidosis. "

Scary, yes ... but you have to put it into perspective. The 21 year old had

AIDs. How does one know whether his reaction was due to kombucha or to his

altered immune system? Or even due to a high-risk lifestyle that very

likely could have included drug use?

The second case involved a study of rats fed black tea, enzyme processed

tea, and kombucha tea after being poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. In

that study, " Results showed that BT, ET, and KT have the potential to revert

the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. " In other words, all three teas are

liver-protective.

And the third involved rats poisoned with lead acetate. The authors of the

study concluded: " The results suggest that K-tea has potent antioxidant and

immunomodulating properties. " IOW, kombucha tea regulates your immune

system.

A fourth study of rats fed kombucha tea concluded, " The study indicates that

rats fed KT for 90 days showed no toxic effects. "

In another, several patients had reactions to kombucha. These episodes are

anecdotal (unscientific), so there's no way of telling whether the patients

had yeast allergies, or if the kombucha tea had brewed properly, or if it

had somehow gone bad.

Interestingly, the medical community is quick to discount anecdotal evidence

of supplements and natural therapies when they work. But on the occasions

when it appears not to work, they're just as quick to use their anecdotal

evidence to support claims of how harmful natural therapies are.

I guess you just have to do your own research, sift through the biases, and

form your own opinions.

My opinion is that if I had an adverse reaction to kombucha tea (and believe

me, I have plenty of other food allergies), then I certainly wouldn't

continue to drink it. That's just common sense. But I always feel better

after having it, and my research leads me to believe there are plenty of

positive results from consuming KT.

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

..

Go to www.pubmed.gov (National Institutes of Health) and type " kombucha tea

toxicity " into the search engine.

The first is a case study of ***one*** AIDS patient who consumed kombucha

tea and became short of breath and feverish a few hours later. From that

ONE unscientific example, and taking no other factors into consideration,

the authors jumped to the conclusion that " While Kombucha tea is considered

a healthy elixir, the limited evidence currently available raises

considerable concern that it may pose serious health risks. Consumption of

this tea should be discouraged, as it may be associated with

life-threatening lactic acidosis. "

Scary, yes ... but you have to put it into perspective. The 21 year old had

AIDs. How does one know whether his reaction was due to kombucha or to his

altered immune system? Or even due to a high-risk lifestyle that very

likely could have included drug use?

The second case involved a study of rats fed black tea, enzyme processed

tea, and kombucha tea after being poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. In

that study, " Results showed that BT, ET, and KT have the potential to revert

the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. " In other words, all three teas are

liver-protective.

And the third involved rats poisoned with lead acetate. The authors of the

study concluded: " The results suggest that K-tea has potent antioxidant and

immunomodulating properties. " IOW, kombucha tea regulates your immune

system.

A fourth study of rats fed kombucha tea concluded, " The study indicates that

rats fed KT for 90 days showed no toxic effects. "

In another, several patients had reactions to kombucha. These episodes are

anecdotal (unscientific), so there's no way of telling whether the patients

had yeast allergies, or if the kombucha tea had brewed properly, or if it

had somehow gone bad.

Interestingly, the medical community is quick to discount anecdotal evidence

of supplements and natural therapies when they work. But on the occasions

when it appears not to work, they're just as quick to use their anecdotal

evidence to support claims of how harmful natural therapies are.

I guess you just have to do your own research, sift through the biases, and

form your own opinions.

My opinion is that if I had an adverse reaction to kombucha tea (and believe

me, I have plenty of other food allergies), then I certainly wouldn't

continue to drink it. That's just common sense. But I always feel better

after having it, and my research leads me to believe there are plenty of

positive results from consuming KT.

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

..

Go to www.pubmed.gov (National Institutes of Health) and type " kombucha tea

toxicity " into the search engine.

The first is a case study of ***one*** AIDS patient who consumed kombucha

tea and became short of breath and feverish a few hours later. From that

ONE unscientific example, and taking no other factors into consideration,

the authors jumped to the conclusion that " While Kombucha tea is considered

a healthy elixir, the limited evidence currently available raises

considerable concern that it may pose serious health risks. Consumption of

this tea should be discouraged, as it may be associated with

life-threatening lactic acidosis. "

Scary, yes ... but you have to put it into perspective. The 21 year old had

AIDs. How does one know whether his reaction was due to kombucha or to his

altered immune system? Or even due to a high-risk lifestyle that very

likely could have included drug use?

The second case involved a study of rats fed black tea, enzyme processed

tea, and kombucha tea after being poisoned with carbon tetrachloride. In

that study, " Results showed that BT, ET, and KT have the potential to revert

the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. " In other words, all three teas are

liver-protective.

And the third involved rats poisoned with lead acetate. The authors of the

study concluded: " The results suggest that K-tea has potent antioxidant and

immunomodulating properties. " IOW, kombucha tea regulates your immune

system.

A fourth study of rats fed kombucha tea concluded, " The study indicates that

rats fed KT for 90 days showed no toxic effects. "

In another, several patients had reactions to kombucha. These episodes are

anecdotal (unscientific), so there's no way of telling whether the patients

had yeast allergies, or if the kombucha tea had brewed properly, or if it

had somehow gone bad.

Interestingly, the medical community is quick to discount anecdotal evidence

of supplements and natural therapies when they work. But on the occasions

when it appears not to work, they're just as quick to use their anecdotal

evidence to support claims of how harmful natural therapies are.

I guess you just have to do your own research, sift through the biases, and

form your own opinions.

My opinion is that if I had an adverse reaction to kombucha tea (and believe

me, I have plenty of other food allergies), then I certainly wouldn't

continue to drink it. That's just common sense. But I always feel better

after having it, and my research leads me to believe there are plenty of

positive results from consuming KT.

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

In message <3C452D190D8F48C1B805BCD31B0036F6@YOUR516F049C6C> you wrote:

> I have just finished reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's

> All About by Alana Pascal and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very

> strict on it's use and emphasize more than once that they don't want

> people to misuse KT and cause it to become illegal.

Hi, Nita, you most likely have dome yourself a disservice reading that

book. I am very glad that I have not wasted my time reading it!

Kombucha is not some weird kind of drug or hallucinogenic 'mushroom',

but a wonderful symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts specific to

Kombucha. There are many other similar cultures in very large fermentation

land - all of them healthy and good nourishment consumed with a bit of

common sense..

Kombucha has been our house drink for nigh unto 30 years and has only

been good for us and the people we've share it with

> They recommend that children do not drink it,

That is their weird opinion. My 6 children and I when pregnant have

always enjoyed the wonderous Tea Elixir.

More recently we have also added Kefir to the probiotic diet and must

state that the two drinks are brilliant and keep (amongst other things)

our gut very well funtioning!

> .. that adults not have more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised)

Well I am old enough to supervise myself ;-) and drink well beyond 8 oz,

and so does my husband! :-)

> ..., always drink before meals,

who says? I drink any time of the day, when I fancy a cup or more of KT!

> and that it is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days

My KT never sees a fridge! It is bottled in sealed bottles and kept at room

temperature for a while and then put into a cold pantry.

I have NEVER had an abnormality with my KT!

> I thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

Yes, it will, if consumed very acidic, with the sugar all consumed by

the culture during the fermentation process.

> ..... EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER

> DISEASES, as well as diseases of the pancreas, lung and bone. "

After maybe consuming how many bathfuls of KT? ;-)

> So, are these authors off their rockers?

Yes, absolutely! They are given to paranoia squared!! They don't seem to

have any healthy common sense at all, it seems!

> Should I ignore these warnings?

Well, you are free to make up your own mind, but as to me, I certainly

will ignore their crazy notions!

> I'm wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this

> dangerous concoction now?

'dangerous concoctions'? Oh dear, I think you've already been infected

with the paranoia of those guys. Just because somebody publishes things

in a book, does not make those things true. In fact, there are lots more

untruths published than truths....

> Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids like it

> too.

Ah, some sensible comment at last! ;-) If you want to know what I think

about soda (I think, we call it pop in the UK): YUK! There are few things

that are worse to drink than that rubbish! Diet soda is particularly

pernicious with all the artificial sweet chemical rubbish in it- otherwise,

with sugar, which is bad for overweight and especially yeast infection.

I so hope you will see the light, cast of unreasonable fear and just

ENJOY your Kombucha, which you and your family do anyway. Don't let

certain spoilsports dampen your enjoyment of the very healthy and

exceedingly lovely Kombucha Elixir.

Margret :-) (feeling lighter, after having written some ire off my soul!)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

.. as in Adam all die, in Christ shall all be made alive ..

[Guest guest]

In message <3C452D190D8F48C1B805BCD31B0036F6@YOUR516F049C6C> you wrote:

> I have just finished reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's

> All About by Alana Pascal and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very

> strict on it's use and emphasize more than once that they don't want

> people to misuse KT and cause it to become illegal.

Hi, Nita, you most likely have dome yourself a disservice reading that

book. I am very glad that I have not wasted my time reading it!

Kombucha is not some weird kind of drug or hallucinogenic 'mushroom',

but a wonderful symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts specific to

Kombucha. There are many other similar cultures in very large fermentation

land - all of them healthy and good nourishment consumed with a bit of

common sense..

Kombucha has been our house drink for nigh unto 30 years and has only

been good for us and the people we've share it with

> They recommend that children do not drink it,

That is their weird opinion. My 6 children and I when pregnant have

always enjoyed the wonderous Tea Elixir.

More recently we have also added Kefir to the probiotic diet and must

state that the two drinks are brilliant and keep (amongst other things)

our gut very well funtioning!

> .. that adults not have more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised)

Well I am old enough to supervise myself ;-) and drink well beyond 8 oz,

and so does my husband! :-)

> ..., always drink before meals,

who says? I drink any time of the day, when I fancy a cup or more of KT!

> and that it is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days

My KT never sees a fridge! It is bottled in sealed bottles and kept at room

temperature for a while and then put into a cold pantry.

I have NEVER had an abnormality with my KT!

> I thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

Yes, it will, if consumed very acidic, with the sugar all consumed by

the culture during the fermentation process.

> ..... EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER

> DISEASES, as well as diseases of the pancreas, lung and bone. "

After maybe consuming how many bathfuls of KT? ;-)

> So, are these authors off their rockers?

Yes, absolutely! They are given to paranoia squared!! They don't seem to

have any healthy common sense at all, it seems!

> Should I ignore these warnings?

Well, you are free to make up your own mind, but as to me, I certainly

will ignore their crazy notions!

> I'm wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this

> dangerous concoction now?

'dangerous concoctions'? Oh dear, I think you've already been infected

with the paranoia of those guys. Just because somebody publishes things

in a book, does not make those things true. In fact, there are lots more

untruths published than truths....

> Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids like it

> too.

Ah, some sensible comment at last! ;-) If you want to know what I think

about soda (I think, we call it pop in the UK): YUK! There are few things

that are worse to drink than that rubbish! Diet soda is particularly

pernicious with all the artificial sweet chemical rubbish in it- otherwise,

with sugar, which is bad for overweight and especially yeast infection.

I so hope you will see the light, cast of unreasonable fear and just

ENJOY your Kombucha, which you and your family do anyway. Don't let

certain spoilsports dampen your enjoyment of the very healthy and

exceedingly lovely Kombucha Elixir.

Margret :-) (feeling lighter, after having written some ire off my soul!)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

.. as in Adam all die, in Christ shall all be made alive ..

[Guest guest]

In message <hipmbq+hjmteGroups> you wrote:

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of

> my kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

, this is quite normal. From time to time I don't feel like

having KT and just don't drink it until my body feels like wanting it

again. Some believe that it is actually beneficial to have a break

from consumption now and again.

Same with milk kefir.

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

Listen to your body and don't worry!

All the best,

Margret (UK) :-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in

him and he in God. (1 4:15)

[Guest guest]

In message <hipmbq+hjmteGroups> you wrote:

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of

> my kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

, this is quite normal. From time to time I don't feel like

having KT and just don't drink it until my body feels like wanting it

again. Some believe that it is actually beneficial to have a break

from consumption now and again.

Same with milk kefir.

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

Listen to your body and don't worry!

All the best,

Margret (UK) :-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in

him and he in God. (1 4:15)

[Guest guest]

In message <hipmbq+hjmteGroups> you wrote:

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of

> my kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

, this is quite normal. From time to time I don't feel like

having KT and just don't drink it until my body feels like wanting it

again. Some believe that it is actually beneficial to have a break

from consumption now and again.

Same with milk kefir.

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

Listen to your body and don't worry!

All the best,

Margret (UK) :-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in

him and he in God. (1 4:15)

[Guest guest]

In message <63ec6c0a1001150836v4ef106f7q55dbd225593be09d@...> you

wrote:

> ..... how long has Pepsi been around?

> Splenda?

>

> Burger king?

>

> hmm...

>

> just throwing that out there.

Yes, , I couldn't agree more! You hit the nail on the head! :-)

Margret:-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

[Guest guest]

In message <63ec6c0a1001150836v4ef106f7q55dbd225593be09d@...> you

wrote:

> ..... how long has Pepsi been around?

> Splenda?

>

> Burger king?

>

> hmm...

>

> just throwing that out there.

Yes, , I couldn't agree more! You hit the nail on the head! :-)

Margret:-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

[Guest guest]

In message <63ec6c0a1001150836v4ef106f7q55dbd225593be09d@...> you

wrote:

> ..... how long has Pepsi been around?

> Splenda?

>

> Burger king?

>

> hmm...

>

> just throwing that out there.

Yes, , I couldn't agree more! You hit the nail on the head! :-)

Margret:-)

--

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

http://www.newlifederby.org.uk

http://www.therpc.f9.co.uk/family/scobygrow/home.html

http://bavarianminstrel.wordpress.com

creation.com

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

[Guest guest]

Nita, I've not read these authors, but I believe these are strict

interpretations that are not necessarily shared by others, even

some scientists who have studied kombucha. I believe that you

need to continue educating yourself, listen to experiences of those

who have used kombucha for years (such as those on this list), and

then make your own informed decisions.

I do know of an herbalist who has studied kombucha a lot, and he

agrees that children under the age of four should not drink

probiotic drinks, because he believes a child's immune system

should develop without outside influence. (But that's really

impossible, as everything in one's world influences growth and

development! For instance, children whose mothers are obsessive

about not allowing a kid to be around dirt may not develop an

appropriate resistance, as would one who ingests it.) That viewpoint

is in total contrast to several mothers on this list who posted

that their children grew up drinking kombucha, and are very healthy!

I do NOT think kombucha is dangerous, and I've been doing a lot

of reading and listening to others for a year regarding kt.

But that is my personal opinion. If anything, I feel the

opposite, and tell anyone I think might benefit from kombucha,

and I'm even teaching classes about how to make it.

I have read numerous anecdotes about folks who say that kombucha

HAS helped them with candida. (I've also read dire warnings, but

often from folks who seem to not have used kombucha.)

Unfortunately, little statistical data exists b/c there is so

much variation in kombucha brewing methods, etc. And anecdotal

info is just that... What's good for one person may harm another!

Not sure this helps your quest, but I encourage you to learn more

before you give up making kombucha!

Vicki in Orlando

>

> Hi everyone,

> I apologize if these questions have been answered. I have not been able to

use the family computer to read my kombucha messages lately. I have just

finished reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's All About by Alana

Pascal and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very strict on it's use and

emphasize more than once that they don't want people to misuse KT and cause it

to become illegal. They recommend that children do not drink it, that adults

not have more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised), always drink before meals,

and that it is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days because

of acetone (ketone bodies) damaging the kidneys!

>

> They also recommend that people with candida infections DO NOT USE KOMBUCHA.

I thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

>

> And for the final scare: " If raising of alkaline phosphatase levels is the

mechanism Kombucha utilizes, it would follow that the EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA

COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER DISEASES, as well as diseases of the

pancreas, lung and bone. "

>

> So, are these authors off their rockers? Should I ignore these warnings? I'm

wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this dangerous

concoction now? Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids

like it too. Also, I don't want to aggravate any yeast infections that we are

getting! and I have not been keeping track of the days it's in the fridge!

>

> Mahalo,

> Nita

[Guest guest]

Nita, I've not read these authors, but I believe these are strict

interpretations that are not necessarily shared by others, even

some scientists who have studied kombucha. I believe that you

need to continue educating yourself, listen to experiences of those

who have used kombucha for years (such as those on this list), and

then make your own informed decisions.

I do know of an herbalist who has studied kombucha a lot, and he

agrees that children under the age of four should not drink

probiotic drinks, because he believes a child's immune system

should develop without outside influence. (But that's really

impossible, as everything in one's world influences growth and

development! For instance, children whose mothers are obsessive

about not allowing a kid to be around dirt may not develop an

appropriate resistance, as would one who ingests it.) That viewpoint

is in total contrast to several mothers on this list who posted

that their children grew up drinking kombucha, and are very healthy!

I do NOT think kombucha is dangerous, and I've been doing a lot

of reading and listening to others for a year regarding kt.

But that is my personal opinion. If anything, I feel the

opposite, and tell anyone I think might benefit from kombucha,

and I'm even teaching classes about how to make it.

I have read numerous anecdotes about folks who say that kombucha

HAS helped them with candida. (I've also read dire warnings, but

often from folks who seem to not have used kombucha.)

Unfortunately, little statistical data exists b/c there is so

much variation in kombucha brewing methods, etc. And anecdotal

info is just that... What's good for one person may harm another!

Not sure this helps your quest, but I encourage you to learn more

before you give up making kombucha!

Vicki in Orlando

>

> Hi everyone,

> I apologize if these questions have been answered. I have not been able to

use the family computer to read my kombucha messages lately. I have just

finished reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's All About by Alana

Pascal and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very strict on it's use and

emphasize more than once that they don't want people to misuse KT and cause it

to become illegal. They recommend that children do not drink it, that adults

not have more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised), always drink before meals,

and that it is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days because

of acetone (ketone bodies) damaging the kidneys!

>

> They also recommend that people with candida infections DO NOT USE KOMBUCHA.

I thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

>

> And for the final scare: " If raising of alkaline phosphatase levels is the

mechanism Kombucha utilizes, it would follow that the EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA

COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER DISEASES, as well as diseases of the

pancreas, lung and bone. "

>

> So, are these authors off their rockers? Should I ignore these warnings? I'm

wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this dangerous

concoction now? Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids

like it too. Also, I don't want to aggravate any yeast infections that we are

getting! and I have not been keeping track of the days it's in the fridge!

>

> Mahalo,

> Nita

[Guest guest]

Nita, I've not read these authors, but I believe these are strict

interpretations that are not necessarily shared by others, even

some scientists who have studied kombucha. I believe that you

need to continue educating yourself, listen to experiences of those

who have used kombucha for years (such as those on this list), and

then make your own informed decisions.

I do know of an herbalist who has studied kombucha a lot, and he

agrees that children under the age of four should not drink

probiotic drinks, because he believes a child's immune system

should develop without outside influence. (But that's really

impossible, as everything in one's world influences growth and

development! For instance, children whose mothers are obsessive

about not allowing a kid to be around dirt may not develop an

appropriate resistance, as would one who ingests it.) That viewpoint

is in total contrast to several mothers on this list who posted

that their children grew up drinking kombucha, and are very healthy!

I do NOT think kombucha is dangerous, and I've been doing a lot

of reading and listening to others for a year regarding kt.

But that is my personal opinion. If anything, I feel the

opposite, and tell anyone I think might benefit from kombucha,

and I'm even teaching classes about how to make it.

I have read numerous anecdotes about folks who say that kombucha

HAS helped them with candida. (I've also read dire warnings, but

often from folks who seem to not have used kombucha.)

Unfortunately, little statistical data exists b/c there is so

much variation in kombucha brewing methods, etc. And anecdotal

info is just that... What's good for one person may harm another!

Not sure this helps your quest, but I encourage you to learn more

before you give up making kombucha!

Vicki in Orlando

>

> Hi everyone,

> I apologize if these questions have been answered. I have not been able to

use the family computer to read my kombucha messages lately. I have just

finished reading a book called Kombucha How-To and What It's All About by Alana

Pascal and Lynne Van Der Kar. The authors are very strict on it's use and

emphasize more than once that they don't want people to misuse KT and cause it

to become illegal. They recommend that children do not drink it, that adults

not have more than 8 oz a day (unless supervised), always drink before meals,

and that it is not kept sealed in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days because

of acetone (ketone bodies) damaging the kidneys!

>

> They also recommend that people with candida infections DO NOT USE KOMBUCHA.

I thought that it was the opposite and that KT helps yeast infections?

>

> And for the final scare: " If raising of alkaline phosphatase levels is the

mechanism Kombucha utilizes, it would follow that the EXCESSIVE USE OF KOMBUCHA

COULD LEAD TO FATAL OBSTRUCTIVE LIVER DISEASES, as well as diseases of the

pancreas, lung and bone. "

>

> So, are these authors off their rockers? Should I ignore these warnings? I'm

wondering if any novice like me should even be meddling with this dangerous

concoction now? Please help, because sometimes I drink it like soda and my kids

like it too. Also, I don't want to aggravate any yeast infections that we are

getting! and I have not been keeping track of the days it's in the fridge!

>

> Mahalo,

> Nita

[Guest guest]

Interesting. You know, , I think one reason I've not

progressed much with my water kefir is b/c I am a little distrustful

of it! (Probably b/c I don't feel accomplished with it yet.)

Who knows? Maybe it IS some primordial safety mechanism that

resonates inside ourselves. Or maybe it's just that we haven't

reached " point x " yet in our journey, we just aren't ready for it...

Vicki in Orlando

(who owes you e-mail re. quill mouse info --> thx for sending it!

>

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of my

> kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

>

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Interesting. You know, , I think one reason I've not

progressed much with my water kefir is b/c I am a little distrustful

of it! (Probably b/c I don't feel accomplished with it yet.)

Who knows? Maybe it IS some primordial safety mechanism that

resonates inside ourselves. Or maybe it's just that we haven't

reached " point x " yet in our journey, we just aren't ready for it...

Vicki in Orlando

(who owes you e-mail re. quill mouse info --> thx for sending it!

>

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of my

> kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

>

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Interesting. You know, , I think one reason I've not

progressed much with my water kefir is b/c I am a little distrustful

of it! (Probably b/c I don't feel accomplished with it yet.)

Who knows? Maybe it IS some primordial safety mechanism that

resonates inside ourselves. Or maybe it's just that we haven't

reached " point x " yet in our journey, we just aren't ready for it...

Vicki in Orlando

(who owes you e-mail re. quill mouse info --> thx for sending it!

>

> I'd like to know this too. I've been feeling instinctively wary of my

> kombucha lately and I'd love to know why

>

> I'm quite happy drinking both milk kefir and water kefirs and I'm not

> normally squeamish about foods!

>

>